CYNTHIA TURNER’S
Cynopsis: Kids!
06/20/06
Good morning. It’s Tuesday, June 20, 2006 and this is your first early morning Kids! briefing.
NEW PRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT
Portfolio Entertainment Inc. has inked a deal with Canada’s Teletoon to develop The Zodiacs, an animated action/comedy series based on the tween/teen girl targeted Zodiac Girlz website and characters. Creator/animator John Kricfalusi (Ren & Stimpy) has joined the development team for the program as Animation Designer. The Zodiacs is based on the adventures of 12 female superheroes who pose as teens, each representing a different sign of the Zodiac, as they work to defend the earth from the 13th Zodiac sign. The Toronto-based Portfolio recently optioned the rights to www.zodiacgirlz.com, which was created by Rosina Rothman and Jill Akahoshi of 3 Muses, LLC.
Nick Jr. will offer a sneak peek at its new animated preschool series, Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!, across multiple platforms, beginning today and running through August 22. Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! (26 x 30 min) is slated to premiere on Nick Jr. on Monday, August 28. The 11 week-long pre-series peek will feature new music videos and characters from Wubbzy that will bow simultaneously every Tuesday on wireless carriers, Nick Jr. Video, the broadband video service at Nickjr.com, on-air on Nick Jr. and on The Wubbcast, a video podcast. Created by Bob Boyle, the series follows the adventures of a little guy named Wubbzy and his two pals Widget and Walden. Wubbzy just wants to have fun and seeks the advice of his friends when he runs up against everyday kid issues. At the end of each 10 min segment, the daily themes are reinforced in a segment where characters speak directly-to-camera to reach the at home preschool audience, followed by an original music video.
PBS Kids Sprout will debut its new original short-form program, The Many Adventures of Mr. Mailman (10 eps) on Monday, July 3. In the shorts Mr. Mailman, a character who delivers birthday cards daily to Kevin, one of Sprout’s hosts, hits the road to hand deliver mail to family and friends. As he travels the country Mr. Mailman encounters different terrain, weather, and animals etc, with the goal of creating a connection between home and the outside world. In other Sprout news, a recent viewer awareness/satisfaction survey of DirecTV Inc. and EchoStar Communications Corp. subscribers, conducted by Beta Research, found that 70% of the respondents who are PBS Kids Sprout viewers were “very satisfied” with the network. Additionally, about three fourths of those surveyed with kids living at home said they were aware of Sprout. Conducted in March 2006, the survey included 700 telephone interviews with subscribers.
Navarre Corporation’s Funimation Entertainment has launched Funimation Channel on AsianMedia Group’s LA-based digital channel LA 18.3. The channel offers around-the-clock Japanese anime programming. OlympuSAT is the exclusive distributor of Funimation channel.
MARKETING/LICENSING
The International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association opens the doors to Licensing 2006 International, its 26th annual licensing show, beginning today through Thursday, June 22 at Jacob K. Javits Center in NYC. Licensing 2006 International expands this year to include sports licensing, which generated an estimated $18 billion in global retail sales in 2004, and in partnership with National Sports Marketing Network will feature the first Sports Licensing Summit that will be held today at the show.
Earthworks Entertainment has entered into an agreement with Empire International Merchandising Corporation, a kid home video company, to distribute Earthworks’ animated series Z-Force on DVD/home video in Asia. Z-Force is a fantasy/adventure series that revolves around a group of average teens who discover they have the ability to shape-shift into one of 12 super-heroes, each representing one of the characters of the Chinese/Asian Zodiac. This marks Earthworks’ first commercial deal for its Z-Force merchandise licensing property.
AG Properties, American Greetings’ newly launched intellectual property and outbound licensing division, and Fox Home Entertainment are teaming-up on the marketing and distribution of a new line of Care Bears releases, which will feature an updated look, including CGI and 2D animation and new characters. Included under the agreement are three new Care Bears direct-to-video titles in 2007 and 2008; a new CGI theatrical release for summer 2007, followed by a DVD release of the movie. AG Properties and Fox Home Entertainment have also partnered on the Strawberry Shortcake direct-to-video series.
Hit Entertainment has granted Jakks Pacific, Inc. the master toy license for Barney in a multi-year deal. Jakks Pacific, under its Child Guidance preschool division, will develop, manufacture and market a line of toys based on Barney across a number of categories (e.g. learning toys, plush etc) and the products. Child Guidance’s first set of Barney products are slated to be available at retail in North America in spring 2007.
Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products will offer a range of 2007 merchandising opportunities for its TV and movie properties at Licensing 2006 International.
- Nickelodeon Consumer Products comes to the licensing show with expanded licensing programs in 2007 for its animated series Avatar, The Backyardigans, and Go, Diego, Go! Additionally Nickelodeon will introduce plans for merchandising The Wonder Pets, the Nick Jr. that launched March 2006. On the movie side, Nickelodeon Movies will offer merchandising opportunities for its just released Nacho Libre as well as the upcoming animated movies Barnyard (August 4) and Charlotte’s Web (December 2006).
- Viacom Consumer Products in partnership with the Paramount Licensing Group will introduce an adult-targeted merchandising program for its upcoming movies. Beowulf (Thanksgiving 2007) will be supported by a line of consumer products that includes collectible action figures, videogames, and books. Based on the Broadway musical of the same name, Dreamgirls will be supported by exclusive merchandising opportunities in apparel, mobile phone applications, high-end collectible dolls, and social expressions.
- Viacom Consumer Products and Comedy Central will offer merchandise opportunities for the 10th anniversary season of South Park, which will be held in September 2006 in conjunction with an on-air event.
Hasbro Properties Group has sealed two new deals:
- Hasbro Properties Group and CVS/Pharmacy have entered into an exclusive direct-to-market licensing relationship that will see a Playskool branded baby care production available at 6,100+ CVS/pharmacy stores nationwide beginning this fall. The baby care aisle at participating CVS/pharmacy stores will feature floor to ceiling Playskool branding and will offer 50+ products beginning this fall.
- Hasbro Properties Group has partnered with VEE Corporation, a producer of live stage shows, to bring My Little Pony to the live stage targeted to girls. The tour show, My Little Pony Live, The World’s Biggest Tea Party, is a 90 minute, live musical stage production set to launch at Wachovia Arena in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania on Friday, October 27.
Mattel, Inc. will launch a new DVD board game based on Disney Channel’s original TV movie, High School Musical, in November 2006. The DVD game lets players to be one of the six main characters from the movie, answering questions in four categories that include video clips, songs, and dances from the movie.
Radical Sheep Productions, Inc., producer of The Big Comfy Couch, and Kaboom! Entertainment Inc., have completed a home entertainment distribution pact for the series throughout Canada. Under the deal Kaboom has the DVD distribution rights to 100 episodes of The Big Comfy Couch, including the new season (22 eps) premiering this year on Treehouse in Canada and public TV in the US. The first DVDs are scheduled for release in November 2006. Amity Entertainment, Inc., which holds the worldwide merchandising and licensing rights to the show, helped shepherd the deal that will also include cross-promotion and licensing of other product categories.
ViewNow and Buena Vista Pay Television will partner to offer Disney studio content to both Telco and Cable television markets. ViewNow has also received the licensing rights giving customers a chance to order Disney VOD titles with a 72-hour viewing period. Customers can view the film as many times as they wish within 72 hours with full VOD functionality. This new content package consists of titles from Walt Disney Pictures, Touchstone Pictures, Hollywood Pictures, Miramax Films and Pixar Animation Studios, including movies such as Pirates of the Caribbean 2: Dead Man’s Chest and animation from the current movie Cars.
STONE SOUP
The Louisiana Children’s Museum in New Orleans, which incurred extensive roof and water damage as a result of Hurricane Katrina, is set to reopen this Saturday, June 24. More information about the museum and exhibits can be found at www.lcm.org.
And a small housekeeping note — a few of us at Cynopsis have new email addresses. You can still reach Gwen Billings at jgkernis@aol.com. You’ll notice a theme among the new addresses:
- Cynthia Turner: cynthia@cynopsis.com
- Mark Bohn, VP/Director of Ad Sales: mark@cynopsis.com
- Jennifer Franko, Ad Sales Assistant: jennifer@cynopsis.com
- Trish Pihonak, Operations Mgr, Keeper of Trivia and Classifieds: trish@cynopsis.com
EXECUTIVE MOVES
Gemstar-TV Guide International, Inc. has appointed Alan Cohen to the new position of EVP/Chief Marketing Officer. Cohen, who joins the company this week, reports to Gemstar-TV Guide CEO, Rich Battista. Cohen will oversee all corporate marketing efforts as well as being responsible for brand management, licensing and merchandising, and corporate research. He will work closely with the marketing teams at the various Gemstar-TV Guide divisions in the development of the corporate brand, and in the formation of strategic marketing partnerships that will operate across platforms. Most recently Cohen served as CMO, Napster. Previously, he was a Sr. partner/Executive Group Director, Ogilvy & Mather Worldwide; CMO/uBid.com; and VP/Jim Beam Brands.
Scholastic has appointed Devereux Chatillon as its General Counsel. She was most recently a partner at Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP, where she focused on areas concerning media/First Amendment, intellectual property, and litigation. Chatillon will serve on the Management Executive Committee and will report to Chairman/President/CEO, Richard Robinson. Previously Chatillon was EVP/Miramax Books & Miramax Film Corporation, and EVP/General Counsel, Talk Magazine, Talk Miramax Books.
Bryan Fernandez has been named Director/Creative Services, Music Choice. Fernandez will focus his creative energies on the numerous design projects currently in the works at the network, including the branding and promotion of original video programming, re-design of the Music Choice broadband music service, and the enhancement of ad integration into all its properties. He will also head up the team of in-house graphic designers in the NYC office. Fernandez joins Music Choice from Velocity Design Group, which he founded and ran for the past seven years.
RATINGS
Disney Channel’s original movie premiere of Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior last Friday at 8-9:45p, ranked as the most watched program for the day among K6-11 (2.1 million/8.8 rtg) and Tweens 9-14 (2.1 million/8.6 rtg) on both broadcast and basic cable. The Wendy Wu movie debut increased viewership for the time period versus last year among Total Viewers by 178%, K6-11 up by 132% and with Tweens 9-14 up by 187%.
Live + Same Day Ratings Kids Cable Network Averages (000) for Thursday, June 15, 2006, 6am-11pm, ranked by K2-11:
NICKELODEON: K2-11 1351; K6-11 782; TWEENS 9-14 557
DISNEY CHANNEL: K2-11 874; K6-11 562; TWEENS 9-14 461
CARTOON NETWORK: K2-11 839; K6-11 538; TWEENS 9-14 372
TOON DISNEY: K2-11 173; K6-11 105; TWEENS 9-14 57
Source: MTVN Research from Nielsen Media Research Data
Live + Same Day Ratings Kids Cable Network Averages (000) for Friday, June 16, 2006, 6am-11pm, ranked by K2-11:
NICKELODEON: K2-11 1297; K6-11 734; TWEENS 9-14 522
DISNEY CHANNEL: K2-11 1146; K6-11 834; TWEENS 9-14 758
CARTOON NETWORK: K2-11 800; K6-11 559; TWEENS 9-14 413
TOON DISNEY: K2-11 176; K6-11 105; TWEENS 9-14 58
Source: MTVN Research from Nielsen Media Research Data
Answer to Yesterday’s trivia question: Who was the Cartwright’s wonderful cook? HOP SING/BONANZA Kudos to:
Leah Fonseca-HBO/NY; Louis Kalechstein-Publicitas LHM/NY; Donna Gerhardt-Showtime Networks/NY; Matt Boxer-Univision/NY; Elsa Centeno-Media Com US/NY; Rosemary Cunningham-MMT/Chicago; Dave Harding-Creative Differences/Studio City CA; Michael Lopez-San Disk/Milpitas CA; Paul Gilbert-Sony Pictures Television International/ Culver City, Ca; Bernie Laramie-M.O.S. Sync, Inc/LA
Today’s Trivia Question: While Dad was at work, who were the two people who alternatively took care of the Douglas boys? (click here with your answer and be sure to include your name, company, city and time zone. Unofficial rules: Only the second four correct answers from each time zone will be mentioned; and once you’ve been mentioned in any of the Cynopsis editions, you can’t be mentioned again that calendar week.)
Later — Gwen
Gwen Billings for Cynthia Turner’s Cynopsis Kids!
06.20.06
Ad Sales: Note new email addresses!
Cynopsis & Cynopsis Kids: Mark Bohn – 203-583-1224 / mark@cynopsis.com
Cynopsis MCE: Victoria Hoffman 203-556-6476 / victoria@cynopsis.com
Classifieds: Trish Pihonak – 203-926-9878 / trish@cynopsis.com
Features available at Cynopsis website: www.cynopsis.com
Cynopsis Daily Video Podcast and all Cynopsis editions’ audio podcasts – streaming (download optional)
Classified Ads
Subscribe new address or change email address
Unsubscribe
Media Kits for all editions
Archive
Cynopsis Contact info
All outgoing e-mails are scanned and sent out virus free.
Copyright Cynopsis 2006
Cyn opsis CLASSIFIEDS – For more classifieds, visit the Cynopsis.com classifieds page here
JOB OPENING: SALES PLAN’R/SCREENVISION/NY: Mng Eastern region biz accts. Prep proposals & copy writing tasks. Interact w/ mult depts.& clients on daily basis. 2-4 yrs agency &/or media exp. Email res: careers@screenvision.com , EOE (6/27)
JOB OPENING: MANAGER, PRESS RELATIONS/FINE LIVING/KNOXVILLE,TN. Manage media/press relations for network. 3-5 yrs PR exp req’d. Degree & APR pref’d. Previous agency or TV exp a +. Recruiter@scrippsnetworks.com ref job #5397-U (6/27)
JOB OPENING: MEDIA PLANNERS/Universal McCann LA: Is looking for media planners of all levels to join our awesome team working on a large entertainment account. Please email your resume to hr.la@mccann.com(6/27)
JOB OPENING: MEDIA SUPERVISORS/Universal McCann LA: is looking for Media Supervisors w/ 5+ yrs agency exp to work on our great accounts a large aerospace account & a large restaurant account. Email your resume: hr.la@mccann.com (6/27)
CASTING CALL: Court TV is seeking couples that want free mediation & will share their stories. Mediators will help couples resolve divorce issues in a fair manner. Contact: Kara Udell 818.728.8642 or e-mail jennc@pilgrimfilms.tv (6/27)
JOB OPENING: RESEARCH DIR/KCPQ/KTWB-TV/Seattle: Req. B.A. or equiv. & 3+yrs in Top 25 metered mrkt. EEO/AAP. No phone calls pls. Cover letter/res: Recruiter KCPQ/KTWB-TV 1813 Westlake Ave. N. Seattle, WA 98109 Fax: 206-674-1344 (6/27)
JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR MEDIA PLANNING/NBC UNIVERSAL/CA: Dev mktg/adv programs for NBC News, MSNBC, CNBC and the NBC Agency. 5+ yrs. exp w/media planning & buying. www.nbcunicareers.com job # 528046 (6/24)
JOB OPENING: ON-AIR PROMO WRITER/DIY NETWORK Producer-Knoxville , TN : Degree & 5 yrs writing/producing on air promo exp req’d; cable network exp pref’d. Reel to: HR Dept. 9721 Sherrill Blvd, Knoxville, TN 37932, Job #5381-U (6/24)
JOB OPENING: WRITER/PRODUCER /SHOWTIME/NY: Produce long-form on-air promos for digital platforms. 3-5 yrs exp. w/script writing, field prod, AVID editing & strong knwldg of digital media platforms. Res/Sal: showtimejobs@showtime.net (6/24)
JOB OPENING: VP MARKETING/CHILDREN’S ENT CO/LA: Oversee all mktg activities for key divisions including launch of new TV shows, retail mktg and consumer prod; 7-10 yrs mktg exp, cons prod emphasis. Apply: tarrec@earthlink.net (6/24)
JOB OPENING: RESEARCH ANALYST/NY/NBCU DM: Support Digital Media Res. team in fulfilling req’s from Prgrmng, corp comm, ad sales, strategic mrktg, bus dev across mult online properties, digital tech etc. www.gecareers.com # 526652 (6/24)
JOB OPENING: MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MGR/NatGeo Channels International, WDC: provide regional offices w/ info & resources necessary to promote NGCI & its content in local markets. Apply at www.nationalgeographic.com/jobs (6/23)
JOB OPENING: ACCT EXEC/ABC NEWS/NY: Dev, manage and serve client accts for stock footage sales arm of net. Apply at www.disneycareers.com (6/22)
JOB OPENING: SR RSCH ANALYST, NAT’L AD SALES/NY: Asst in devel of strategies, presentations& pertinent data in positioning in mrktplace.BA/BS +min 2-3 yrs tv rsrch exp, familiar w/ Nielsen, &MRI or SMRB. Recruiter4@aetn.com (6/22)
JOB OPENING: MGR, COMM, Discovery, Bethesda, MD: Leads internal/external comm. for Discovery Education, contact w/media. 7+yrs comm./PR exp., campaign & people mgmt., travel req’d. Apply: www.discovery.com ; Job Req#3657 (6/22)
JOB OPENING: AD SALES RESEARCH F/T PAID INTERNSHIP/SPT/NY: Resp for res. TV landscape, preparing reports & present’s, general support functions. Org, attention to detail, strong PC skills essential. Apply: www.sonypicturesjobs.com (6/22)
JOB OPENING: COORDINATOR, AFFIL. MKTING /Oxygen, NY: Creative, multi-tasker w/ exc. writing and presentation skills for promos, collateral, advertising! 1-2 yrs mkting exp pref. Resume: jobs@oxygen.com ref job title in subj Ln (6/21)
JOB OPENING: SR WRITER PRODUCER/PBS KIDS/PHIL, PA: 3-5 yrs exp specifically in children’s mrkt. Creativity a must. Writing/producing/editing spots/prgrms for short & long form on-air promo. Apply: childrenstvproducer@yahoo.com (6/21)
JOB OPENING: DIR, INTERACTIVE MRKTNG/Oxygen/NY: Dev. content ideas & promo mktg plans/partnerships for online properties. Set goals & analyze ROI. 6 yrs+ rel. exp. Creativity a must, tech-knowledge a +. Email jobs@oxygen.com (6/21)
JOB OPENING: VP ONLINE AD SALES/ABC Family.com/NY: Manage the sales efforts for ABC Family.com. Apply www.disney.com/careers search “V.P. Online Ad Sales/ABC Family.com (6/30)
JOB OPENING: INTERNET ACCT EXEC/BVTV/NY: Dev. & maintain ad accts & deals for BVT Internet properties, forecast revenue, sell benefits & features of new apps, VOD and other digital oppty. 3+ yrs online sales exp. abcrecruiter10@abc.com (6/30)
SUMMER INTERNSHIPS – These positions are for credit only – nobody gets paid here. They are posted for free, and students work for school credit only. For more information on the specs for posting an Internship ad, email Trish at cynops4@optonline.net.
SUMMER INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: FILM, TELEVISION AND MUSIC INTERNSHIPS AVAILABLE – Los Angeles based internships for summer and fall for very driven individuals.Inquire now at www.hollywoodmentorshipprogram.org (6/27)
SUMMER INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: TV INTERNS/Independent TV Festival/LA: Looking for dedicated students w/int in TV, at least 15-25hrs/wk. Areas: sales, PR, editing, office, booking, banners, panels, etc. Resume: volunteers@itvf.org (6/24)
SUMMER INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: SUPERSTAR INTERN/NYC: Intern this summer. You will be assisting in various administrative tasks, conducting Internet research, and recruiting for programs. Email joef@mryouth.com to apply. (6/23)
SUMMER INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: SALES ASST INTERN/Petry Media/Dallas: Asst in generating & maintain sales orders in high volume TV air-time sales process. Exc comm skills & PC exp are req’d. Resume: susan.wagner@petrymedia.com or Fax 972-503-5151 (6/23)
SUMMER INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: BUSINESS INTERN/Tej Media Networks/NY: Consulting, research, analysis, and business planning for sports and entertainment projects. MBA preferred. Boston ok.bhatia@tejmedia.com (6/21)
SUMMER INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: TECHNOLOGY INTERN/Tej Media Networks/NY: Build websites, user interfaces, demos and prototypes. Some support and on-call assistance. Remote ok. bhatia@tejmedia.com (6/21)
SUMMER INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: CONTENT INTERN/Tej Media Networks/NY:Script writing/screening, concept generation, interactive production/editing, and business planning. LA ok. MFA preferred. bhatia@tejmedia.com (6/21)
SUMMER INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: PR & MRKTNG INTERN/ Miami: Performing Arts Center. Exciting summer & fall positions for dedicated, hard-working college students w/ int in the arts, special events, and media relations. Resume: resumes@miamipac.org (6/21)
SITUATION WANTED ADS, POSTED BY THOSE LOOKING TO BE HIRED —
SITUATION WANTED: POST PRODUCTION MGR/NYC: Currently seeking a staff position. 10yrs exp in Video/Audio post. Currently managing over a 40,000 square foot facility. fjdeangelis@aol.com (6/27)
SITUATION WANTED: PRODUCTION ASSOCIATE: AVAILABLE Currently work for ABC TV. Looking for the next challenge. Creative, well rounded, eager & hard working. 4 years TV production & on air experience. MAthanasopoulos@aol.com (6/27)
SITUATION WANTED: Award Winning Network CREATIVE DIRECTOR (HSN, RTL Europe, Capitol Records) seeking position. Solid experience in On/Off-Air Design & Management. Workaholic but fun. Visit: www.HeathervanHaaften.com (6/24)
SITUATION WANTED: PRODUCTION/ADMIN ASSISTANT (NYC): Recent Emerson BA grad seeks entry-level opportunity in TV industry. Creative & driven quick thinker with strong internship history on 4 national shows. Avail ASAP Gpayne818@aol.com (6/23)
SITUATION WANTED: PRODUCER/DIRECTOR/EDITOR: 10+ years experience in reality TV. Works a lot, sleeps a little, and has the ratings and awards to show for it. Very flexible, friendly, low-maintenance guy. Steven@dancingtoad.tv (6/23)
SITUATION WANTED: CELEBRITY BOOKER & REALITY/NON-FICTION CASTING DIRECTOR: Thousands of contacts to celebrities/experts/authors/real people/show hosts, etc. Extensive exp w/TV Talk Shows & Reality Shows. Contact: altonentertain@aol.com (6/29)
SITUATION WANTED:ONLINE MEDIA BUYER/ and or ACCT MGR POSITION Purchased media on all pricing models & optimized campaigns for effectiveness. Seeking opp to continue thriving in interactive arena. Contact email at sapphire3332@aol.com (6/21)
E-mail Trish Pihonak for rates and specs for Job Openings.
Are you looking for a job? Post your Situation Wanted Ad here — Email Trish Pihonak for specs.
