Cynopsis: DIGITAL

06/15/10

Good morning, it’s Tuesday, June 15, 2010, and this is your first early morning digital briefing.  If you would like to read this or any other Cynopsis edition online, click here.

As expected, Microsoft unveiled its answer to the family-friendly Wii controller at the E3 confab in Los Angeles yesterday and gamers around the world are already salivating. Code-named Project Natal, the Kinect technology (which connects to the existing 40 million or so Xbox 360 consoles in circulation) tracks users’ movements by picking up gestures, voice commands or whole body movements including jumps, dance moves and martial arts maneuvers. Couch potatoes can even utilize the technology to wave their hand to fast forward video or select new channels. The company recruited a troupe of Cirque du Soleil performers to show off the technology in a star-studded event on Sunday night. The Kinect system is expected to go on sale Nov. 4 for $150 with 15 new gaming titles including animal game Kinectimals, Kinect Sports, Harmonix’s Dance Central and Ubisoft’s Your Shape Fitness Evolved.
 

 
Microsoft also announced a new partnership with ESPN to bring more than 3,500 live sporting events from its ESPN3.com broadband channel to the Xbox Live 360 platform, including college basketball, college football and bowl games, MLB, NBA, international soccer, tennis grand slams and golf majors. Social activities will be built around live events to engage the Xbox Live community, including polls, games, interviews and other interactive experiences. The content will be available for free to Xbox Live Gold members ($50/year) and will integrate with Kinect for hands free navigation.
 
NPR, PBS, American Public Media, PRI and the Public Radio Exchange are teaming up to share their digital content as part of a unified platform. The idea is to pool resources to encourage public broadcasters and web producers to jointly distribute their news and cultural content across a national network using mobile apps, widgets, blogs and third party sites. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) has earmarked nearly $1 million over the next 6 months to develop the entity, dubbed the “Public Media Platform.”
 
AOL is introducing its first of a planned wave of “super networks” this morning with the launch of Cambio (“change in Spanish), a partnership between brand strategy company MGX Lab and the tween sensation the Jonas Brothers, per the NYTimes. Anchored by the daily talk show “Cambio Connect,” the broadband network describes itself as an MTV without the pesky middleman” and will begin by trying to convert the vast Jonas Brothers Fan Club as viewers. Cambio will target teens and tweens with music videos and the opportunity to interact more directly with artists.
 

 
Social gaming start-up Mytopia (Bingo Island 2, Pacific Poker) was acquired by online gambling holding company 888 Holdings for $18 million.
 
Online interactive talent agency GotCast says it has gathered a community of more than 400,000 users to date, with over 15 million votes cast on the site and over 6,000 castings hosted to date.
 
On demand digital vanity press OffTheBookShelf has introduced a pair of new services to help attract new authors. A new free epub converter will convert a Microsoft Word document to an eBook within 24-48 hours to sell on the platform. The site is also offering professional reading services for audiobook releases through a partnership with iScript.com. General text starts at $100 and is based on $10/1,000 words for an MP3 which you cannot resell, or $20 /1,000 words including Master Resale Rights.
 
A new digital series called “Johnny B. Homeless” created by Al Thompson (Liberty Kid, The Royal Tenenbaums) premiers today on MTV’s Atom.com, starring Al and Kenan Thompson of SNL fame. Thompson plays a professional couch surfer.
 

 
Popular digital music service Pandora is launching its own advertising platform for the iPad, drawing on the device’s video, audio and interactive capabilities to help target users. Pandora listeners can be targeted by gender, age, location, time of day and the type of music they like with the platform offering audio, video, direct response and interactive ad options. Starbucks, Lexus, and Budweiser have already signed on to try the service.
 
Bravo has put together a number of digital components around season 7 of Top Chef, premiering on Wednesday:

• Dial NutriSkin will sponsor blogs and the live voting interactive element for the series
• Samsung sponsors the “Top Recipe” webisode series, showing fans how to recreate the season’s winning dishes
• Snyder’s of Hanover will host the Top Chef D.C. “B-Hive” and “Talk Bubble,” encouraging viewers to throw weekly viewing parties and interact with the show’s contestants

 
Yahoo has discovered a new place to splash a major ad – the Yahoo log in page. An inaugural campaign running this week features images of 3 Chevrolet vehicles, the Malibu, Traverse and Equinox.
 
Yahoo also announced an ad sales agreement with Latin Interactive Group in Central America giving the company a local sales presence to sell online and mobile ads in Guatemala, Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama.
 

 
In a move to try and convince customers to hang around longer and sip more coffee, Starbucks announced that from July 1 its AT&T-powered Wi-Fi service would be offered free of change for an unlimited time. (Until now, registered Starbucks card holders have been offered up to 2 hours for free, but connecting can be a pain.) Yahoo will also participate, providing content for the Starbucks Digital Network, offering free access to a variety of paid sites including the WSJ.
 
Cablevision announced a deal to acquire Bresnan Communications from majority owner Providence Equity Partners for $1.37 billion, outbidding a host of competitors including John Malone’s Liberty Media Corp. The company’s board also approved a $500 million buyback of Cablevision shares. The Bethpage, N.Y.-based MSO will gain more than 300,000 cable, broadband and phone subscribers in Colorado, Wyoming, Utah and Montana.
 
AT&T officially apologized to users affected by the iPad security breach, blaming the problem on malicious hackers who exploited a log in shortcut designed to streamline the authentication process.
 

 
Rentrak has signed Turner Broadcasting as a subscriber to its OnDemand Essential service, which measures detailed VOD usage across its network of set-top boxes. Rentrak reports that Turner’s video-on-demand transactions have increased 139% during the past year and a half outpacing the industry’s free-on-demand content category, which showed growth of 77% over the same period.
 

 
Microsoft unveiled a new slimmer Xbox 360 console priced at $300, the same price as its predecessor. It begins shipping immediately with a 250 GB hard drive (up from 120 GB) and built-in 802.11n Wi-Fi capability.
 
Another next-generation TV remote was unveiled by Las Vegas-based ShambroWest Corp. (whose founders include Kevin Bachus, creator of the original Xbox.) Called the Cyclops, the controller looks more like a bike saddle, is designed to be held with two hands and includes a full keyboard for easy text messaging. It connects to TVs, consumer electronics devices and cell phones via Bluetooth and was originally designed to control the Genos IPTV platform, scheduled to roll out during Q1 of 2011.
 
Mobile and internet gaming start-up Zattikka launch of a new soccer-themed gaming portal timed for the start of the 2010 World Cup. World Cup of Games‘ includes Penalty shoot-outs, World Cup Quizzes and other casual games offerings.
 

 
Cable PPV and On Demand joint venture iN Demand has elevated Michael Berman to EVP/ Programming and General Counsel and Brooke Smarsh to VP/Business & Legal Affairs and Assistant General Counsel, unifying content acquisition and legal in a single department.
 
ChaCha has expanded its West Coast sales operations, hiring Michael Klein as Director of Sales; with Tiffany Ashland and Kevin Blaine also joining as Senior Account Executives. They will be based in Los Angeles and report to Steve Goldstein, ChaCha’s New York-based Chief Revenue Officer. 
 

 
Coinciding with E3 (it’s Super Bowl week), Comcast’s G4tv.com launched its own free iPhone app offering gaming headlines, game trailers, reviews, tips, cheats and video content including web shows and interviews with gaming luminaries. The interface intelligently allows you to filter content by gaming systems, including 360, PS3, Wii, PC, DS and PSP. Meanwhile, visiting the core G4.tv website this week is probably the next best thing to being at the show for gaming fanatics. The intense online coverage of E3 has helped resurrect the show from near death after the decision to scale back the affair nearly scaled it out of existence. (Attendance rebounded to about half of the peak years last year and is expected to continue to grow this year.) Live press conferences are powered by UStream with a never-ending flow of tweets and Facebook posts from the peanut gallery. They get a bit monotonous after a while, but watching the new trailers for hotly anticipated sequels such as Halo: Reach and Call of Duty: Black Ops (accompanied by an original song by Eminem) gets the adrenaline pumping. And don’t forget to check out the knowledgeable Booth Babe Finalists – the winner will be unveiled tomorrow.
 
Later – Wayne
Wayne Karrfalt for Cynopsis: Digital
wayne@cynopsis.com
06.15.10

Cynopsis Ad Sales:
Mike Farina – Sr. Dir/Business Development & Sales – 203-218-6480 / mike@cynopsis.com
Classifieds – Trish Pihonak- 203-926-9878 / trish@cynopsis.com

Member of Interactive Advertising Bureau (iab)

To subscribe to any Cynopsis edition(s) click here .
To unsubscribe , click the button at the end of this email.

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

JOB OPENING: MGR, DIG AD PROD DEV/NY: AD PROD DEV MGR: Execute goals of Dig Ad Ops focus prod dev, mgmt & optim. aetn.com/careers/html  (6/22)

JOB OPENING: ACCOUNT SERVICES EXEC/NY: Assist AD w/all aspects of sales process, passion for selling, develop selling/deal strategies BA/BS preferably in mktg/comm, 5+ yrs wkg within sales/mktg Apply: www.nationalcinemedia.com (6/22)

JOB OPENING: JUNIOR CASTING DIRECTOR/NYC: For reality/non-fict TV. Extnsve rsrch for characters, subcultures, formats for next big hit. Basic shoot/edit/pitching & treatment writing. Res/Cov Ltr: devjob4@gmail.com. 2+ yrs exp req’d (6/22)

JOB OPENING: RESEARCH MGR/CAFEMOM/NY: Res. studies for ad prgrms, update synd. res. reports, ad hoc reports for mgmt insight. 5 yrs exp; exp w/comScore or Nielsen NetRating data; Excel, PPoint. More at www.cafemom.com/about/jobs.php (6/22)

JOB OPENING: DIGITAL MEDIA BUYER/PLANNER/NYC: with excellent neg. & critical thinking skills is needed to handle dev. & execution of online media campaigns. Cover, resume, & salary req. jobapplications212@gmail.com Job# Digital MPB (6/22)

JOB OPENING: AD SALES MKTG MGR/DISH Network/NY: Dev/create ad sales mktg materials across entire portfolio incl Advanced TV. Resp for ad sales brand messaging. 7+ yrs ad sales mktg or related exp. Res: adam.gaynor@dishnetwork.com (6/19)

JOB OPENING: SALES COORD/DISH Network/NY: Great opp for highly motivated indiv. Manage tasks/srvc agencies & clients daily. Det. oriented/good comm. 1+ yrs media exp. Span/Eng language pref. Res to: phil.estevez@dishnetwork.com (6/19)

JOB OPENING: JR MEDIA BUYER/LA: Need motivated self-starter to work w/media unit for Fox O&Os. Media buy & plan for all mediums. Strata exp prfrd. Detailed, strng comm & comp skills a Must. EOE/M/F/D/V. Resume: Jobs@foxtv.com (6/19)

JOB OPENING: SR MANAGER, HUMAN RESOURCES/Hallmark Channels/LA: Manages day to day HR Ops for Hallmark Channel office locations and supervises one direct report. View full posting & apply: www.hallmarkchannel.com “Jobs” (6/19)

JOB OPENING: PUBLICITY MGR/Discovery Communications/SS: dvlp & implement prg publicity campaigns for Discovery Channel, mng & implement ntl and local market branding/communications initiatives www.discovery.com Req#9764 (6/19)

JOB OPENING: CABLE TV TRAFFIC ADMINS (2)/LA:  Seeking two Traffic professionals who have Gabriel software experience for two month contract in LA. Details will be provided to qualified candidates. Send resume to thammack@edgets.com  (6/19)

JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR, MASTER DATA MANAGEMENT/NY: Work w Sales, P & P Comm Ops, Billing to protect continuity/integrity of all data in sales/traffic system/all NBCU properties/Min 5 yrs exp & BA.  Apply: at www.gecareers.com # 1198119 (6/18)

JOB OPENING: SR. RESEARCH ANALYST/BET NY Sales: 2-3yrs exp TV or media rsrch. Prof in StarTrak, Nielsen Npower/MarketBreaks/AdViews, MRI. Strong PPT & Excel; PPT creativity a must. Res: debbie.douglas@bet.net (6/18)

JOB OPENING: DIGITAL AD SALES/MTV Networks/NYC: Mgr Consu Insights. BA, 4-6 yrs exp. Exp mng quan/qual primary resch. ComScore, MediaMetrix, Omniture; knwl brand sol. Str ldrship/proj mgmt. EOE/M/F/D/AAP www.mtvncareers.com (6/17)

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: Rgoodman@activeinternational.com or call 845-732-8943  (6/17)

JOB OPENING: DATA STEWARD/Univision/NY: Ongoing mgmt of adv/agcy data in sls systems. Biz POC for CRM sys support. Detail oriented/ work ind/ comm. skills. 2+ yrs exp in adv sls pref. EOP  email to:  nycjobs@univision.net (6/17)

JOB OPENING: PROMOTIONS & PR SPECIALISTS/ElectricArtists/NY: Dev/pitch/execute online contests/promotions. Expert ideation 2-4+ yrs mktg, PR. Online media, TV, or major consum brand. howie@electricartists.com (6/16)

JOB OPENING: DEPT. ASSISTANT, NICK PRESCHOOL CREATIVE/Nickelodeon/NYC: 1+yrs Admin Exp, MSOffice skills, Able mult-task, ProActive A MUST, Strng Comm skills, Strng Proj Mgmt exp A+ EOE/M/F/D/AAP. Apply: www.mtvnetworkscareers.com (6/16)

JOB OPENING: GRAPHICS PRODUCER, NICKTOONS/ Nickelodeon/NYC: 3+yrs Post Production Exp in TV/ADV, Knwlg TV Prod/Graphics, Strng Org Skills, Pro Active A MUST, Multi Projects/Fast Paced, EOE/M/F/D/AAP. Apply: www.mtvnetworkscareers.com (6/16)

JOB OPENING: MANAGER RETAIL SOLUTIONS/ NICK/Viacom CP/NYC: 5+yrs exp Retail Sales/Promo Marktng, Trck record Successful Retail Prgms, Build Creative brief, Kwnlg of Retailers/Trade Cat’s EOE/M/F/D/AAP. Apply: www.mtvnetworkscareers.com (6/16)

JOB OPENING: MGR CONS MKTG/Fuse/NY: Oversee multiplatform promo & branding efforts. Drive awareness & execute consumer mktg initiatives. Proficient in online mktg, min 5 yrs exp. Send rez to: msghr@thegarden.com “MCM” in subj (6/16)

JOB OPENING: DIR. PROG/FOOD NET & COOKING/NY: Manage all aspects of commissioned shows. Long form storytelling exp in competition, docusoap and/or reality TV req’d plus 5 yrs TV prod exp for cable nets. www.scrippsnetworks.com #1317 (6/16)

JOB OPENING: SR RSRCH ANALYST/Syfy, USA & Emerging Brands Primary Research/NYC: Plan, design, analyze& report consumer rsrch projs. 2+yrs exp surveys, focus groups &synd rsrch srvcs req’d. BA/BS. Apply: www.gecareers.com #1197114 (6/16)

JOB OPENING: FREELANCE WRITER/PROD ONAIR PROMOS/ABC DAYTIME/LA: 5+yrs writ/prod exp. OnAir Promos/TV/Adv, Strng concept abilities & storytelling, Knwldge of daytime a plus. Apply abcdaytime@gmail.com (6/16)

JOB OPENING: WRITING ASST/NYC: Kids Ed TV co. seeks admin asst. to execute demanding writing schedule. Must be organizational wiz, detail oriented w/ability to multitask. Email cover letter/resume to: kidstvjob@gmail.com (6/16)

JOB OPENING: PROD. COORD/NYC: Kids Ed TV co. seeks coordinator animated series. Must be organized, detail oriented w/ability to multitask. Animation exp. a plus. Email cover letter/resume to: kidstvjob@gmail.com (6/16)

JOB OPENING: MKTG COORD/GMC/ATL: Support Ad Trade Mkting, Consumer & Affil Mktg Depts. 3-5 yrs exp creative/media at cbl ntwrk a must. Strong writing & orgnz’l skills req. Knwldg of MS Office. Apply, send resume: cprince@gmctv.tv (6/16)

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 trish@cynopsis.com .

SUMMER INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY:TV DISTRIBUTION INTERN/NYC: Learn how to market and sell factual series and specials to cool broadcasters in the US & Canada.Must be interested in the business of TV. Cover/resume to: adam.block@offthefence.com (6/17)

SUMMER INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: Hallmark Channels (LA) has summer internship opportunities for enthusiastic student. Must be eligible to earn college credit. Send resume to oscarmartinez@hallmarkchannel.com (6/16)

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE

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 trish@cynopsis.com

SITUATION WANTED: DIRECTOR/CREATIVE DEVELOPER: Animation. Dynamic, award-winning, fun-filled…Past clients include Warner Brothers, ABC Family, Comedy Central, Nick JR, HBO Family, MTV2, The Tornante Company. dave@seizethedave.ca (6/22)

SITUATION WANTED: SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGIST (NY) seeking FT work. Balances research & analytics with a creative, strategic, & tactical vision of the social media landscape. Tweets, blogs, obtains mayorships. Contact: shara@rootdown.net (6/22)

SITUATION WANTED: TRAFFIC MANAGER: Over 10 years experience in TV Traffic.  3 years in management.  Full working knowledge of copy continuity, log building and tape process. Email Williams10475@gmail.com   (6/19)

SITUATION WANTED:  MEDIA SALES/MARKETING STRATEGIST: Extensive experience in all forms of media..print/OOH/digital. Can profitably re-purpose content. Seeking FT/PT or Temp-to-Perm position. slehman@optonline.net (6/19)

SITUATION WANTED: DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT PUBLICIST (LA & NYC): Expert publicist specializing in mobilizing online audiences towards series and ent brands. Top media contacts, pro unit PR, project, will travel gabriel@gdrproductions.com (6/19)

SITUATION WANTED: Dedicated & Experienced ADV. SALES PLANNER (NY) Sales proposals, resolving client discrepancies, quarterly post analysis, special sales service projects, expert computer skills. Contact- runelyon@aol.com (6/17)

SITUATION WANTED:  DOCUMENTARY. PRODUCER, DIRECTOR, WRITER in L.A. Five prime time Emmys. Credits: National Geo, PBS, Discovery, History CH, TLC and MSNBC. Contact email: Nyehouse@sbcglobal.net (6/17)

SITUATION WANTED: ACCOUNTING/FINANCE – 20+ yrs. experience in TV Broadcasting & Cable. Seeking FT/PT or Temp-to-Perm position: e_simicich@yahoo.com (6/16)

E-mail Trish@cynopsis.com or call Trish Pihonak at 203.926.9878 for rates and specs for Job Openings.

Are you looking for a job? Post your Situation Wanted Ad here — Email Trish@cynopsis.com for specs.
 

Cynopsis Media LLC
One Corporate Drive, Suite 724
Shelton, CT 06484
203.926.9878

All outgoing e-mails are scanned and sent out virus free. Copyright Cynopsis 2010