Cynopsis: DIGITAL
01/31/12

Good morning. It’s Tuesday, January 31, 2012, and this is your first early morning digital briefing. If you would like to read this or any other Cynopsis editions online, click here.

Pew Research Center finds that 52% of U.S. adult cell phone owners used their phones for help in making purchasing decisions while they were inside a store during the 2011 holiday season. In addition, during a 30-day period before and after Christmas 2011, 38% of cell phone owners called someone while they were in a store for advice about a purchase they were considering making. 24% of cell owners used their device to look up product reviews online while they were in-store. And 25% of adult cell phone owners used their phones to price-check a product while they were in the store. When Pew Research asked survey participants what happened on the most recent instance of them using their phones to look up the price of a product they found in a store, the responses were:

• 37% decided to not buy the product at all.
• 35% purchased the product at that store.
• 19% bought it online.
• 8% purchased it at another store.

 

START, a new YouTube video games channel from IGN Entertainment and SHINE Group, officially launches today. It is a part of the video site’s original content initiative and will deliver live, original and long-form programming for video game lovers. The channel will debut with five shows, with new episodes available every week. These shows include The Next Game Boss, a reality competition series pitting game developers’ creation skills against each other; Up at Noon with Greg Miller, a talk show covering the world of games, comics, movies and TV; and Mix’d Reviews, a review-aggregation show. Popular gaming franchise Call of Duty has signed on to be a launch partner for the new channel. START will also look to build on its existing programming with new content initiatives in the future, including live coverage of the IGN Pro League, as well as scripted comedies, game shows and game content exclusives.

ESPN views mobile as a “first screen,” according to the keynote Michael Bayle, the VP and general manager of ESPN Mobile, gave at MediaPost’s Mobile Insider Summit. “Whats taking preference now is to try to get as ubiquitous as possible. Program and design from the mobile standpoint first, then extrapolate what could be applied for the PC, television and print experience,” said Bayle. To support his claim for the importance of mobile at ESPN, Bayle referenced that ESPN Mobile’s audience has surpassed 20 million, and users spent 45% more time with ESPN Mobile content in 2011, when compared to 2010. In fact, ESPN Mobile now stands as the company’s fourth-biggest network with an audience of 150,000 consuming its content at any given moment. With that in mind, ESPN seeks to use mobile as a way to distribute content across other digital platforms, per MediaPost.

In other YouTube original programming news, online bilingual content channels Tutele and Tutele Dos are expanding their programming lineup. Five new shows have been announced, three of which (La Chamba, M.I Entertainment and Power House en Espanol) will launch immediately, with the other two set to debut in March and April (Loco por Ti and Tierra Santa, respectively). The series are created by Maker Studios, a media company that has generated over 500 million online visits per month, 31 million subscriptions and 1.8 billion total visits across over 200 channels.

SnagFilms, a start-up that owns distribution rights to over 3,000 indie films, which it delivers to web video streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, has closed a seven-figure round of new financing from existing investors like founder and chairman Ted Leonsis, New Enterprise Associates and Comcast Interactive Capital, as well as new ones like Terry Semel, former CEO of Yahoo! and David Fialkow, co-founder of General Catalyst Partners. As part of his investment, Semel will also join the Board of Directors at the company. SnagFilms did not disclose the exact amount of financing, however it did say that its total available equity and debt financing stands at $7 million. The new funding will be directed toward expanding its content library; continue developing its technology to deliver films across all digital platforms and devices; and marketing its films in all channels.

Columbia University‘s Graduate School of Journalism and Stanford University‘s School of Engineering have each received $12 million as part of a $30 million gift from former Cosmopolitan editor and author Helen Gurley Brown in order to establish the David and Helen Gurley Brown Institute for Media Innovation. “The Brown Institute will bring together creative innovators skilled in production and delivery of news and entertainment with the entrepreneurial researchers at Stanford working in multimedia technology,” said Stanford engineering professor Bernd Girod, who will serve as Founding Director until Columbia appoints an East Coast Director for the Institute. After the funds have been divvyed up between the two schools, the remaining $6 million will be directed toward building a “state-of-the-art, high-tech news room” at Columbia.

BlueCava has unveiled the latest version of its device identification platform, which will now enable businesses to identify and target web users without the use of cookies. The new solution is meant to help companies doing business in the European Union affected by the EU’s ePrivacy Directive. To that end, BlueCava’s new device identification platform will also fully support both opt-in and opt-out privacy models. The solution is compatible with any computing device, including PCs, tablets, smartphones, game consoles and set-top boxes. BlueCava, whose investors include Mark Cuban and Tim Headington, offers technology that helps its clients identify the devices that are in use by targeted consumers in order to increase online advertising effectiveness and reduce fraud risk.

According to a new report from Pivotal Research Group, per paidContent.org, IT services firms like Accenture and IBM, who are developing platforms for running digital media advertising campaigns, are a bigger threat to big ad agencies like WPP, Omnicom and Interpublic than digital companies like Google, Microsoft and Facebook. Pivotal reasons that digital media companies will want to retain their margins, which are much higher than those of ad agencies. In addition, agencies give brands more autonomy when they offer advice on where and how to spend ad dollars online. Many IT services firms, on the other hand, already have existing relationships with brands, which would come in handy as they look to build out their solutions for executing media campaigns.

According to new research from Futuresource Consulting, of the 600 million homes across the world in 2011 that were broadband-enabled, 400 million deployed home networking technology. By 2015, Futuresource expects 650 million of the 700 million broadband-enabled homes to be interacting with networked devices. In addition, FutureSource sees the growth of broadband equipment, including modems and “new generation digital gateways,” to continue throughout this forecast period, reaching a value close to $6 billion by 2015. The firm attributes its positive forecast to the increase in the connection of multiple devices to home networks, which in turn creates more consumer demand for faster and more innovative products. FutureSource notes the significance of tablets within the pay-TV industry, which it predicts to reach saturation across the Western Hemisphere, and thereby necessitating the use of tablets to provide additional content and services.

TiVo is rolling out an update for subscribers who own a TiVo Premiere, TiVo Premiere XL and TiVo Premiere Elite, called Version 20.2, reports Digital Trends. The update includes, among many enhancements, a multi-room streaming feature across all TiVo devices connected to the same network. The user interface has been redesigned to now include a mini-guide that allows viewers to continue watching television at a full-screen capacity with the guide appearing at the bottom of the screen displaying three channels at a time. It will retain all of the capabilities of the regular, full-screen channel guide. The update to the device’s search function now includes the ability to search for content on Hulu Plus (a similar feature for Netflix, Amazon Prime and Blockbuster was already available).

The recent ESPN Winter X Games was the first live sports event to feature mobile interactivity via Shazam into its programming, according to Mobile Marketer. Through the Shazam for TV offering, users were given access to video highlights from the previous day’s events, results from the competition, photos, music from the event, social media channels and more. The Winter X Games, taking place in Aspen, Colo., aired on ESPN from Jan. 26-29.

Xavier Mantilla has joined the management team at RedMas, a Hispanic ad network and mobile studio company. As Director of Sales, Mantilla will lead the company’s mobile media platform with a focus on U.S. Hispanic ad agencies. He will be based out of Miami, Florida, and will report to RedMas’ CEO, Jorge A. Rincon. RedMas’ mobile ad network’s publishing partners include GolTV, Univision, AccuWeather, Sprint and MetroPCS, providing over 200 million mobile ad impressions per month.

---

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE

---

 

---

 

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, in partnership with Disney/ABC Television, has launched The Oscars app for free on the iPhone and iPad. As you count down the days to the ceremony on February 26, the app looks to be a handy digital companion, offering an assortment of features and content, including a list of nominees, trailers for nominated films and memorable moments from past telecasts. On Oscar night itself, the app will provide behind-the-scenes access to the show via a dozen “strategically placed” cameras, according to Reuters. This includes live video streams of backstage areas, such as the “Thank You Cam,” and the red carpet. The Oscars app will also offer two viewing modes: “Watch,” which will allow users to sit back and enjoy the additional content; or “Direct,” which will offer six camera vantage points that users can choose to enjoy the content as they want. Finally, and arguably most importantly, the app will soon unveil a “My Picks” game so you and your friends can start your betting pools early.

Later – Sahil
Sahil Patel, Associate Reporter for Cynopsis Digital
01.31.12

Cynopsis Ad Sales:
Mike Farina – VP/Sales and Marketing – 203-218-6480 / [email protected]
Classifieds – Trish Pihonak- 203-381-9096 / [email protected]

To subscribe to any Cynopsis edition(s) click here.
To unsubscribe from this edition, click here.

---

Cynopsis CLASSIFIEDS – For More classifieds, visit the Cynopsis.com classifieds page here .

---

JOB OPENING: REVENUE ANALYST/iN DEMAND/NYC: Prepare analyses, evaluate perf benchmarks, develop new methodologies & support bus dev initiatives. Bachelor’s in Finance/Acct & 1-3 yrs. Apply: [email protected]. No relo. (2/7)

JOB OPENING: SR RSRCH ANALYST/Screenvision Cinema/NYC: 3+yrs exp; proficient w/Nielsen & Rsrch systems. Ability to analyze data & exe for sales in fast pace environ. Res/apply at https://home.eease.adp.com/recruit/?id=1186531 (2/7)

JOB OPENING: PRODUCTION MGR/AMC/NYC: Manage workflow of On-Air dept. Work closely with the Dir of Production. Oversee numerous projects. Send resume to [email protected] (2/7)

JOB OPENING: PRODUCTION ASST (TEMP)/AMC/NYC: 1 yr exp in production/creative svcs. Ability to work flex hours/sched. Send resume to [email protected] (2/7)

JOB OPENING: MKTG EXEC/HOLLYWOOD: Dvlp/implement mktg strategies, including social media, for small boutique company with TV/Film/Web, restaurant and real estate portfolio. Send resumes and qualifications to: [email protected] (2/7)

JOB OPENING: TV EXEC/HOLLYWOOD: Acquire IP, dvlp and take out scripted and reality pitches to cable & broadcast networks for a small boutique TV/Film company with hit cable series. Send resumes & qualifications to: [email protected] (2/7)

JOB OPENING: MGR, PARTNERSHIPS/NY: Work w/Ad Sales across A+E Networks brands to sell value based partnerships. Focus on Movie Studio deals https://www.abso.com/jobboard/Default.aspx?JOBBOARDID=618&JobDetail=120164 (2/4)

JOB OPENING: VP PROGRAM SCHED & PRGRAM PLANNING/RLTV/BALTO, MD: Optimize ratings & leverage prgrm inventory to max brand positioning. Exp: managing var. prgm formats, cable, ratings & research systems. Send resume: [email protected] (2/4)

JOB OPENING: DIR TALENT RELATIONS/BBC AMERICA/NYC: Develop talent strategy includes celebrity driven activites/projcts/stunts. Nurture new talent. 5-8 yrs ent talent mgmt exp. Press/casting/booking exp, a +. [email protected] (2/4)

JOB OPENING: DIGITAL DISTRIBTN & BIZ DEV/BBC WORLDWIDE AMERICAS/NYC: Negotiates & manages the license of BBC properties to select digital video platforms in the US, including multi-platfrm dig VOD & EST clients. [email protected] (2/4)

JOB OPENING: CONTRACT ATT., LBA/Los Angeles: Attorney who will be drafting and negotiating contracts for one of the top cable companies https://secure.sterlingdirect.com/jobboard/Default.aspx?JOBBOARDID=618&JobDetail=120144 (2/3)
        
JOB OPENING: TEMPORARY PRIMARY RESEARCH VP, USA NETWORK/NYC: Plan, design, analyze consumer research. Cable network exp. req. Strong online survey skills. Temp role. Apply: [email protected] Subject: Research (2/3)

JOB OPENING: SR PROD/PROD, DIG (WEBSITE)/CURRENT/SFO: Run website for its soon-to-launch PT prog. Highly energetic ind. to oversee strat/pub content for prgrm’s website & social media platforms daily. Res/cov req: [email protected] (2/3)

JOB OPENING: DIR, CONSUMER MKTG/CURRENT/NY: Dvlp/implement & mng Current’s brand initiatives & prtnrshps across all media platforms. 5yrs+ exp cbl &or brdcst ntwrk prgrm mktg campaign creation/exec. Res/cover: [email protected] (2/3)

JOB OPENING: SR ANALYST/The Food Network/NYC: For Ad Sales Rsrch team. Resp for providing research support. Work w/ Ad Sales to create rsrch solutions & achieve rev goals. Details: http://www.scrippsnetworks.com & select req 2796 (2/2)

JOB OPENING: ANLYST, DIG SLS RSRCH/FOX/NY: Dvlp/maint FOX online digtl aud estimates. Prvds data analysis frm 3rd prty sources, incl. Omniture, Nielsen & comScore. BA/BS & 2+ yrs digtl as sls rsrch exp. www.foxcareers.com FNG0000908 (2/2)

JOB OPENING: DIST COUNSEL/A+E Networks/NY: 5+ yrs. exp. Aff Sales Atty providing legal support for U.S., Canadian & Caribbean dist of 10 A+E ntwrks. More info & Apply: www.aetn.com/careers.html #119820 (2/1)

JOB OPENING: TV SALES PLANNER-U-VERSE/AT&T AdWorks/NY: 2+ yrs sales and media planning exp. Apply- http://connect.att.jobs/new-york/business-sales-solutions/jobid2102464-sales-planner-iptv-adworks-new-york-ny-jobs (2/1)

JOB OPENING: FREELANCE CONTRIBUTING DIYER/NYC: for Multimedia Co. Live TV exp as spokesperson/host, DIY ability & accessibility for New York based media req’d. Digital reel, bio, headshot, rates & resume: [email protected] (2/1)

JOB OPENING: FREELANCE CONTRIBUTING FOOD EDITOR/NYC: for Multimedia Co. Must have live TV exp & be accessible for New York based media interviews. Send digital reel, bio, headshot, rates & resume: [email protected] (2/1)

JOB OPENING: EDITOR/WGBH/BOSTON: Proj Contract, FT, 37-45 Wks. Edit program content. 5 yrs editing exp. Exp w/ editing music. Knowledge of effects & computer editing. Apply: http://www.wgbh.org/about/employmentOpportunities.cfm (2/1)

JOB OPENING: VP, RESEARCH & MKTG SVCS/NYC: Lead qualitative & quantitative research/analysis; Sr-Level position; Proactive, Creative, Detail-Oriented; 10+ yrs exp w/ data collection & applied research; www.lodgenet.com/careers (2/1)

JOB OPENING: RESEARCH ANALYST/NYC: 2+ years in TV research; strong analytical and presentation writing skills, Working knowledge of Npower/Ad*views/MRI/Comscore, advanced PowerPoint/Excel. Apply: [email protected] (2/1)

INTERNSHIPS – These positions are for credit only – nobody gets paid here. These ads are always posted for free, and students work for school credit only. For more information on the specs for posting an Internship ad, email Trish at [email protected] .

SUMMER INTERNSHIPS CREDITS ONLY: Entertainment firm/NYC: 15-25 hrs wkly. Fluent read/write Chinese reqd. Fluent read/write English reqd. Apply: [email protected] (put “Internship” in subject). (2/2)

SUMMER INTERNSHIPS CREDITS ONLY: Media firm/Beijing: 20 hrs wkly. Unique/exciting media internship overseas. Fluent Chinese reqd. Fluent English reqd. Apply: [email protected] (put “Beijing” in subject). (2/2)

SITUATION WANTED ADS, POSTED BY THOSE LOOKING TO BE HIRED … There is no charge for placing your Situation Wanted ad … for more information contact Trish Pihonak at [email protected].

SITUATION WANTED: REALITY FITNESS SHOW (ATLANTA) – Developed new fitness program from over 30 years of fitness experience for slim individuals to gym rats desiring lean muscle mass, YouTube: SNR60, [email protected], 770-374-1548 (2/7)

SITUATION WANTED: EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: position film/tv (NY) 10 years experience: Interned for a President, Executive Assistant to SVP/VP/film director/celebrity [email protected] (2/4)

SITUATION WANTED: I’M ALL YOURS/N.Y. Seeking to Assist, Currently an E.A. to Chief of Dept. 5 Yrs. work exp. B.A. Mass Comm. Contact, [email protected] (2/4)

SITUATION WANTED: AD SALES ASSISTANT/CHICAGO: Interned at Comcast Sports Net in Ad Sales, Works as Sales Assistant at NBCUniversal. Has B.A. from DePaul in PR/Advertising. Resume upon request. Contact [email protected] (2/4)

SITUATION WANTED: TV PRODUCER/NY: 12 yrs in live news preps you for anything. Recently branched out into food TV and corp media. Highly organized/natural leader/thrive under pressure/tailor talents to any subject [email protected] (2/4)

SITUATION WANTED:  Jeanne Intile Burns, VOICE-OVER ARTIST/VOICE COACH, Cell: 845-721-9681, E-Mail: [email protected], Web Links: www.castingnetworks.com/jburns, http://jburns.voices.com, www.allegro-music.com (“American Biographies”) (2/3)

SITUATION WANTED:  EXP’D MEDIA SALES PROFESSIONAL: 20+yrs of multi-media sales exp, 10+ years of sales management exp, a strong sales track record and having a strategic plan to growing clients is looking for an opportunity to help a company grow. Contact: [email protected]  (2/3)

SITUATION WANTED: PROMO SCHEDULER. Highly experienced promo scheduler (including AMC & Vh1) seeks full-time work within New York City. Resume available upon request. Contact:  [email protected] (2/2)

SITUATION WANTED:  SR REVENUE STARTER/INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTOR/LA BASED: Well connected. ISO differentiated media properties (advanced TV, video, digital) Consulting or full-time. Contact Steven. [email protected] (2/2)

SITUATION WANTED: EXECUTIVE/SUPERVISING PRODUCER: 10 yrs experience, as well as raising over 1MM in sponsorships and on air talent. FOX, MTV, SPEED, Discovery. [email protected] reel http://web.mac.com/jaybarbieri/iWeb/Site/ (2/2)

SITUATION WANTED: Dedicated & Experienced ADV. SALES PLANNER/NYC: Sales proposals, resolving client discrepancies, quarterly post analysis, special sales service projects, expert computer skills. Contact- [email protected] (2/2)

SITUATION WANTED: BROADCAST TV, VOD, AND RADIO SALES/NY: Integrated salesand inventory & pricingmanagement 6+YR exp. seeking to become a critical contributing member to the Ad Sales team. Contact: [email protected] (2/2)

E-mail [email protected] or call Trish Pihonak at 203.381.9096 for rates and specs for Job Openings.

Are you looking for a job? Post your Situation Wanted Ad here — Email [email protected] for specs.

Cynopsis Media, a division of Access Intelligence
65 Lantern Road
Stratford, CT 06614
Ph: 203.381.9096
Fx: 203.386.8855

Copyright Cynopsis 2012

All outgoing e-mails are scanned and sent out virus free. Copyright Cynopsis 2012

To unsubscribe from just this Cynopsis Digital email, please click here.