Cynopsis: Kids!
10/14/08
Good morning. It’s Tuesday, October 14, 2008 and this is your first early morning Kids briefing.
Toy company Spin Master Ltd is here at Mipcom announcing the formation of Spin Master Entertainment, which will focus on design, development and production of cross-media entertainment properties. Spin Master Entertainment’s initial focus will be to develop and produce new entertainment properties based on original content, co-production and the development of its own proprietary brands. Spin Master’s Matt Wexler will head the new division in his new role as Executive Producer. Spin Master’s VP Global Licensing, Adam Beder and Chairman and Co-CEO Ronnen Harary will also guide the company and serve as exec producers.
MIPCOM NEWS
Dailymotion officially unveiled plans here at the market to launch Dailymotionkids, a new ad-sales supported kids channel that will live on its own secure new URL that includes parent controls. Catering to preschoolers and K6-12, the new channel will be free and is slated to debut first in France sometime this November-December, followed in 2009 with a US and UK launch and rollout elsewhere. Set to launch with 300 hours of kids programming, Dailymotion has partnered kid broadcasters Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network and Boomerang. The kid channel will also offer content from production studios including Millimages, Warner TV, Canal+ Teletoon among others. Heading up Dailymotionkids is David Ripert.
Sesame Workshop launches the new short-form preschool series, Sesame Street English (26×2), at Mipcom. The phonic-centric series features anime style adaptations of the Sesame Street Muppets, with each episode focusing on one letter, sound, and word employing visual and rhythmic aides. Sesame Street English is part of an overall project that encourages early English proficiency, and which includes 26 Sesame Street English video lessons comprised of live-action and Sesame Street segments available on multiple platforms. Organized around four topics, reading readiness, math concepts, nature/health exploration, and ‘the world around me,’ the Sesame Street English lessons also come with outreach materials for parents in their native language and a ‘magic pen,’ which will let kids choose segments, play games or sing songs that underline the language lessons.
Marvel Animation finds a home in Canada on Teletoon as part of a new a multi-year output agreement. Beginning spring 2009, a range of Marvel animated series will air on Teletoon and Teletoon Retro in both English and French. Under the pact Marvel will deliver a minimum of 182 episodes of first-run animation, including the rights for multiple platforms such as broadband, VOD, mobile and other online efforts. Marvel’s first-run series based on characters like Iron Man, The Avengers and Wolverine will air on Teletoon’s Sunday morning action block and be stripped after school on weekdays. Additionally, Marvel programming stunts and specials aimed at teens+ and fanboys will be featured in the nighttime Teletoon Detour block.
Jetix Europe partners with Wildbrain on the new short-form mixed puppet/CGI animated series, Team Smithereen (26×2), which will debut in Europe exclusively on Jetix Europe’s websites in early 2009. Jetix Europe, which recently unveiled plans to refurbish its websites to feature improved navigation and functionality, including VOD players. Created by the Dan Clark Company and produced by Wildbrain, Team Smithereen follows the humorous squash and squish misadventures of a team of puppet stuntmen as the take on challenge after challenge, most of which go awry.
BKN International AG‘s Barcelona (BKN New Media SL) and London (BKN New Media Ltd) companies ink a co-production pact with Huminah Huminah Animation to produce the 2D computer animated HD series, Pocket Penguin Adventures (52×11). Targeted to K4-7, the story revolves around a group of penguins that work together to stay just ahead of their bumbling nemesis. The series will be produced in HD using Toon Boom software, the scripting, music and post production will be done in the UK, with pre-production elements in Canada, and digital animation in Spain. The first 26 episodes of Pocket Penguin Adventures are slated for delivery in spring 2010, followed by the remaining 26 episodes in fall 2010.
Entertainment Rights (ER) acquires the worldwide rights (excluding Italy, Germany, Austria and German and Italian speaking Switzerland) to the 2D digital short-form animated series Me Myself and The Others (52×2). Based on Italian illustrator Andrea Pazienza’s Favole books, the series is a co-production between RAI Fiction, Enanimation, Motus and Motionworks.
Programming Sales Deals:
In other news, ER has inked a US broadcast deal for its new CGI animated series, Shelldon (13×30), with qubo for air on its kid’s programming block on NBC, Telemundo and ION TV networks. Targeted to K4-8, Shelldon is set to premiere in spring 2009. Shellhut Entertainment produces Shelldon. Entertainment Rights holds the worldwide distribution rights (excluding Thailand, shares representation in Japan and Korea) for the property across all forms of TV, digital media, home entertainment, music, licensing and merchandising, and all other media.
Disney-ABC-ESPN Television, Disney’s international TV channel and content distribution division, signs content deals in with Poland’s free TV network TVP for 14 of Pixar Animation Studios’ short films, which will air for the first time in Poland. Also under the deal TVP picks up three Disney Channel movies Camp Rock, High School Musical (HSM), and HSM 2, as well as series including Hannah Montana and The Suite Life of Zack & Cody.
Chorion inks further deals for the 3D CGI animated preschool series, Olivia, which is based on the kid books by author/illustrator Ian Falconer. Acquiring Olivia are: TF1 (France), Nick Jr UK, Treehouse (Canada), Danmarks Radio (Denmark) and The Walt Disney Company Latin America. Slated to premiere in spring 2009, the series is a Nickelodeon US commission and animated by Brown Bag Films. Other recent deals for the series include Five (UK), ABC TV (Australia), YLE (Finland), SVT (Sweden), NRK (Norway) and RUV (Iceland).
Aardman Rights completes broadcast deals for its stop-motion animated programs:
- Wallace & Gromit In A Matter of Loaf and Death (1×30) the story follows Wallace & Gromit as the duo embarks on a new bread baking business. The show has been acquired by, ABC TV (Australia), M6 (France), Super RTL (Germany), YLE (Finland), NRK (Norway), Zapp (Netherlands) and SVT (Sweden). Penned by Nick Park, Aardman Animations’ new adventure is in production for BBC One set to deliver this fall.
- Timmy Time (52×10) the preschool series has been picked up by ABC TV (Australia), TF1 (France), DRTV (Denmark), FYE (Finland), NRK (Norway) and SVT (Sweden). The series is currently in production and was pre-purchased by CBeebies (UK), which debuts the series in 2009, and will also run on Disney Channels Worldwide.
Decode Enterprises completes sales for its new preschool series, Animal Mechanicals (40×11) with Disney Channels in the UK and Asia, Radio-Canada, Discovery Latin America, HOP (Romania), ESB (Korea), and Al-Jazeera Children Channel, as well as Prava I Prevodi, which picks up the series for Bosnia, Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro. Produced by Halifax Film, Animal Mechanicals is a CBC (Canada) commission.
France’s Canal+ children and family channels acquire the broadcast rights for four of Animation Collective‘s original animated series:
- Ellen’s Acres (52×11) the preschool series will run on Canal+’s preschool channel PIWI.
- Jolly Rabbit (52×11) in addition to Canal+ Family, the series will bow on CBBC (UK) and ABC (Australia)
- HTDT (52×11) The series will air on Canal+’s Teletoon, and will bow on the CW4Kids Saturday morning block on The CW in the US.
- Three Delivery (26×22) debuting on Canal+ Family Channel on October 27, the series is a US/Canadian co-venture between Animation Collective and Fatkat Studios in partnership with YTV.
And on a personal note … As with any conference wearing the correct footwear is essential to one’s general disposition – but here in France the case is possibly even more so, with cobble stone streets and lots of stairs and of course the long walk on La Croisette along the water. With a newly broken toe (done within hours of my arrival here this weekend), I have been looking at shoes more than usual … particularly the women. Please tell me how, with feet in tact, how woman are happily walking all over the Palais des Festivals (where the market is held) in heels, not just one or two inch heels … I mean HEELS! Now I have noticed a few women, here for the first time, clearly regretting their heel choice and discussing what store to run to at lunchtime to remedy the issue. Makes me feel a little less silly for busting my toe – they are in pain too after all. But, I do have newfound respect for the talents of my sisters (OK and the one guy who was also wearing very high heels at Mipcom Junior – no joke), I also think you are nuts … and maybe I’m a little jealous that I can’t wear anything else this week but loafers. So, please don’t look at my shoes when you see me … I had no choice they are the only ones that aren’t killing my poor toe … I’m usually so much more … Um … Well more something. And Mom, I’m fine … really … seriously … I shouldn’t have said anything.
MORE KIDS STUFF
Ten-year-old Becky Botsford (aka WordGirl), is tossing her hat into the ring for class President, with the results announced in an election day-themed episodes of Scholastic‘s WordGirl bowing November 4 (check local listings), on PBS Kids Go! More info on Becky’s campaign and platform can be found at www.pbskidsgo.org/wordgirl.
Disney Channel will host the world debut of Jonas Brothers new music video Lovebug, off their album, A Little Bit Longer, on Sunday, October 19 at 8:55p. Additionally, a making of the video will be featured between 8-9p during episodes of Hannah Montana and Wizards of Waverly Place.
Canal+ (France) and CBBC (UK) acquire the broadcast rights to Taffy Entertainment, American Greetings Properties and DQ Entertainment‘s the new CG-animated HD series Twisted Whiskers (52×10 and 30-second shorts). Based on American Greetings Corp. card line of ‘twisted’ cats and dogs, the series is currently in production, the K4-12 targeted series is produced by American Greetings Properties, Taffy Entertainment and DQ Entertainment in association with Mike Young Productions. Twisted Whiskers is set to debut in early 2009.
MARKETING/LICENSING
Universal Pictures Digital Platforms Group (UPDPG) is creating a new handheld Nintendo DS game based on Universal’s new movie The Tale of Despereaux. Developed by Fizz Factor, a Foundation 9 Studio, in conjunction with UPDPG, the handheld game will be published globally by Brash Entertainment. The handheld game will release in conjunction with the console version of the game, this December 2, with the movie releasing December 19. The movie and the games are based on author Kate DiCamillo’s book The Tale of Despereaux.
STONE SOUP
As part of the 25th anniversary of The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, 4Kids Entertainment International has teamed with French fashion school, the Ecole Superieure des Arts et techniques de la Mode (ESMOD), for a competition among third-year students to create a line of TMNT-centric streetwear apparel and accessories targeted to men 17-35.
EXECUTIVE MOVES
Turner Broadcasting System names Lanie Richberger VP/Research, Animation, Young Adults and Kids Media. Based in Atlanta, Richberger reports to SVP/Turner Research, Jon Marks and COO, Stuart Snyder. Most recently, Richberger led Sesame Workshop’s Strategic Trends and Audience Research.
If you happen to be looking for the fun folks at Jetix Europe next week you’ll find them wreaking havoc in their new London offices: Chiswick Park Building 12, 566 Chiswick High Road London W4 5AN … never fear their phone numbers and email remain the same.
RATINGS
Live + Same Day Ratings Kids Cable Network Averages (000) for Wednesday, October 8, 2008, 6am-11pm, ranked by K2-11:
NICKELODEON: K2-11 1011; K6-11 448; TWEENS 9-14 362
DISNEY CHANNEL: K2-11 767; K6-11 517; TWEENS 9-14 430
CARTOON NETWORK: K2-11 538; K6-11 347; TWEENS 9-14 253
TOON DISNEY: K2-11 145; K6-11 68; TWEENS 9-14 51
Source: MTVN Research from Nielsen Media Research Data
Live + Same Day Ratings Kids Cable Network Averages (000) for Thursday, October 9, 2008, 6am-11pm, ranked by K2-11:
NICKELODEON: K2-11 1035; K6-11 424; TWEENS 9-14 337
DISNEY CHANNEL: K2-11 694; K6-11 449; TWEENS 9-14 380
CARTOON NETWORK: K2-11 620; K6-11 406; TWEENS 9-14 295
TOON DISNEY: K2-11 159; K6-11 87; TWEENS 9-14 47
Source: MTVN Research from Nielsen Media Research Data
Live + Same Day Ratings Kids Cable Network Averages (000) for Friday, October 10, 2008, 6am-11pm, ranked by K2-11:
NICKELODEON: K2-11 1070; K6-11 523; TWEENS 9-14 368
DISNEY CHANNEL: K2-11 827; K6-11 553; TWEENS 9-14 463
CARTOON NETWORK: K2-11 625; K6-11 411; TWEENS 9-14 313
TOON DISNEY: K2-11 121; K6-11 56; TWEENS 9-14 33
Source: MTVN Research from Nielsen Media Research Data
Answer to Yesterday’s Trivia Question: For many years who urged the public to “Take a Bite Out of Crime”? MC GRUFF (The National Crime Prevention crime-fighting dog) Kudos to: Danielle Larson-Hasbro Inc./ Pawtucket, RI; John Carlo-Channel One Network/NY; Anjelika Kosanic-PBS/VA; Kamesha Milton-Maryland Public Television/RI; Bev Ellinger-WANDTV/Decatur, IL; Heather Floore-KDAF/Dallas; Mike Patterson-Cartoon Network & [adult swim]/Chicago; David Christeson-OgilvyAction/Chicago; Ratana Therakulsathit-Mattel/El Segundo, CA; Tosha Lovingood-Qantas Vacations/El Segundo, CA; Terry Hirt-Wieden + Kennedy/Portland, OR; Tyffany A. Hayes-KABC/Glendale, CA
Today’s Trivia Question: Animated wild west super hero El Kabong was otherwise known as who? (Email [email protected] 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 Cynopsis Kids!
10.14.08
Cynopsis Kids Ad Sales:
Jennifer Franko – 203-583-9796 / [email protected]
Classifieds – Trish Pihonak- 203-926-9878 / [email protected]
Cynopsis website – Video Resumes, Extended Classified Ads, Archives, and the Cynopsis Daily Video
To subscribe to any Cynopsis edition(s) click here.
To unsubscribe, click here or click the button at the end of this email.
CableU – Know Networks Better. Pitch Smarter. Click here
Cynopsis CLASSIFIEDS – For More classifieds, visit the Cynopsis.com classifieds page here .
JOB OPENING: HR GENERALIST/LA: Hndle HR functns w/ emphsis on recruitmnt, emp relations, perfrmnce mgmt, HR procss & procedres. Recruiter and/or Generalist exp. Computer prof & HRIS sys. Res to [email protected] (10/21)
JOB OPENING: DIR, BUS STRAT & DEV/LA: Updte/dev fin & biz mods fr affl negt/frecast/bdget/tacts; sup VOD. Exp: mgmt consltng/prduct/strtgy/wrk in media/cble ntwrk/anlytc skls. BS in Fin/Mgmt/Acct. Res to [email protected] (10/21)
JOB OPENING: VP, FIELD SALES/LA: Exc strtgy&prdc demnd to max dist & subscrbr/rev goals/dev relatns w/MSO’s/ovrsee contrct compl & bdgts/5+ yrs lead in sales team/Strg strtgic & anlytl skls. Res to [email protected] (10/21)
JOB OPENING: SPECIAL PROJ F/L POS/LA: Wrk w/ Mrktng on full lfe cyc cncpt/campgns to Pre/Pro/Pst Prd. Exp in prd mgmt & shts (EPK-lrge commrcl campgns). Bsic Pst Prd shoots, vfx comp & grphc pkgs. Apply: [email protected] (10/21)
JOB OPENING: SERIES PRODUCER, WRITER-PRODUCERS, AP’s, COORDINATORS, LINE PRODUCERS/Atlas Media/NY: Seeking all levels for new shows. Strong skills, ability to manage tight deadlines. APPLY: [email protected] (10/21)
JOB OPENING: VP PRODUCTION/Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Group/CA: Oversee development & production of SPWAG productions. Identify potential DVD Premiere projects. 5+ yrs exp required. www.sonypicturesjobs.com Req # 700816 (10/18)
JOB OPENING: DIGITAL ACCT EXEC/Discovery/NY: Sell national interactive advertising across Discovery’s assets – online/broadband, vod, mobile. 2+ yrs digital sales exp required. Apply: www.discovery.com, Req # 8089 (10/18)
JOB OPENING: CREATIVE DIRECTOR/LA: Lead creative for on/off air promos, dev thru execution for ent adv firm. Strong writing, concept & comm. skills. Generate new biz. 8+yrs exp. Incl salary req. Email [email protected] (10/18)
JOB OPENING: SR WRITER/PRODUCER/LA: Conceive/write/produce compelling on/off air promos for top ent mktg agency. 7 yrs exp in ntwrk/agency req’d. Self-starter w/knowl of prod proc. Incl salry req. Email [email protected] (10/18)
JOB OPENING: SR. SCHEDULER/Discovery/MD: Responsible for sched. daytime/manage acquisitions process. Min 3yrs exp in scheduling, programming, research. Apply: www.discovery.com #8386 (10/18)
JOB OPENING: AE-AS/ NYC PR agency: 3-8 yrs bkgrd kids’ entertainment/products, team mgmt exp, excellent writing, ntl print/TV clips, top organizational skills. Online mktg exp a plus. Resume/cover/salary to [email protected] (10/18)
JOB OPENING: CNBC/FREELANCE RESEARCH ANALYST: Report & strategic insights for digital media & TV properties. Report & analyze Nielsen ratings.BS.1-2 yrs media rsrch, web analytics, mgmt consulting. Nielsen exp req’d. [email protected] (10/18)
JOB OPENING: ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE/WTIC/WTXX/Hartford: Seeking AE 3+ years sales/media experience multi-media experience preferred; excellent negotiation skills; strong work ethic; desire to win. Resume: [email protected] (10/17)
JOB OPENING: FREELANCE, SR MGR, INT’L DIGITAL MEDIA/AETN/NY: Manage intl digital distribution deals for broadband, VOD & mobile. Estab program strategies. Mrktg & digital biz dev req’d. Apply: [email protected] (10/17)
JOB OPENING: DIGITAL LIFE EDITOR/Common Sense Media/SF: Assign/edit reviews, expert Internet, mobile & videogames. Strong knwldg of dig. mkt trends, exp/tech background. Interest kids/media issues. Apply: [email protected] (10/17)
JOB OPENING: SVP MEDIA BUYING/Starcom MediaVest Group/ NY: Mng negotiations for GM’s nat. BC & cable sports media investments. 15 yrs ind. exp. incl. at least 5 yrs in mgmt. role at media agency or sales org. www.smvgroup.com (10/17)
JOB OPENING: BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST/NY-Based Entertainment Ad Agency: Seasoned biz dev person, experience in film and TV advertising a must. Emphasis on print. Send resume and salary requirements to [email protected] (10/17)
JOB OPENING: FREELANCE PROJ MGR, PRINT/BRAVO TV/NY: Mng print & Digital advrtsng & promo projects. Mng workflow, creative team. Strong comm./org skills. Previous Ntwrk exp req’d. Resume: [email protected] (10/16)
JOB OPENING: DIR MKTG & PROMO/Wang Theatre/Boston: Dev & execute strategic tix sales, mktg/promo for concerts/shows. Pitch new biz & negotiate agreements. 8 yrs mktg exp w/ music/venues/ent. Rez: [email protected]. “DMPB” in sub (10/16)
JOB OPENING: MGR,DIGITAL PRICING & INVENTORY/AETN, NY: Maximize digital ad sls revenue thru inv mgmt, pricing & optimization.Min 2 yrs exp in digital ad sls. Strong analytical skills..Apply: www.aetn.com/careers.html (10/16)
JOB OPENING: SALES DIRECTOR/PITCHFORK MEDIA(Chicago, IL):4-7 yrs exp in online sales. Mgmt exp also req’d. Responsible for mngng & developing sales dept. of growing internet publication Res/Cov to: [email protected] (10/16)
JOB OPENING: VP/NON-FICTION DEVELOPMENT/NYC: Seasoned non-fiction development exec w/7+ yrs exp on both network and production company sides. Writing, creating, pitching, managing: soup to nuts. NY-based prod co. [email protected] (10/16)
JOB OPENING: SR DIGITAL RESCH ANALYST/MTV NETWORKS/NY:BS 3-5 yrs online web analytics. Web tracking (Omniture, Webtrends, HBX, DbleClick); Exp w/synd sources: comScore Media Metrix, NetRatings. EOE/M/F/D/AAP. www.mtvncareers.com (10/16)
JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR, ACCOUNTING/Harmonix/NY: Resp. for monthly accting close, including sales reporting, deferred revenue. CPA a plus w/ prior public accting experience. Apply: www.mtvncareers.com EOE (10/15)
JOB OPENING: BBC/NYC/DIR AUDIENCE DEV: Drive exposure of bbc.com; mng synd relationships; dev bbc news communities; & rel w/ soc ntwrks. Increase traffic to website & audience base & 3rd party linking to bbc.com. www.bbcamerica.com/employment.jsp (10/15)
JOB OPENING: BBC/NYC/DIR PRODUCT DEV: Drive product strategy for bbc.com. conduct mkt analysis, watch consumer trends, do comp analysis & benchmarking, est strategic partner & supplier relationships. www.bbcamerica.com/employment.jsp (10/15)
JOB OPENING: BBC/NYC/SR MGR, DIGITAL SYNDICATION: Mng client relationships & ongoing prgrm supply to digital media syndication partners Work w/ partners to max exposure of BBC prgrmng & brands. www.bbcamerica.com/employment.jsp (10/15)
JOB OPENING: BBC/NYC/SR WRITER/PRODUCER: Conceive/write/produce/edit creative solutions for promo material for BBC America. 5+ yrs exp as network writer/producer. Knowledge of production process. www.bbcamerica.com/employment.jsp (10/15)
JOB OPENING: INTERACTIVE MARKETING ANALYST/MEDIA PLANNER/LA – Los Angeles Times Interactive: Pull/analyze data ComScore, HitWise, MRI; Develop sales collateral/decks, update media kits; Send resumes to [email protected] (10/15)
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].
FALL INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: PROGRAMMING & DESIGN INTERN: Urtak.com. Collaborative Public Opinion. Assist in design, programming, & development of internet start-up. Ruby on rails experience required. Flexible hours. Contact [email protected] (10/17)
FALL INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: www.FunLittleMovies.com produces and distributes comedic mobile video on Sprint, iPhones, MSN, etc. Need interns with video producing, editing or business skills. [email protected] Stipend offered. (10/16)
FALL INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: NYC production company seeking a POST PRODUCTION INTERN to start ASAP. We need someone for cloning tapes, digitizing footage, transcribing and working closely with the producers. Email resume to [email protected] (10/16)
SITUATION WANTED: EXEC. IN CHARGE OF PROD/LINE PRODUCER: 15+ Ntwrk & cable exp ,Exec in Charge, Coord Prod, Line Prod, Prod Mgr seeking work in synd TV shows, sports, kids series, event prod opps, NY/NJ/CT. E-mail: [email protected] (10/21)
SITUATION WANTED ADS, POSTED BY THOSE LOOKING TO BE HIRED … Interested in posting your Video Resume? Contact [email protected] for more information ….
SITUATION WANTED: PRODUCER, LINE PROD, PROD MGR: Extensive experience in animation/VFX. Most recently produced live-action comedy series for Cartoon Netwrk. Looking for staff job with established company in NYC area. [email protected] (10/17)
E-mail [email protected] for rates and specs for Job Openings.
Interested in posting your Video Resume? Contact [email protected] for more information ….
Are you looking for a job? Post your Situation Wanted Ad here — Email [email protected] for specs.
Cynopsis Media LLC
One Corporate Drive, Suite 724
Shelton, CT 06484
203.926.9878
