Cynopsis: Kids!
02/20/08
Good morning. It’s Wednesday, February 20, 2008, and this is your first early morning briefing.
Disney Online forms Disney Online Studios, which will focus its energies on creating, operating and publishing kid and family-targeted virtual worlds, online communities and games. Disney also unveiled Pixie Hollow, a virtual online world that stems from its Disney Fairies franchise, the first phase of which launches later this year. Headed by Steve Parkis, who is upped to SVP, the Disney Online Studios team will include creators of Disney.com XD and Disney Online’s Virtual Reality Studio (they created Toontown.com and Piratesonline.com), while Mike Goslin, VP/Virtual Worlds will oversee development of virtual worlds and communities. Additionally, the new unit, which will publish both internal and externally developed projects, will look to expand its development, community, operations and publishing teams.
KOL (www.kol.com), AOL’s kid 2-12 targeted site, re-launches with new content partnerships with National Geographic Kids and Girlsense. Additionally, the newly revamped site will feature customizable pages, 100+ games and personalized email. National Geographic Kids supports the KOL Pets & Animals channel with animal videos, animal-centric games and how-to crafts videos. Girlsense offers a Style Center where kids can design clothes and accessories.
NEW PRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT
Tyler Perry’s Madea gets animated as part of an agreement between Tyler Perry Productions and Exodus Film Group to co-develop and co-produce a series of animated DVD titles based on the Madea character (Madea’s Family Reunion, Diary of a Mad Black Woman and Meet the Browns). Financed by Exodus, the currently untitled animated Madea series is targeted to kids and will focus on family values. Perry will lead the creative on the project and will also pen and executive produce with Exodus’ CEO John Eraklis, President Max Howard, and SVP/Business Development Jerome Williams.
THQ Inc. and Blue Fang Games (Zoo Tycoon franchise) ink a development deal for a new videogame property for release in fiscal 2010 for Nintendo’s Wii and DS as well as Windows PC. While there is no title or specifics for the property as of yet, following the announcement yesterday executives from both companies said it is a family-targeted casual game that will focus on the animal kingdom, in an interview with Gamasutra.com.
CYNOPSIS KIDS GOES TO THE AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL TOY FAIR 2008 …
Hit ToyCo is showcasing the first Thomas & Friends consumer products line. Targeted to preschoolers, the new line will be available from fall 2008 and features remote controlled trains, and musical electronics (e.g. radio, guitar, TV) featuring six songs, musical pop-up activity toy, pull-back toys, among others.
Scholastic Media taps toy design company Yottoy Productions, Inc. to manage its SideKicks toy division. According to the deal, Yottoy will manage sales, marketing and product development for SideKicks. Yottoy will guide the creation of products based on Scholastic’s brands including, Clifford The Big Red Dog, Kim Parker Kids, The Real Mother Goose and characters from author/illustrator David Shannon. Yottoy is known for its book-toy product collections such as those based on author/illustrator, Mo Willem’s Pigeon and Knuffle Bunny and H.A. Rey’s Curious George and Friends, among others.
K’nex Brands awards the German distribution rights to Tomy. Under the deal, which goes into effect May, 2008, Tomy will oversee distribution of K’nex and Kid K’nex building sets.
Jakks Pacific is showing off its 2008 line of electronic toys, which features gamer-targeted products, tech gadgets and interactive education products based on Discovery Kids, such as Discovery Kids Smart Animals 3-inch animal figures with real-feel skin, footprints and a hidden barcode. Jakks is also launching a line of Neopets plush, mini figures, playsets and activities. It is also expanding its Jakks Plug It In & Play TV games line with the Ulti-Motion wireless motion game system, in conjunction with Disney Channel’s Hannah Montana G2: Game Girl (fall 2008), a plug and play game. Additionally, the company extends its EyeClops Bionic Eye toy, with the debut of Night Vision Goggles and BioniCam.
MORE KIDS STUFF
DHX Media inks a licensing deal with Cartoon Network Germany, which has acquired German TV rights to the 3D animated series Chop Socky Chooks (26×30). The series is co-produced by Decode Entertainment, a unit of DHX, and Aardman Animations. The series is currently in production for Cartoon Network (worldwide) and Teletoon (Canada)
This week Sorpresa!, a unit of Juniper Content Corp, unveils its new branding. Developed for the network by Bonsai3 creative agency, the re-branding features a new on-air look, logo and a new tagline, El Mundo que Imaginas, or in English, The World You Imagine. The new logo is featured on-air in three different colors, each signifying programming for a different demo: green (preschool); red (K6-11); and blue (Teens 12-17). The network says that the new tagline underlines Sorpresa’s programming and formats, which provide positive messaging to kids while also promoting their creative development.
The first Super Why! DVD, the animated PBS Kids series, has been released and is available exclusively at ShopPBS.org. The title includes interactive stories and games. Super Why1 is produced by Out of the Blue in conjunction with Decode Entertainment and C.O.R.E. Digital Pictures.
Pulling into stores September 9, 2008 is the new DVD, Thomas & Friends The Great Discovery. Pierce Brosnan narrates the feature-length title; as well as serving as the narrator of the PBS series that bows this September. Thomas & Friends toy partners, Learning Curve and Hit Toy, and publisher, Random House will be support The Great Discovery release with new tie-in products. Additionally, the grassroots Day Out With Thomas tour, will be themed The Great Discovery in 2008.
MARKETING/LICENSING
Entertainment Rights appoints 3DBA as strategic partner in a long-term deal to represent ER’s brands for leisure and theme park attractions. 3DBA is currently showcasing George of the Jungle, from Bullwinkle Studios, and Casper. The first attraction under development is George of the Jungle Splash Battle, which as you probably guessed is a water ride, featured at the Euro Amusement Show last month. Other attraction development plans will be featured at upcoming shows including Dubai Entertainment & Leisure show, IAAPA Asian Expo in Macau, and IAAPA Orlando.
EXECUTIVE MOVES
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group names Jeff Junge as VP/Business Management. Reporting to President, Kevin Tsujihara, Junge will work in tandem with execs from WBHE Group’s businesses, including Warner Home Video, WB Digital Distribution, WB Interactive Entertainment, Warner Premiere, Advanced Digital services, Anti-Piracy and Technology Operations. Part of the team that completed the acquisition of Monolith Productions, most recently Junge led the acquisition of TT Games (Lego Star Wars, Bionicle Heroes). Junge had been VP/Corporate Business Development and Strategy, Warner Bros.
Tom Toumazis, EVP and MD, Disney-ABC International Television for Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Canada, will head up Disney’s newly restructured European television business, reports THR. The move, effective in April, will combine forces from Disney Channel, ESPN, and Disney-ABC International Television in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa by integrating carriage operations, program distribution, and new media business development. Although Jetix Europe is not currently part of the restructure, talks are underway to possibly include the network. Based in London, Tom will report to Ben Pyne, Disney-ABC Worldwide Television & Disney Media Networks’ President/Global Distribution.
RATINGS
Live + Same Day Ratings Kids Cable Network Averages (000) for Thursday, February 14, 2008, 6am-11pm, ranked by K2-11:
NICKELODEON: K2-11 1013; K6-11 488; TWEENS 9-14 357
DISNEY CHANNEL: K2-11 786; K6-11 486; TWEENS 9-14 384
CARTOON NETWORK: K2-11 520; K6-11 320; TWEENS 9-14 216
TOON DISNEY: K2-11 131; K6-11 72; TWEENS 9-14 43
Source: MTVN Research from Nielsen Media Research Data
Live + Same Day Ratings Kids Cable Network Averages (000) for Friday, February 15, 2008, 6am-11pm, ranked by K2-11:
NICKELODEON: K2-11 1323; K6-11 688; TWEENS 9-14 474
DISNEY CHANNEL: K2-11 995; K6-11 635; TWEENS 9-14 538
CARTOON NETWORK: K2-11 582; K6-11 371; TWEENS 9-14 263
TOON DISNEY: K2-11 172; K6-11 88; TWEENS 9-14 47
Source: MTVN Research from Nielsen Media Research Data
Answer to Yesterday’s Trivia Question: In a TV ad from the 70’s who was it that donned a banana suit and promoted Bic Banana Ink Crayons? CHARLES NELSON REILLY Kudos to: David Stern-BARD Entertainment/NY; Kathy May-Fisher-Price, Inc./E. Aurora, NY; Howard Rosenstein-Meredith Integrated Marketing/NY; Russ Camlet-NBCU/NY
Today’s Trivia Question: Camp Wazitayah was the setting for season one of what children’s TV series? ( 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 Cynopsis: Kids!
02.20.08
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JOB OPENING: S&P & RIGHTS CLEARANCES MGR/PBS Sprout/PHILA: Knwldg of and/or exp w/legal or acquisitions & clearance procedures. Exp. w/children and/or cable prgrmng ind. BS/BA pref. legal/acquisitions. Apply: www.comcast.com (2/27)
JOB OPENING: COORD, PRICING & PLANNING, STYLE/Comcast Nets/NY: 1+ yr industry exp; Resp for tracking inventory, processing MSA posting, oversee EDI & supporting sales staff. Apply: www.comcast.com 60506BR EEO/AA/Drug Free (2/27)
JOB OPENING: MARKETING COORD/Hallmark Channel/LA: Support consumer marketing. 2 yrs admin. exp. See full posting & apply @ www.hallmarkchannel.com (2/27)
JOB OPENING: DIG CONTENT MGR/WE tv/NYC: 2-4 years web content or prod exp w/ent/web/cable. Video prod exp pref. Strong PM, comm & tech skills a must. rez to www.cablevision.jobs ref #5294BR (2/27)
JOB OPENING: MGR.ON-AIR PROMO PRODUCTION/LIFETIME TV/LA: Must have solid TV on-air promo exp. and knowledge of post-production technologies and digital file management. Apply to: [email protected] (2/26)
JOB OPENING: SR.WRITER PRODUCER/LIFETIME TV/LA: Conceptualize, write and produce on-air and radio promos. Must have demonstrated exp. within cable or broadcast network. Apply to: [email protected] (2/26)
JOB OPENING: CREATIVE DIRECTOR/LIFETIME TV/LA: Must have extensive exp. in on-air promos within cable or network and demonstrated editorial expertise. Apply to: [email protected] (2/26)
JOB OPENING: PR COORDINATOR/FOODNETWORK/NY: Work w/ PR Mgr to provide market press support for select primetime series; develop support materials & select show releases. 1-3 yrs exp PR/related. Apply at: www.scrippsnetworks.com (2/26)
JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR & AE SALES POSITIONS (NY, LA, Chicago)/Arena Media Networks: Exciting opportunity to join quickly growing digital placed based media company in sports & entertainment arenas.Contact: [email protected] (2/23)
JOB OPENING: DIR OF PRODUCTION (ADMIN)/Wash D.C: Dir prod multiple TV series: schedules, budgets, crews, equip, deliverables. Upbeat /detail oriented. Exp w/ 3+ series, 5+ yrs prod mgmt. Ltr/ Res: [email protected] (2/23)
JOB OPENING: ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE/CABLEVISION/WOODBURY NY: Seeks AE for local ad sales.2+ yrs ad sales exp. pref cable tv, radio, internet adv. Valid NY DL. See full posting and apply to www.cablevision.jobs req 4047BR (2/23)
JOB OPENING: ONLINE REVENUE MGR/Discovery Communications /Miami: Mgmt of online ad campaign, SEO exp req’d, Lat Am mkt knwldg, ROI Analysis, campaign budgets, media plans, staff mgmt. Resume to: [email protected] (2/23)
JOB OPENING: AD SALES RSCH ANALYST/Oxygen/NYC: 2+ yrs data analysis exp using Nielsen softwares and other sales tools. Att to detail a must. . www.nbcunicareers.com #803511 (2/23)
JOB OPENING: REGIONAL NAT’L SALES MGR/KSBI-TVDT, OKC: Proven success record & 5+yrs exp working regn’l /nat’l accts. Knwlg of Nielsen ratings & effective/creative pckgng strategies a must. Some travel req’d. Res to: [email protected] (2/22)
JOB OPENING: SR SYSTEM ANALYST: Act as Sales liaison for sys reqments, issues & support, EDI, troubleshoot, train, test, proj mgmt, EDI coord, & wk w Donovan for VAN (Value Added Ntwrk). Apply: www.disneycareers.com Req 135147 EOE (2/22)
JOB OPENING: ACCT MGR-NAT’L SALES/BET/New York,NY: Cable salesperson w/strong presentation skills. Comfortable w/multi-platform & integrated opps.Sales/agencyexp. req’d. Email: [email protected] (2/22)
JOB OPENING: SALES PLAN’R/BET/NY: Prepare Sales Plans, Mng mult Accts, 2 yrs exp in Cable Sales or buying a must.Detailed-oriented, org’d, multitasker, exc comm & math skills, BA req. Email resume: [email protected] (2/22)
JOB OPENING: EXEC DIR PROD/ GSN, The Network for Games/ SANTA MONICA: Report to VP Prog. 10 yrs. exp in Prod incl 5 yrs exp Line Prod. BA/BS degree in related field. Send Res/Cov Letter: [email protected] (2/22)
JOB OPENING: ACCOUNT EXEC/ Ovation TV/New York: Immediate opening for 5+yrs exp professional. Heavy client/planning selling; seek new business/create marketing platforms tailored for client’s needs Apply: [email protected] (2/22)
JOB OPENING: SALES PLANNER/OvationTV/1NYC/1LA: Prep/update client proposals. Asst establishing TV/media orders. Rsch client spending/brand analysis Process orders, handle fin. credit process. BA/BS resume: [email protected] (2/22)
JOB OPENING: TV PROD MGR/Chi: Produce creative programming for TV & other platforms. Creative problem solving & mgmt ability within fast moving, multi-tasking station group that breaks the mold every day. [email protected] (2/22)
JOB OPENING: AFFIL/BE PROMO PROD/Sundance Ch/NY: 5 yrs exp;manage branded ent prod; supervise affiliate mktg, VOD & multiplatform deliverables. Able to coord multiple projects w/ tight deadlines. Res: [email protected] (2/21)
JOB OPENING: CONTENT MGR, INTL DIGITAL, MTV/NY: 3+ yrs new media exp. Manage Nick/Comedy content & secure for int’l distrib. Strong comms, project mgmt, content mgmt systems. Apply: www.mtvncareers.com . EOE/M/F/D/AAP (2/21)
JOB OPENING: MGR NEW MEDIA RSRCH/E!, Style & G4/LA: BA 3+ yrs exp w/ new media analytics tools Report web, brdband, mobile & VOD usage/trends Exp w NetView, Site Census/Google Analytics & Rentrak pref’d [email protected] (2/21)
JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR, RESEARCH/E!, Style & G4/LA: BA 5+ yrs media research experience w/proficiency in Nielsen systems required. Apply: www.cegjobs.com or [email protected] (2/21)
JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR-APP DEV. SALES & TRAFFIC SOLUTIONS/CT (Fairfield County): Radio exp. Preferred. PMI cert. a plus. Project planning, rollout planning, support planning. Resume to: [email protected] (2/21)
JOB OPENING: MGR, PLNG & OPS/DIRECTV/NY: Will plan and conduct thorough, accurate analyses in support of company wide pricing and inventory initiatives. For immediate consideration, please send resume to: [email protected] (2/21)
JOB OPENING: SALES PLNR/DIRECTV/NY: This position supports our AD Sales Group with their sales efforts and manages accounts on a day-to-day basis. For immediate consideration, please send resume to: [email protected] (2/21)
JOB OPENING: SALES PLANNER/The Knot Inc/NY: Presale research, prepare RFP, manage inventory, competitive industry analysis. 2-3 yrs. Interactive media exp. pref. Email Resume/Salary: [email protected] (subject Sales Planner). (2/21)
JOB OPENING: VP, STRATEGY & RSRCH/HowStuffWorks/IL: Lead team resp for executing initiatives to max website traffic & search engine exposure, creation of content roadmap & optimizing digital bus. opps. See howstuffworks .com/jobs (2/21)
JOB OPENING: VP/AD OPS/HowStuffWorks/ATL: Seeking strong individual for achieving rev objectives mthly, campgn mgmt, sev other duties. See www.howstuffworks.com for more info. (2/21)
WINTER AND SPRING 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 [email protected] .
SPRING INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: SUMMER INTERNSHIPS AVAIL/News Channel 8/MyTV9-New Haven. CT: Now hiring interns for 5 depts, news, sports, mktg/community, mktg rsch and web prod. Deadline to apply is April 1st. Contact [email protected] (2/26)
SPRING INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: RESEARCH INTERNSHIP/Hallmark Channel/LA: Avail immed. Learn about cable television, ratings and programming. Must take for class credit. Available now! Email resume to [email protected] (2/23)
SPRING INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: PR /NYC: Boutique agency (kids TV, toys, CE, licensing) seeks smart, mature, highly-organized, communications-oriented intern. College JRs or SRs only. Apply to [email protected] (2/21)
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SITUATION WANTED: SHOWRUNNER/FIELD PRODUCER/WRITER: 10+ years producing for MTV, VH1, FUSE. Expertise in Celebrity Interview, Lifestyle, Entertainment News, Bio, Clip, and Reality genres. [email protected] / www.markmarraccini.com (2/21)
SITUATION WANTED: Emmy Award Winning TV PRODUCER seeking exec/mgmt or producer position with production company or network. Background includes talk, reality and game. [email protected] (2/21)
SITUATION WANTED: EXPERIENCED PA: LA based Film/TV/Music PA available for serious work Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat & Sun’s. Knowledgeable, Tech-Savvy, Detail-Oriented & Professional. Contact: [email protected] (2/21)
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