Cynopsis: DIGITAL

01/05/10

Good morning, it’s Tuesday, January 5, 2010, and this is your first early morning digital briefing.

Anyone who’s ever had compatibility issues when (trying) to transfer content from one device to another, is sick of running out of hard drive space or thinks that Apple has an unhealthy lock on digital media content distribution should be encouraged by this news. The 15-month old Digital Entertainment Content Echosystem Consortium (DECE), a broad group of industry players out to standardize DRM and digital content formatting once and for all, has established a critical mass of members. With the addition of traditional distribution giants like Comcast and Cox as well as newbie’s such as Netflix and Rovi – who join virtually all the major studios and tech providers – DECE seems to be well positioned to make “Buy Once, Play Anywhere” a reality in the coming years. The consortium has already agreed on a common file format (specs are due to be released during the first half of 2010) and has selected Neustar to build a “Digital Rights Locker,” a cloud-based authentication system that will allow consumers to access digital content they’ve already paid for from any device. Of course, not everyone is playing ball. Both Apple and Disney, which is working on its own cloud-based authentication system, are missing from DECE.
 

 
To promote the premiere of the new season of The Bachelor, ABC.com is launching a new interactive Rose Ceremony Game enabling fans to make their picks of which bachelorettes they think will receive a rose from bachelor Jake Pavelka. Players will earn points for their correct picks and by correctly answering trivia questions about the previous week’s episode.
 
Singer Laura Bryna has signed to host True Country’s True Country TV entertainment program profiling music, entertainment and news delivered directly to your phone. True Country is powered by mobile programmer GoTV Networks.
 

 
Boulder, CO-based digital content delivery platform Graphic.ly, which focuses on bringing comics and other formats to digital platforms, closed on a Series A round of $1 million in funding. The financing, led by DFJ Mercury with participation from strategic investor Starz Media, LLC, Northstar Equity Investors and GC&H Investments LLC, will be used to expand development and marketing efforts and begin work on content partnerships.
 

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM BOWLING FOR BREASTCANCER.ORG

 
IGN Entertainment‘s movie review aggregation site Rotten Tomatoes was acquired by movie-themed social networking site Flixter. As part of the deal, News Corp.’s IGN will get a minority stake in Flixter and retain a seat on the board. The companies had partnered in several areas prior to the acquisition, including a recent deal that syndicates critic reviews from Rotten Tomatoes to Flixster’s online movie community, both on the web and via Flixster’s mobile apps. The transaction is the latest in a plan by IGN to sell off non-core assets, including the sale of photo sharing site Photobucket to Ontela.
 
Several public interest watchdogs are calling for a widescale investigation of new TV Everywhere schemes by cable, satellite and telco firms to limit online content viewing only to pay subscribers, per the Washington Post. The groups allege that large producers and distributors are choking start-ups such as Boxee and Vuze of access to content.
 
 

 
Web measurement firm Quantcast closed a $27.5 million Series C financing round led by Cisco with prior investor Polaris Venture Partners, Founders Fund and Revolution Ventures also participating. The financing was raised in support of the end-to-end Quantcast Media Program, a new set-top, mobile and web-based measurement system designed to allow marketers to organize, buy and sell real-time audiences based on the distinctive characteristics of a marketer’s proprietary customer data.
 

 
Another competitor to Roku’s digital set box has emerged with PopBox, a new $129 broadband-based AV streaming and social networking device that will provide access to Netflix’s Watch Instantly Service as well as apps delivering content from a number of new media providers. Released by Syabas, the media hub presents info in nifty “infopops” including current weather info, Facebook and Twitter feeds and “Popapp” content from partners including Next New Networks, Revision3, Shoutcast and Blip.tv.
 
Skiff, LLC and Sprint announced that they will preview the Skiff Reader, optimized for newspaper and magazine content, at CES later this week. With an 11.5 inch touchscreen and overall height of just over an inch, the device is the thinnest e-reader announced to date. Hearst is planning to integrate the Skiff with its Skiff digital storefront, distributing electronic versions of magazines, newspapers, and books that will include the ads that it sells in its hardcopy publications.
 
Neither wind nor sleet nor hail can keep users from accessing basic Postal Services using the USPS‘s new free GPS-powered iPhone app. Features include location searches of post offices, automated postal centers and collection boxes; tracking of packages; and the ability to look up the Zip Code of your current location.
 
HBO has also released its own iPhone app meant to drive viewership and help current subscribers keep up with their favorite shows. View schedules and watch lots of video content including clips, previews and behind-the-scenes bonus material. The interface also allows you to set SMS reminders and purchase full episodes directly from iTunes.
 
Timed for CES, Sherwood has released a couple of affordable new receivers designed to enable streamed media access from a PC, music player, or home theater set-up. The elegant iNet-2.0 ($299) is an iPhone/iPod docking station also providing access to Rhapsody and Napster streamed services as well. The RD-7505N ($499) is designed to hook into a home-theater system providing access to streamed media including Hulu, YouTube, ShoutCast radio, CinemaNow as well as support of Blu-ray audio formats, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, decoded for 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound.
 

 
Mobile game publisher Glu Mobile named Niccolo de Masi as its new President and CEO, replacing interim CEO William Miller. Most recently, Niccolo served as CEO and President of Hands-On Mobile.
 
McCann Erickson has appointed Paul Nguyen as SVP, Creative Director and Jason Rappaport as VP, Associate Creative Director, both based in McCann Erickson’s Los Angeles office. The two worked together as a creative team for several years at TBWAChiatDay in Los Angeles, creating 360 degree work for an array of clients.
 

 
While Facebook has emerged as the leading social network, there is no shortage of smaller niche networks whose user groups aren’t going away anytime soon. Popular social desktop and mobile app maker Seesmic has acquired social update service Ping.fm, an online tool that allows users to update multiple social networking services at once. Seesmic saw the obvious value in the ability to allow users to utilize a single interface to update more than 50 social networks via email, SMS, Blackberry, Android and web-based services. Tools like Seesmic, which began as a Twitter-only toolset, should help the proliferation of more specialized social networks and allow users to wear multiple hats on the web.
 
Correction: The Macworld event has not been discontinued, rather it has been moved to February and will once again take place at the Moscone Center in San Francisco on Feb. 9-13, courtesy of its producer, IDG division Macworld Expo. Apple has decided it will no longer grace the event with major product announcements, but the show will still go on. (Thanks to: Arthur Greenwald for the correction, co-producer of this year’s new Up Next at CES program.
 
Later – Wayne
 Wayne Karrfalt for Cynopsis: Digital
01.05.10

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JOB OPENING: NETWRK SALES PLANNING MGR/V-me TV/NY: Dev media plans & sales strategy; Mng/trk inventory; Prof w/DealMaker. Strg analytic/org skills; Min 3 Yrs Media Planning w/Bcast or Cable TV. LTR/resumes: [email protected] (1/12)

JOB OPENING: REALITY CASTING WIZ Can you develop / cast a show from scratch a la “Housewives” or “Cake Boss”? Must have: great rolodex, proven instincts for compelling docu-soap characters. For NY prod co. [email protected] (1/12)

JOB OPENING: AD SALES PLANNER/RMG NETWORKS/NY: Build sales proposals, post analysis, research. BA & 1-2 yrs agency/b’cast exp. Send resume: [email protected] (1/12)

JOB OPENING:  LONG FORM ACCT EXEC/ION Media/Burbank, CA: Nat’l TV station group seeking exp’d long form sales rep with positive sales track record & excellent communication. http://www.ionmedia.tv/careers/employment.cfm?id=1174 (1/12)

JOB OPENING: VP PROG & DEV/NY: Develps, Producs & scheds org cntent on MSG/ MSG+. 10 yrs exp sprts/ent tv prod. 5 yrs as netwk exec. Relationships with agnts, prod companies and wrters. Rez to: [email protected] “VPPD” in subj (1/9)

JOB OPENING: ACCT EXEC/Radio Disney/FL: Motivated AE to sell local advrtsng, sponsrshps & events in Miami mkt. Will prep/execute sales plan, present to clients, supv programs. 2+ yrs sales. Apply: www.disneyabcjobs.com (ID 216440) (1/9)

JOB OPENING: SR BUYER LOCAL TV/Active Int’l in Pearl River, NY (15 miles from NYC):  Min 3 – 5 yrs exp. in negotiating and buying local TV req’d. Resumes to: [email protected] or call 845-732-8943 (1/9)

JOB OPENING: WRITER/PRODUCER (Syfy)/NBCU/NY:Create promos& campaigns, collaborate w/ Creative Director on overall needs of the network. BA &2 yrs on-air promo exp with a TV network. www.nbcjobs.com , #1121020 (1/9)

JOB OPENING: STRATEGIC MARKETING MANAGER (USA)/NBCU/NY: Devel. & execute revenue generating, multi-platform marktng opportunities for potential & current clients, support USA network’s sales goals. BA, 5 yrs exp. www.nbcjobs.com , #1109143 (1/9)

JOB OPENING: SR. PRINT DESIGNER/Hallmark Channel/LA: Conceptualize, design & execute print platforms, min 5 yrs exp. see full posting & apply www.hallmarkchannel.com (1/8)

JOB OPENING:  SOCIAL MEDIA ANALYST/ElectricArtists/NY: Pt time. Evaluate, measure & communicate results of our social media mktg. Familiar w/social media measurement software Radian6, BuzzMetrics etc. [email protected]    (1/7)

JOB OPENING:  CONTENT SALES MGR (3)/Thought Equity Motion/NY, LA, CHI:  World leader in video licensing. Expert ideation, consultative & relationship sales exp. More info visit: thoughtequity.com; Resumes to: [email protected] (1/7)
 
JOB OPENING:  WRITER/PRODUCER, CREATIVE SERVICES/DIY/Knoxville, TN: Develop, write & produce on air promotions & special projects. 4 yrs+ TV Station/Cable Network experience req’d.  Apply online: www.scrippsnetworks.com    job #1252  (1/7)

JOB OPENING: VP – CONTENT DIST/NYC: 7+ yrs affiliate sales & mktg exp. Manage accounts, dev strat, optimize revenue. Strong deal-negotiating/analytical/written & oral comm. skills. EOE/M/F/D/AAP. Apply www.mtvnetworkscareers.com (1/6)

JOB OPENING: SALES EXEC/NYC: Sales Pro needed for 30 year old Entertainment Company. Cross-platform print and radio. Commission based. Unlimited opportunity to sell major known brand. Must have agency contacts. [email protected] (1/6)

JOB OPENING: VP CONSUMER MARKETING/ Nickelodeon/NYC: 10+yrs Consumer Mrktg exp from mrktg/agency or Ent/Media, Innovator, Ability to lead X-company efforts, Knwlg NICK brand, MBA A+ EOE/M/F/D/AAP Apply  www.mtvnetworkscareers.com (1/6) 

JOB OPENING:  ACCT EXEC/Plum TV/Boston: Strategic rep to generate rev for lifestyle mulitplat-media org focused on upscale market. 8+ yrs selling media, exp w/upscale market. Full posting plumtv.com (1/6)

JOB OPENING: NAT’L ACCT EXEC/Spotlight Houston: Aggressively prospect/sell to agencies & clients who focus efforts on selling products and srvcs through the purchase of advrtsng time. Cable, brdcst exp.  careers.teamcomcast.com (1/6)

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SPRING INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: EDITORIAL INTERN/Parenting magazine/NYC: For college credit. Need a proven interest in magazine publishing & ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Cover letter, resume to [email protected]. (1/9)

SPRING INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: DRIVEN INTERNS, Production office/PBS documentary film company:  Strong interest in bus. administrative aspects of prod. Tech-savvy, editing and good comm skills. Min 2-3 days per wk.  Resume:  [email protected] (1/6)

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SITUATION WANTED: BROADCAST BUSINESS MANAGER 10+ years experience working with Ad Agencies, Cable Networks, Production Companies and Vendors. NYC and will relocate. [email protected] (1/12)

SITUATION WANTED: 9xEmmy winning CREATIVE PRODUCER– in ATL seeking freelance. Great w/ clients.15yr exp. in promo/creative TV.  Also ON-AIR HOST-see raycomsports.com (RoadTrip) [email protected] website: www.pack30productions.com (1/12)

SITUATION WANTED:Hard working, organized, self-starter with 18+ years experience, seeking PRODUCTION MANAGER position where all my ?assets can best be put to use. [email protected] (1/12)

SITUATION WANTED: ADVERTISING, BRANDING & ILLUSTRATION (NYC)20 years experience working concept through completion. Portfolio: www.baerdavis.com Email: [email protected] (1/12)

SITUATION WANTED: STORY PRODUCER/EDITOR – FIELD PRODUCER/DIRECTOR/LA:  10 yrs exp. from conception to final edit in Reality TV, Film, New Media & Video Production.  Seeking next great project. [email protected]   (1/12)

SITUATION WANTED: 5 PRIME TIME EMMYS/ DOC. PROD, DIR., WRITER in L.A. Credits: National Geo, PBS, Discovery, History CH, TLC and MSNBC. Contact email: [email protected] (1/12)

SITUATION WANTED: Organized and motivated USC MBA looking for a MARKETING POSITION in entertainment. 3+ years of experience in project management, digital marketing and PR. Eager to start working asap. Contact [email protected] (1/9)

SITUATION WANTED: 20+ yrs. experience in TV Broadcasting & Cable ACCOUNTING/FINANCE. Seeking FT/PT or Temp-to-Perm position: [email protected] (1/9)

SITUATION WANTED: AUDIO PROFESSIONAL 15+ yrs industry/ NBC Agency experience. Protools, Music Composition, etc http://www.barleycornmusic.com/expreel/pg2.html (1/9)

SITUATION WANTED:  PUBLICIST/EXEC ASST/ (ATL): Creative Chameleon, 10 yrs exp.  PR, Journalism, PR, Music Ent. /Celebrity Exec Asst.  Exc. Comm & Rsrch Skills. Seeks FT/PT or Temp-to-Perm. Contact: [email protected]   (1/8)

SITUATION WANTED: COORDINATOR/RESEARCH/AP/EDUCATION MEDIA/NYC: 3+ yrs. exp . PBS, CNBC, Oprah, documentaries, kids media, production, research. Highly organized & detail-oriented. Seeking FT/PT/freelance. [email protected] (1/8)

SITUATION WANTED:  FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION/CONGRATULATORY ADS: Award-Winning Creative Team with 12+ Years experience at HBO, A&E and MTV. Experts in this area. Ads as low as $1500. NY & LA. Contact: [email protected]  (1/8)

SITUATION WANTED:   ADVERTISING, BRANDING & ILLUSTRATION (NYC): 20 years experience working concept through completion. Portfolio: www.baerdavis.com  Email: [email protected] (1/7)

SITUATION WANTED: MEDIA SALES/MARKETING MANAGER/LA: 15+ years experience in educational, documentary, advertising media sales. True Closer!!!!!  [email protected] (1/6)

SITUATION WANTED: SEGMENT PRODUCER/LA: Established contacts in Disc/Hist genre, Experience w/ international shows & trade-outs, Interned at Discovery, Excellent writing & research skills. [email protected] (1/6)

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