A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM FUSE

Cyn opsis: DIGITAL

12/10/08

Good morning, it’s Wednesday, December 10, 2008, and this is your first early morning digital briefing.

Leaders of the Screen Actors Guild encouraged members to authorize a strike partly over compensation for digital distribution of their work in a gathering in Hollywood on Monday. A similar event is scheduled for Dec. 17 in New York. SAG will hold a vote on the issue later this month; more than 75% of the group’s 120,000 members would have to vote yes to authorize work stoppage.
 

 
The open source movement continues unabated. Like Facebook, Fox Interactive Media’s MySpace introduced new tools allowing members to share data across partner sites. The MySpace Open Platform allows users to log on to third party sites using their MySpaceID, enabling the synchronization of feed activity. MySpace also announced the first two partners for the program – European mobile giant Vodafone and customizable home page service Netvibes. 

Following the recent launch of starMedia Clima, a new weather-related Portal service powered by The Weather Channel Interactive , starMedia and TWCi announced they also will partner in developing their Pan-regional sales efforts.  Under the terms of the agreement, starMedia will represent the Spanish site of TWCi for ad sales initiatives in Latin America and the U.S. Hispanic Market.

 
As part of its partnership with Hachette Fillipacchi Media U.S.’s ELLE magazine, virtual doll site Stardoll will unveil an ELLE-branded boutique filled with virtual fashions and accessories inspired by the magazine’s favorite looks and trends of the season.
 
It appears even Santa is joining the web video craze. Check out WiredSanta.com, a new interactive video streaming site where kids can post letters directly to Mr. Kringle through the web. Vancouver-based Out To See Entertainment is producing a new video each day from Santa’s workshop, acknowledging some of the kids who write in and encouraging adults to contribute to the venture. Partial proceeds go to inner city literacy outreach program People of Many.
 
Call for Content: PC maker Acer is sponsoring a UGC video contest to promote the launch of the Aspire One, its first “netbook” PC. Upload a film that demonstrates your directorial genius for a chance to win one or other prizes including an Xbox 360 or a Microsoft Zune. Winners will be decided by the public, based on total YouTube views, comments, honors and overall ratings.
 

 
The IAB released Audience Reach Measurement Guidelines this week for public comment. The guidelines establish detailed definitions related to audience reach and usage including appropriate controls, filtration procedures and disclosures associated with this measurement. Publishers, marketers, ad serving companies, ad agency executives and technology vendors are asked to provide feedback by Jan. 20, 2009.
 
Tivo unveiled its latest gimmick to try and serve ads to commercial-skipping consumers. Advertisers can now place targeted messages on a new Pause Menu, which comes up anytime a viewer pauses a live or recorded program. The ads can be tied to specific shows or can target a range of programming by genre or keyword within the program description. Mercedes-Benz USA and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment are two early adopters of the feature.
 
Premium Network Inc., launched a new series of niche-oriented sales channels to provide advertisers with a place to make targeted contextual buys. Unlike many traditional ad networks, Premium Channels promises complete transparency – disclosing each of the sites that make up its 45 categories. And rather than traffic in remnant banner ads, the company works with clients to customize ad campaigns around specific objectives, putting together sweepstakes, games and point-of-purchase campaigns to enhance engagement. “The arrangement we have with individual sites is more of “rep firm model,” says CEO Ken Margolis. Categories include entertainment, business, mobile, social communities, casual and hardcore gaming, women, parenting and teens.
 

 
Sony announced it will shut plants, curb R&D investment by 30% and cut 8,000 full-time jobs worldwide or 5% of its workforce in addition to another 8,000 contract or temporary staff. Sony slashed its operating profit forecast by 47% in Oct. as demand for TVs, electronics, computers and other goods began to wane.
 
Digital media services provider iStreamPlanet and CDN Move Networks entered into a strategic partnership to enhance and simplify delivery of next-generation HD-quality video applications across multiple platforms. The deal will enable Move to offer its adaptive stream technology, used by premium content networks such as ABC.com, to a wider range of customers. The solution will be integrated with iStreamPlanet’s Digital Asset Management system supporting ingest and transcoding, work ow, metadata, rights management and playout/reporting.
 

 
FX’s The Shield, which just wrapped its excellent final season, won best TV Series in Time Magazine’s Top 10 of Everything 2008 feature. Pandora won of best iPhone App; Where the Hell is Matt? won for best Viral Video; and the Optoma Pico PK-101 pocket projector received the top gadget award. In a clear nod to the increasing influence of web shows, Time Magazine honored Joss Whedon’s Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog (above The Wire?) and My Damn Channel’s hilarious primer You Suck at Photoshop, placing them in the Top Ten TV Shows and TV Episodes categories, respectively.
 
Top 10 TV Series of 2008
1. The Shield (FX)
2. Mad Men (AMC)
3. The Presidential Election (Various outlets)
4. Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along (Website, iTunes, etc.)
5. The Wire (HBO)
6. Breaking Bad (AMC)
7. Lost (ABC)
8. Battlestar Galactica (Sci Fi Network)
9. Architecture School (Sundance Channel)
10. Chuck (NBC)
Source: Time Magazine
 
Top 10 TV Episodes of 2008
1. Lost, “The Constant” (ABC)
2. The Shield, “Family Meeting” (FX)
3. The Wire, “Late Editions” (HBO)
4. In Treatment, “Alex-Week Eight” (HBO)
5. Breaking Bad, Pilot (AMC)
6. Battlestar Galactica, “Revelations” (Sci Fi Network)
7. The Colbert Report, Jan. 22 episode w/Andrew Young (Comedy Central)
8. 30 Rock, “Cooter” (NBC)
9. Mad Men, “A Night To Remember” (AMC)
10. You Suck at Photoshop “Distort, Warp and Layer Effects” (My Damn Channel)
Source: Time Magazine
 
YouTube accounted for nearly 40% of all videos viewed online in Oct., ten times the market share of its closest competitor, according to the latest ComScore Video Metrix numbers. Hulu moved up to #6 in video view rankings with 235 million videos viewed. Hulu also had the longest average view per session among top 10 destinations at 11.6 minutes. More than 147 million U.S. Internet users watched an average of 92 videos per viewer in October. Google Sites attracted a record 100 million online video viewers, or more than two out of every three users who watched video during the month. Fox Interactive ranked second with 60.8 million viewers, followed by Yahoo sites (45.2 million) and Microsoft sites (30.7 million).
 
Top U.S. Online Video Properties* by Videos Viewed – October 2008
  Property                                        Videos       Share (%) of
                                                      (000)           Videos
 Total Internet                                13,536,595          100.0
  Google Sites                                   5,373,783           39.7
  Fox Interactive Media                         519,926            3.8
  Yahoo! Sites                                      363,426            2.7
  Viacom Digital                                   305,258            2.3
  Microsoft Sites                                   286,464            2.1
  Hulu                                                  235,096            1.7
  Turner Network                                  228,024            1.7
  Disney Online                                     126,611            0.9
  AOL LLC                                             122,580            0.9
  ESPN                                                 104,724            0.8
Source: comScore Video Metrix
  * Rankings based on video content sites; excludes video server networks
    Online video includes both streaming and progressive download video
 
Top U.S. Online Video Properties* by Unique Viewers – October 2008
  Property                                    Unique Viewers  Average Videos
                                                      (000)               per Viewer
  Total Internet                                   147,283           91.9
  Google Sites                                     100,475           53.5
  Fox Interactive Media                          60,791            8.6
  Yahoo! Sites                                       45,187            8.0
  Microsoft Sites                                    30,696            9.3
  Viacom Digital                                    25,658           11.9
  HULU.COM                                         23,993            9.8
  AOL LLC                                             22,743            5.4
  Turner Network                                  20,858           10.9
  Disney Online                                     13,757            9.2
  CBS Corporation                                 13,639            4.7
Source: comScore Video Metrix
 
Our neighbors in Canada still seem a little perplexed about the HDTV format, according to a new CTAM Canada study. Three in ten (30%) of Canadians claim to own a High Definition Television, but only 13% of Canadians have a set-top box capable of providing HD signals. The same research showed that Canadian’s are generally unaware of the features and benefits associated with High Definition Television.
 

 
The home video industry is pinning many of its hopes and dreams on the yesterday’s release of The Dark Knight to give the Blu-Ray format in particular a shot in the arm. Collectors will have their hands full as Warner Bros. released 4 different editions of the release:

• A single-disc DVD in standard or widescreen format ($15)
• A two-disc DVD special edition ($21-$23)
• A Blu ray two-disc special edition ($24-$27)
• A Blu ray two-disc limited edition with a model of the wide-tired batpod ($47-$60)

 
Those of you still scouring stores for a Nintendo Wii may want to go to Walmart.com. The online retailer just loaded up on thousands of the consoles for the holidays.
 

 
Former Sports Illustrated sales executive Patrick Albano has joined social app maker Citizen Sports as the company’s first VP of Sales. Patrick was Director of National Digital Sales at Sports Illustrated, working on internet, mobile, social networking, VOD and emerging technology platforms.
 

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM NATPE ’09

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One reason that newspapers are in such dire circumstances is that they have failed to remain relevant for younger readers. Freedom Communication hopes to reverse this trend with The Juice, a gossipy ad supported video portal on OCRegister.com targeted to Orange County’s young beautiful people. Local paper sites must mine their region’s natural resources and for the OC and neighboring LA that means celebs. Therefore much of the content is focused on parties and behind-the-scenes happenings. So far the effort has attracted little attention – the site is run on a shoestring budget, put together by one producer and handful and freelancers and interns. But Freedom may be on to something here if it does a better job of promoting the offering and building more community and UGC features into the mix. The company is thinking of relocating the portal to the more lifestyle-centric community site OrangeCounty.com (where it currently resides in widget format), according to Terry Moore, VP of Content for Freedom Interactive.
 
Later — Wayne
 Wayne Karrfalt for Cynopsis: Digital
12.10.08

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JOB OPENING:  EXEC/ADMIN ASST/Comcast Networks/NY: Asst Sr execs w/ daily admin duties.3-5 yrs exp asst Sr execs.Strong writ/verbal comms skills; det-oriented. MS Off. knwlg a must. Must Apply @ www.comcast.com . EEO/AA/Drug free (12/17)

JOB OPENING: STRATEGIC PLANNING ANALYST/NY: Resp for digital avail rpts, contracted/billed rev rpts, support VP/Mgr on ad hocs. Finance exp preferred, strong excel. TimeWarner.com  # 99308. Cover/resume: [email protected] (12/17)

JOB OPENING:  NATIONAL TV Supervisor & Buyer/LA: Top Agency, Excellent Group ,need negotiating experience with National TV& Cable Networks. Excel Benefits, will relocate – pls send resume to [email protected]   (12/17)

JOB OPENING: STRATEGIC MARKETING MANAGER/SciFi/NBCU/NY: Develop and execute cross-platform marketing solutions to drive revenue to SCI FI and SCIFI.com. BA & 5 yrs industry exp. www.nbcjobs.com , job#853374 (12/12)

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JOB OPENING: VP/PROD/ Leading CDN non-fiction Prod Co: Oversee variety of Factual & Fact Ent prgrms. Successful candidate must possess strong budget dvpmnt/mgmnt skills. Prior exp w/ est. brdcstr pref’d. Res to: [email protected] (12/12)

JOB OPENING: MEDIA INDUSTRY BUSINESS SYSTEMS ANALYSTS. Multiple-NYC: Exp. w/ad sales, traffic, programming, production, rights mgmt. and requirements gathering. Use case development a plus. Apply to: [email protected] (12/12)

JOB OPENING: AFFILIATE MKTG MGR/NY: Spanish-fluent mgr to dvlp affil materials incl. cross-channel, web, VOD, etc. Direct agencies, support sales staff, mng budget, US Hispanic mktg experience req. EOE [email protected] (12/11)

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WINTER SPRING INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY:  EDITORIAL VIDEO INTERN/NY, NY:  Assist Editorial Director w/ writer paperwork, assignments, photo gallery production & copywriting and editing. For more info/submit resume, visit www.cablevision.jobs req ID 6886BR (12/17)

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SITUATION WANTED: WRITER/EDITORIAL DIRECTOR guts+passion+excellence! tons o’ experience connecting w/all kinds of audiences, all media. FREE COPY @ https://freebeaaron.wordpress.com contact: [email protected] (12/16)
 
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SITUATION WANTED: INNOVATIVE PRODUCER/DIRECTOR:Award winning and highly creative. Major network experience, across all genres: Childrens, Youth, Reality, Lifestyle. In NY but will travel. View reel & CV: www.kirstynordal.com (12/16)

SITUATION WANTED: PRODUCER/WRITER/DIRECTOR (NY) Ultra creative, vast experience, all genres, all networks, reality, major cable, award winning and fun! [email protected] (12/13)

SITUATION WANTED: INTERNAT’L TV DEVELOPMENT/PRODUCTION VP available for immediate offshore placement. VP US studio experience in format sales, sit-com, drama, telenovela series development/production. Contact: [email protected] (12/13)

SITUATION WANTED: Over 200 industry awards.creative director/director advertising, digital content & broadcast. Available for freelance or perm. Reel & resume: www.jillsalvino.com or contact [email protected] (12/13)

SITUATION WANTED: MEDIA PLANNER/BUYER/SUP with 15 years exp(Broadcast/Print/Online)available for permanent/temporary assignments. Tampa/ATL/LA based. Call 941-224-9302or email me at [email protected] (12/13)

SITUATION WANTED: FREELANCE AP/COORDINATING PRODUCER/RESEARCHER. Possess solid project mgmt, R & D, production, licensing skills.13 yrs exp. Credits incl.films that won DuPont, Sundance, Emmy awards.email: [email protected] (12/13)

SITUATION WANTED: PRODUCER/SHOOTER w/ exp. in casting, field & post production seeks employment as an associate, field or segment producer. Past credits include MTV, ESPN, CBS & ABC.  Email at [email protected] (12/13)

SITUATION WANTED: Shooting in NY? Need a great PRODUCTION ASSISTANT? For trained, experienced and motivated PA’s who are certified by the NYC Mayor’s Office call the MINY hotline 24/7 at 718-757-5816. Our service is FREE. (12/12)

SITUATION WANTED: MKTG/ADV/PROMOTIONS/NYC prof w/exp in ent & TV seeks opp. w/ agency/network/prod. company. Skills: Web Analytics,SEM, Event Prod., Premiums,Re-branding.Email: [email protected] (12/12)

SITUATION WANTED: EXCEPTIONAL MARKETING PRO adept at strategy, project management & implementation, whatever needed. Good thinking! Smart, savvy, hands-on, good humor. Freelance, part- or full-time. [email protected] (12/12)

SITUATION WANTED: Creative and professional AVID AND FCP EDITOR with 9+ years experience in broadcast, promos, and documentaries looking to add to his NYC-area client base. Reel at www.chrisguido.net . Contact [email protected] (12/12)

SITUATION WANTED: DOCUMENTARY PRODUCER, DIRECTOR, WRITER in L.A. Five prime time Emmy Awards. National Geographic on NBC and PBS. Discovery, History Channel and MSNBC. Contact email: [email protected] (12/12)

SITUATION WANTED: TV DEVELOPMENT EXEC: nonfiction programming, with hits airing now, seeks Manager/Director position at Prod. co. or Network. Most recently was Manager at a Prod. co. (LA based, but would relocate) [email protected] (12/12)

SITUATION WANTED: RESEARCH DIRECTOR-20+ yrs media, Nielsen, Hisp, & sales experience. Let me be your “Remote RD” for competitive, one-sheets, breakouts, Nielsen probs, etc. Avail – contract basis. Email: [email protected] (12/12)

SITUATION WANTED: MKTG CONSULTANT/FREELANCE/NY professional w/ 15+ yrs exp sales/ mktg/sponsorship/product placement in entertainment industry & family/kid oriented universe seeks FT/PT or proj based. [email protected] (12/12)

SITUATION WANTED: TONY NOM. B’WAY PROD/THEATRE CONSULT/ACQUIS. & DEV./NYC 30+ yrs exp. in theatre. Superb theatre/film/TV contacts seeks FT or Consulting Position w/Studio/Prod Co. looking for properties. Contact: [email protected] (12/11)

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