Cynopsis: DIGITAL
09/04/12

Good morning. It’s Tuesday, September 4, 2012, and this is your first early morning digital briefing.

HBO is planning to offer a streaming service in Scandinavia called HBO Nordic, beginning this October. Unlike its popular HBO Go product stateside, users in the region will not need a pay-TV subscription to HBO in order to access the service, which will be priced around 10 Euro. However, a deal with Parsifal International ensures that this service is available as an add-on via “local distribution partners.” Much like HBO Go, the service will feature HBO television and movie programming, and will also offer subtitles for the markets in the region, including Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark. If you remember, Netflix recently announced its intentions to expand to Scandinavia this fall. Which is to say, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings can now point to this as further proof that his company is a direct competitor to HBO. To his credit, Hastings commented on his Facebook page that he is “excited to see HBO join [Netflix] in offering standalone streaming service in Scandinavia,” but “what about the USA?”

The Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) plans to live stream their party’s entire national convention “from gavel-to-gavel” online and on the official iOS and Android apps. The live programming will be available in English, Spanish, and closed-captioned. In their announcement, the DNCC also mentions that the programming will include user-generated content and the ability to interact with convention attendees. In addition, on Thursday night in advance of President Obama’s speech, the DNCC also plans to air a web-exclusive show (Live from Charlotte) hosted by actor Kal Penn and featuring interviews with campaign officials and other guests, including Marc Anthony, Elizabeth Banks, Olivia Wilde, and Zach Braff. No indications on whether Mr. Eastwood or Invisible Obama are among those invited. Live from Charlotte will begin at 8pm ET.

Yesterday, WIGS premiered Vanessa & Jan, a sequel of sorts to an earlier series, Jan, which logged approximately 500,000 views during its run. This six-episode comedy series, which follows two friends who go to a speed dating session, will air every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday of this week and the next. It stars Caitlin Gerard (The Social Network), Walton Goggins (Justified), and Laura Spencer (The Lizzie Bennet Diaries). Vanessa & Jan is written and directed by WIGS Co-Creator Jon Avnet (Black Swan, Fried Green Tomatoes).

As it did last year, Sony plans to offer live streaming access to every out-of-market NFL game on every Sunday of this year via the NFL Sunday Ticket app on the PlayStation 3, per AllThingsD. It’s available for no extra charge to DirecTV subscribers who also pay for the popular sports package. However, just like last year, those who do not have “access to DirecTV” can also take advantage of the offering by paying $300. The app itself is available for free from the PlayStation Network.

With IBC 2012 just around the corner, Israel-based “pay-OTT” platform provider Tvinci announced that it plans to demonstrate the capabilities of its “OTT 2.0” platform at the conference. Tvinci says this new platform will make watching TV a more social and personal experience, with features designed to allow users to watch, rate, recommend, and share content with friends across multiple devices. “We designed a platform that fits the individual nature of household members and creates a tailor made watching experience for each of them,” says Tvinci CEO Ofer Shayo. He adds that Tvinci will demonstrate new SDKs for multiple mobile apps, tools for managing mobile apps, and multi-DRM support to protect content on any device. In addition, the company also plans to show off its “Mobile 2.0” app, which will allow users to turn up to two devices (smartphones or tablets) into a remote-control that shows what their friends are watching via a social program-guide and then swipe it to preview it on the TV.

More IBC 2012: Appear TV, a global provider of next-generation head-ends for broadcast and IP television, plans to showcase its new multiscreen and OTT solutions to visitors of the conference in Amsterdam. Appear TV has elected for a hardware-based approach to video encoding and transcoding, which Appear TV CEO Carl Walter-Holst says is “the right approach that delivers operational efficiency required by operators and the quality-of-service expected by consumers.” He adds that Appear TV’s multiscreen technology covers everything from content acquisition through to delivery, and can work with existing head-ends.

French-language international TV network TV5MONDE has renewed and expanded its managed services contract for outsourcing broadcast operations to Ericsson to now last until February 2018. “We rely on Ericsson’s expertise to design and implement complex systems that allow us to broadcast our programs to 235 million households, representing more than 50 million viewers every week in 200 countries and territories,” said TV5MONDE CEO Marie-Christine Saragosse. TV5MONDE’s media is globally distributed in a variety of formats, including broadcast, fixed and mobile internet websites, VOD, mobile apps, and connected TV. Per the deal, Ericsson will oversee the management of all of these modes.

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The Online Publishers Association (OPA) recently released “A Portrait of Today’s Smartphone User,” a study conducted in collaboration with Frank N. Magid Associates in order to identify the attitudes and behaviors of those who own smartphones. First things first, the study estimates that 44% of the current US internet population, ages 8-64, owns a smartphone, which comes out to roughly 107 million people. This is up from 31% in 2011 and is expected to rise to 57% by the second quarter of 2013, or 142 million consumers. One of the top activities for US smartphone users is accessing content and information (93% do so regularly), followed by accessing the internet (59%), and checking email (58%). The most popular types of content that smartphone users regularly access are weather info (47%), video (31%), local news (29%), and national news (24%). In terms of smartphone users’ attitudes, specifically when it comes to mobile advertising:

• 39% of all “smartphone content consumers” have taken action after seeing an ad on their phone.
• 15% of all smartphone content consumers have clicked through an ad.

• These numbers are even higher for those who purchased content, with 79% having taken an action after seeing an ad and 31% clicking through an ad.

Join us on November 14, 2012 at the Cynopsis Digital Video Measurement Summit in NYC. REGISTER NOW.

DirecTV and social TV rewards service Viggle have inked a marketing agreement that will let the satellite provider’s customers earn rewards when checking into TV shows using Viggle. By earning points every time they check into a show they’re watching, users can work their way toward redeeming those points for a wide variety of prizes, including movie tickets, music, gift cards, and more. Users can also earn points by playing games or interacting with ads on the app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices. Per this agreement, DirecTV and Viggle say they will work with programmers to “provide enhanced TV experiences” as well as reward DirecTV customers with bonus points. Other aspects of the deal include DirecTV and Viggle co-marketing each other’s services on each other’s marketing platforms and channels. Both companies will also collaborate on “a number of technical solutions,” including set-top box and tablet integrations.

Learfield Sports, which manages multimedia rights for over 50 collegiate institutions, conferences, and associations, has named Joe Ferreira as its first-ever Chief Content Officer. In this role, Ferreira will oversee all Learfield content and distribution platforms, and will be responsible for the development and expansion of digital/interactive, mobile, social, radio, and television assets, as well as the development of new offerings in the marketplace. He will be based in Dallas. Ferreira’s resume includes having worked for the likes of the NFL, NBC Sports, CBS, and CBS Interactive, and was behind the launch of March Madness on Demand.

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Don’t Forget to Nominate by November 1:
Cynopsis’ Most Intriguing People Awards

The Awards will shine a spotlight on the industry’s most fascinating individuals in the media industry, including TV networks, studios, stations, MSO’s, digital media companies, ad agencies, brand partners and any organization that is involved with TV and online video entertainment. (Submit Online Now)

AWARDS GALA: Spring 2013

Nomination Questions: Jenn Sredzinski | Ad/Sponsorship Info: Mike Farina.

Good Player is an iOS app from Hustmobile that lets users play any type of media file, without needing to first convert it into a compatible format. All you need to do is transfer the file to your iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad via iTunes File Sharing or over Wi-Fi, and you’re good to go. It’s priced at $2.99, but it is well worth it.

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Later – Sahil
Sahil Patel, Associate Editor for Cynopsis Digital
09.04.12

Denise O’Connor: Group Publisher, Media Entertainment
Diane K Schwartz: Senior Vice President, Media Communications Group

Cynopsis Ad Sales: Mike Farina | VP Sales & Marketing | 203-218-6480
Classifieds Sales: Trish Pihonak | Director of Operations & Content | 888-702-3858

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JOB OPENING: SALES ASST/Univision Network Sales/NY: Entry-level assist 2 sr mgrs w/admin & project-based wrk. Strong comm skills & strength w/numbers are a MUST. Eng/Span bilingual a +, Resume/cover letter: [email protected] (9/12)

JOB OPENING: DIR COMM/Discovery/MD: dvlps comm strategy & oversees PR/program publicity/Public Affairs outreach for ID and Military Channel; 8+yrs hands on media exp http://careers.discovery.com/ #6337 (9/11)

JOB OPENING: STRATEGIC MKTG MGR/USA NETWK, NBCUNIVERSAL/NYC: Develop and execute multi-platform integrated marketing initiatives. Min 5 yrs experience at a TV Network or agency. Digital exp req’d. nbcunicareers.com (#6825BR) (9/11)

JOB OPENING: MGR, STRATEGY & BUS. DVLPMNT/SONY MUSIC/NYC: Support Strat & Bus Dvlpmnt for Global Digital Bus Group. 3-5 yrs exp; Comm, presentation & analysis skills key; Prior consulting exp; Music or dig media passion a +. Apply here (9/11)

JOB OPENING: ACTIVATION-PROMO MGR/AMC/NYC: manage planning & execution of dozens of simultaneous promo & activation projects, 5+ yrs.tv/entertainment yrs. exp, pro-active,results driven. Resumes to: [email protected] (9/11)

JOB OPENING: MARKETING MANAGER/truTV/NY: MKT MGR will work to develop interactive & social media strategies for key series & network initiatives – 5+yrs Marketing/Interactive/Digital & Social exp. is a must – http://bit.ly/truTVMkt (9/8)

JOB OPENING: WRITER/PREDITOR, ON-AIR PROMOS/NYC: Oversee pre/post prod, from concept to final delivery; Min 3-4 yrs exp creative svcs dept TV ntwrk; Proven Final Cut Pro skills; Exc copywriting/media mgmt skills. Res to: [email protected] (9/8)

JOB OPENING: SALES PANNER/TVGUIDE/CHICAGO: Build media plans, steward deals, assist AEs in sales process, support network & online sales teams. 2+yrs agency/sales exp. Competitive salary, excellent benefits [email protected] (9/8)

JOB OPENING: SVP MKTG STRATEGY/Discovery/Md or LA: Lead the mktg efforts through strategy dvlpmt, creative brand leadership & mgmt of successful consumer mktg prgms; 15yrs+ sr lvl mktg w/media org exp; http://careers.discovery.com/ #6053 (9/8)

JOB OPENING: DIR OF CONSUMER MKTG, PARTNERSHIPS/Food Network/Cooking Channel/NY: Oversee creation/exec of prtnrshps driving ratings &/or brand awareness (ad sales/affil mktg/ prgrmng/dig/talent). 8yrs exp/Apply: scripptnetworks.com #3305 (9/8)

JOB OPENING: EXEC. PRODUC/Fox Sports-Ft. Lauderdale: Manages production for Sun Sports/FS Florida. Oversees budget, studio/remote events & staffing. Liaise with offsite Master Control. 10+ yrs. exp. http://bit.ly/U9qH1i (9/7)

JOB OPENING: MARKETING COORDINATOR/Scholastic Digital/NYC: 2 years digital/ecommerce exp. Strategic thinker with strong communication skills. Growth opportunity for the right candidate. Apply to G050001 at www.scholastic.com/careers (9/7)

JOB OPENING: PRODUCT MANAGER/Scholastic Digital/NYC: 4 years exp managing an ecommerce or digital or environment. Exp in ProductDevelopment, Design and business Development Apply to NY8524 www.scholastic.com/careers (9/7)

JOB OPENING:  PROJECT MANAGER/Scholastic Digital/NYC: 3 years exp plan, develop and execute national digital programs including online advertising, web site strategy, and social media, mobile. Apply to NY8516 www.scholastic.com/careers (9/7)

JOB OPENING: WRITER/PRODUCER/EDITOR/CHILLER, NBCUNIVERSAL. NYC: Write, edit, produce on-air promos for network. 2-3 years experience and strong FinalCut skills required. Apply online: www.nbcunicareers.com (6904BR) (9/6)

JOB OPENING: MGR MARKETING/FX Network/LA: Develops & executes marketing campaigns across media formats. 3-5 yrs. exp marketing for TV. Social media & digital content exp req. http://bit.ly/MWDWSC (9/6)

JOB OPENING: RESEARCH DIR/ZOOM/NY: Mng digital place-based media res., client res. reports, reports for mgmt insight. Video, events, static. 5+ yrs exp; exp w/ Nielsen, MRI, data, Excel, PPoint. Resume to: [email protected] (9/5)

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: Crown Media needs interns in our CORPORATE COMMUNICATION department in NY. Interns will get exposure in media outreach/placement, press kits & marketing. To apply send resumes to [email protected] (9/7)

FALL INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: Crown Media needs interns in our PUBLICITY department in Studio City. Interns will get exposure in drafting press materials, media outreach, & event planning. To apply send resumes to [email protected] (9/7)

FALL INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: Crown Media needs interns in our MARKETING department in Studio City. Interns will get exposure in network branding, script reading, media campaigns & promotions. To apply send resumes to [email protected] (9/7)

FALL INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: Castle Pictures (NYC): seeks motivated, creative interns to assist with DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH and PRODUCTION on a new non-fiction series. Strong writing and people skills a +. Submit resume/cover letter to: [email protected] (9/7)

FALL INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: Boston Productions, Inc. looking for interns to help with production, post-production, research, logging, and testing interactives. Must have car or reliable transportation. Email: [email protected] (9/6)

FALL INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: NY Multimedia co. seeks intern to assist in network post-production, programming and misc. projects. Min of 2 days/wk. Computer proficiency & sports interest a +. Email [email protected] (9/6)

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: Script Doctor specializes in 1 hour series, broadcast exec & TV professor with 10,000+ scripts exp. Credits incl. DeGrassi, others [email protected] (9/8)

SITUATION WANTED: Entry-level career in media! I have a great work ethic, eager to learn, live in NYC, Business Marketing and International Affairs degree from FSU, will travel, background of Global Business. Contact: [email protected] (9/8)

SITUATION WANTED: NYC, Frfld, Wstchstr counties. Experienced sales, biz development pro seeking position in educational/home media, ad sales. Solid resume and excellent references. email: [email protected] (9/8)

SITUATION WANTED: WRITER/PRODUCER’S ASST. Has worked on The Big Bang Theory, Mike & Molly, etc. Attending UCLA’s TV writing program. Experience as a Page and PA. Proficient in Final Draft. Has BS in Mass Comm. [email protected] (9/8)

SITUATION WANTED: RESEARCHER/EXEC ASST/LOS ANGELES AREA: 16+ yrs exp + key player in Primetime TV as researcher, proofreader, copy-editor, writer, exec asst. Exc. etiquette. [email protected] Have a great day! (9/6)

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