Cynopsis: DIGITAL
6/13/07
Good Morning, it’s Wednesday, June 13, 2007 and this is your first early morning digital briefing.
Warner Bros. will trial national VOD releases of The Astronaut Farmer in the U.S. on July 10 and 300 in selected overseas markets this summer, the same day the movies are released on DVD. Local runs with Comcast in Denver and Pittsburgh and Time Warner Cable in other markets convinced the studio that a simultaneous VOD/DVD release wouldn’t hurt sales, which have been slowing in recent months anyway.
~ MULTIPLATFORM CONTENT NEWS ~
Blockbuster launched a price war against Netflix, offering a new internet-only DVD-by-mail service that allows subscribers to rent 3 titles at a time for $16.99 a month, a buck cheaper than what Netflix charges. Blockbuster’s previously-introduced Total Access Plan allows subscribers to exchange DVDs at the chain’s retail outlets. It had 3 million subscribers as of April 1, compared to 6.8 million for Netflix.
Verizon’s V CAST service will begin offering local news, weather and sports video content from a total of 50 markets including ABC, Cox and Gray Television stations. The service, powered by Local Solutions Network, can be accessed through a dedicated channel named Local TV Video, which comes with the standard $15 monthly V CAST subscription.
Fox Soccer Channel acquired exclusive mobile and internet rights to England’s Barclay Premiere League soccer highlights from the ‘07/’08 season through the ‘09/’10 season. Fox Soccer Channel will begin offering BPL highlights from August on MSN site foxsoccer.com and through additional mobile and internet video syndication partnerships currently in negotiation.
NBC Universal Digital Studios will produce a series of original online webisodes for the Netflix site to help create demand for back catalogue releases. “I Love This Movie” will highlight a different classic movie during each 2-3 minute episode, with new chapters appearing every other week.
FremantleMedia will introduce new interactive platforms for The Price is Right and Family Feud including online games from Ludia and iWin, mobile games from Mobliss and electronic tabletop and handheld games from iToys.
Web design firm Bean Creative devised a series of parenting games for DiscoveryHealth.com in honor of “Baby Week.” Gamers can test their parenting skills by competing in five virtual events: feeding, diapering, bathing, cleaning up and bedtime.
CBSNews.com launched a new blog from co-anchor Hannah Storm, featuring photos, video clips, insider commentary and personal thoughts and stories about issues affecting families.
AOL Latino launched an online reality show called “Fashionista” in which contestants compete for a chance to design a red carpet gown for former Miss Universe Dayanara Torres. Mercury Milan is the exclusive sponsor.
TVNewser creator Brian Stelter was hired to blog about the media for The New York Times. The 21-year old just graduated in journalism from Towson University in Baltimore, Maryland and came to the Times attention when he was the subject of front page profile last November. Not a bad first job, Brian!
Online hip-hop portal 88HipHop.com launched a channel on P2P video service Joost. Very much an early mover in the space, the company has produced and retains the rights to hundreds of hours of vintage footage with many of hip-hop’s biggest names before they achieved mainstream success.
Multiplatform video sharing service Kyte.tv scored undisclosed additional investment from Nokia Growth Partners, which joins other investors such as Draper Fisher Jurvetson and Niklas Zennstrom’s Atomico. The site provides tools used to create and share live video content online and through mobile phones. No word on whether or not Nokia would provide distribution of Kyte.tv content.
Social Media company Demand Media acquired instructional video site ExpertVillage for an undisclosed amount. The site provides a platform that joins filmmakers together with experts who want to showcase their skills in home & beauty, money & finance, sports, hobbies and travel.
Cablevision received a show of support for trying to build a network DVR solution from several trade and lobby groups including USTelecom, (which represents AT&T and Verizon), the Consumer Electronics Association, CTIA, and the Electronic Frontier Foundation. The MSO, which had hoped to replace set-top based DVRs with a headend-based stored video solution, lost a court case in March filed jointly by Cartoon Network, Disney Enterprises, NBC, CBS and Turner. The networks argued that the proposed remote storage RS-DVR violated copyright law.
HBO announced it will deliver all 26 feeds of its HBO and Cinemax digital multiplex cable channels in High Definition.
Comedic video site Heavy.com will use IP intelligence technology from Digital Element to “geotarget” advertisements, language and video content based on location of the user. The technology allows businesses to segment their online audience based on their geographic location worldwide as well as set parameters by domain name, connection speed and zip code, based solely on IP addresses.
Google‘s privacy general counsel Peter Fleischer has agreed to limit the time the company keeps users’ search records in a written response to the EU’s working party, ahead of a meeting scheduled later this month.
Yahoo shareholders narrowly voted down a proposal to tie executive pay to performance. CEO Terry Semel‘s $71.7 million salary in 2006 has stuck in the craw of the company’s shareholders in the midst of its falling stock price.
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TV ad spending is expected to increase by just 1.3% this year (up 1.2% for syndication, up 5.9% for cable and down 5.5% for spot TV), while internet ad spending is forecasted to increase by 16%, according to TNS Media Intelligence. That puts the overall advertising growth rate at 1.7% to $152.3 billion, a downward revision from TNS’ earlier estimate of a 2.6% increase.
New series and seasons (full eps only) released online since June 5, 2007:
Camp Lazlo (Comedy Central; iTunes): current season
ChiPs (NBC; Unbox, iTunes): season 1
Curl Girls (Logo; Unbox, iTunes): current season
Days of Our Lives (NBC; iTunes): current season
Doc Martin (ITV1; Unbox): series 1
Hell’s Kitchen (Fox; Unbox): current season
Invasion (ABC; in2tv): pilot
Johnny Bravo (Comedy Central; iTunes): season 5
Most Shocking (CMT; iTunes): current season
Top Chef (Bravo; iTunes): current season
Wisecrack on Tour (Logo; Unbox, iTunes): season 3
The X-Effect (MTV; Unbox, iTunes): current season
Source: Trivial TV
~ EXECUTIVE MOVES ~
Peter Adderton has stepped down as CEO of Amp’d Mobile, which filed for bankruptcy protection last week. President Bill Stone is now running the company.
Qwest Chairman and CEO Richard Notebaert announced his retirement from the Denver-based telecom company. He will be the third top officer to leave this year. The company said Richard will stay on until a successor can be found.
Beth Lewand was named VP/Digital Media for Fuse. She will oversee strategy and implementation of Fuse’s multi-platform initiatives across mobile, VOD and online mediums by leveraging the network’s original programming slate. Beth formerly served as VP/Digital Media Programming & Production for Comedy Central.
WWE hired former Lycos COO Brian Kalinowski as GM/Digital Media to lead the company’s cross-platform digital efforts. WWE is retooling its sponsorship strategy to expand digital sales efforts and develop more year-round integrated marketing opportunities. Brian will oversee web/mobile content and interactive technology and report to COO Michael Sileck.
Anyone miss the snarky commentary on Mystery Science Theater 3,000? The show’s head writer and commentator Mike Nelson has created RiffTrax.com, which offers audio downloads of commentaries for feature-length DVDs for $2.99 a piece you can listen to on any MP3 device while you’re watching movies or shows at home. Choose from new releases such as Eragon or Casino Royale, the pilots of Lost or Grey’s Anatomy or clunkers from the past including Battlefield Earth and Ed Wood’s Planet 9 From Outer Space. Nelson can be heard on most of the commentaries, either by himself or with his MST3K cohorts Kevin Murphy and Bill Corbett.
A new website will be featured here everyday for you to check out. Some are TV-centric, some creative, some just plain strange, but all have something to do with this crazy business. Email me your suggestions at [email protected] and if I include the site you mention, your name, company and city will be credited. Only one mention per calendar week, to make it fair.
Correction : TitanTV Media’s new Producer of Original Content Morgan Jones is a he not a she! We regret the error.
Later — Wayne
Wayne Karrfalt for Cynopsis: Digitals
06.13.07
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Classifieds – Trish Pihonak- 203-926-9878 / [email protected]
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Cyn opsis CLASSIFIEDS – For More classifieds, visit the Cynopsis.com classifieds page here
JOB OPENING: COORD, PROGRAMMING/VERSUS/Stamford, CT: Assist w/all aspects of scheduling for fast growing sports cable net.1-2 yrs prior exp, knwldg/interest in sports & strong computer skills req’d.EOE.Apply at www.versus.com (6/20)
JOB OPENING: CONTENT DVLPMNT/RIGHTS MGR for NY Metro Area leading cable ntwrk.Leveraging content assets across multi-platform.Prod & Rights clearance exp. Req’d.Contract negotiation skills a +. Apply [email protected] (6/20)
JOB OPENING: DR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE/Fox Cable/ NY:Establish & maintain relations w/nat’l Direct Response Advertisers & Agencies; identify avail inventory; 2+ yrs DR sls experience; strong comm & present skills; www.foxcareers.com (6/20)
JOB OPENING: PRODUCER/EDITOR : Write, shoot, edit provocative shorts for bilingual audience. Take projects from pre to post production. Know Final Cut, Photoshop, After Effects, etc. Send links to your reel: [email protected] (6/20)
JOB OPENING: ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE/KTXL FOX40/Sacramento: More at www.fox40.com. To apply send resume; Email: [email protected] or Fax: (916) 733-3110; EOE (6/20)
JOB OPENING: PROMO SERVICE REP/Fox/NY:dvlp & execute sponsor partnerships (in-show integration, promotions & on-site branding); liaise w/ internal & external clients; 2+yrs promo/mktg w/in entertain or adv; www.foxcareers.com (6/20)
JOB OPENING: ACCOUNT MGR-AFFILIATE SALES/AETN, NY: Support the NE & SE regions in distribution, promotion and marketing of all the AETN networks. 2+ years
exp in Affiliate Sales. Apply: www.aetn.com/careers.html (6/19)
JOB OPENING: MEDIA SALES PLANNER/AMC/WE TV – LA: 2-4 yrs cable TV experience. Must have a minimum of 2 Upfronts and Gabriel exp pref. Resumes to www.cablevision.jobs #3628BR (6/19)
JOB OPENING: SALES & RSRCH ASSOC/CableU, Norwalk, CT: Target corps & ind orgs for CableU subscription sales; support analyst team in cable ntwrk rsrch; 4-yr deg. Strong comp. skills & cable TV ind knwldg req. Apply: [email protected] (6/16)
JOB OPENING: RESEARCH ANALYST/Program Partners/Venice CA: Great opportunity! 1+yrs Research & Nielsen. Ratings exp a must. Prior Studio Intern ok. Excel/Word/Outlook/PP critical. Work closely with sales. [email protected] (6/16)
JOB OPENING: FCP EDITOR/PLUM TV/NYC: Must be proficient and work on various commercial projects simultaneously. Must shoot, produce, and edit creatively and quickly. Light and sound exp req. Send resumes to [email protected] (6/16)
JOB OPENING: AFFIL RES MGR/FOX Brdcsting/CA-LA Analyze, present affiliate perf. Strong comm, writing, analytical & PC skills; BA; 3-5+ yrs media/brdcst res; Nielsen/WRAP/SNAP sftwr & MS appl’s prof.
www.foxcareers.com (6/16)
JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR, SALES ADMIN/Comcast Ntwrks/NY: 5+ yrs exp w/ strong analytical skills; strategic thinker. Resp for managing pricing, stewardship, revenue analysis, inventory mgmt. Email [email protected] (6/16)
SPACE TO RENT: Two fully functioning Edit Rooms, plus work space if needed, for rent from reputable TV/Web Co. Available now. Both have Final Cut Pro with NTSC Monitors & multiple decks. Turn key(phone, T1). Call Katie 212.242.1400 (6/16)
JOB OPENING: MGR & COORD ONLINE STRATEGIES & PRGRMS (WEBSITE PROPERTIES)2 JOBS) Planned Parenthood: Dvlp/execute website strategy. Reqs BA/BS & related work exp (3-5 yrs-mgr; 2-3 yrs-coord). E-mail: [email protected] EOE (6/16)
JOB OPENING: OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR/ NAMIC, NYC: Operations, project mgmt, web support to diversity org. 3-5 yrs experience required. For full description and to apply: http://www.MyChoiceEngine.com/Role/35788 (6/16)
JOB OPENING: EASTERN REGION DIRECTOR AD SALES/GOSPEL MUSIC CHANNEL/NY: Develop and generate sales for emerging network. Hire and manage sales team. Senior sales candidates contact [email protected] (6/16)
JOB OPENING: MEDIA SUPV/LA: Resp for day to day operations. Acts as primary client liaison in absence of AMD. Supv planners and asst. 6 yrs exp in Media. 2 yrs supv exp. QSR/ TV tune-in exp. req.. Send resume to [email protected] (6/15)
JOB OPENING: INTERACTIVE AMD/LA: Resp. for providing strategic input to dir. Act as liaison btw clients & agency. Manage planning team. 7-10 yrs exp. 3 yrs mgmt exp. Knowledge of media tools. Send resume to [email protected] (6/15)
JOB OPENING: MEDIA AE/LA: Resp for day to day newspaper issues. Knowledge of client bus./newspaper req. Work w/ Mac artist on newspaper ads. 2 yrs AE exp req. Negotiation/analytical skills. Send resume to [email protected] (6/15)
JOB OPENING: MRKTNG DIR/Montgomery Village, MD: BA; 3+ yrs exp in the entertainment ind. TV, Radio, Music, Records, Advertising, Sales and Excellent Analytical & Writing Skills. [email protected] (6/14)
JOB OPENING: SALES PLANNER/AETN, NY: Create Plans, steward accts, designate ADUs&recaps, coord make goods&post analysis prep. 2yrs exp pln’g or buyer.Exc comm skills.Client service mindset. Apply: www.aetn.com/careers.html (6/14)
JOB OPENING: WEBSITE JR CONTENT PRODUCER/Kidzbop.com, NYC: 2+yrs exp. Familiar with Web 2.0, Adobe Photo/Illustrator/Flash, Content Mgmt. Creative. Strong writing skills. Interest inkid’s media. Resume to [email protected] (6/14)
JOB OPENING: INTEGRATED SALES MGR/A & E TVNETS/NY: Looking for your next creative opp? Have a solid undrstndng of media/ratings/mktng? Enjoy writing/presenting to groups? Take next step in career! Apply: www.aetn.com/careers.html (6/14)
JOB OPENING: WEB PRODUCER/Nicktoons Network NY: 3+yrs online exp. Manage & execute multple online projects on time & on bdget. Undrstnding of internet/technlgy/site architctr. Flash knwldg prfd. Apply: [email protected] (6/14)
JOB OPENING: SALES PERSON/LA: Established, growing captioning company searching for exceptional salesperson. Background in captioning, postproduction,or television ideal. Apply through website: www.captionmax.com (6/14)
JOB OPENING: SR. BUYER/Job Share/SPOT TV/Active Int’l Pearl River NY(15 miles from NYC): 3 days-24hours total, 7 yrs+ agency Buying Spot TV exp a must; Resumes to: [email protected] or call 845-732-8943 (6/19)
JOB OPENING: SR. NEGOTIATOR/National Broadcast/Pearl River NY(15 miles NYC): Exp in all areas of Nat’l Broadcast placement. Strong analytical & presentation skills req’d. Resume: [email protected] or call 845 732-8943 (6/19)
JOB OPENING: GROUP BUYING DIR/Spot TV-Active Int’l /Pearl River NY (15 miles NYC): 10 Exp+. in Supervising/Buying TV. Strong negotiating, operations & team bldg skills req’d. [email protected] 845-732-8943 (6/19)
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 [email protected] .
SUMMER INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: Baltimore INTERN needed immediately for doc on waterfront redevelopment. Logging, research, set ups and assist on shoots. Begin immediately work through summer, possibly the fall. [email protected] (6/16)
SITUATION WANTED ADS, POSTED BY THOSE LOOKING TO BE HIRED …
SITUATION WANTED: SALES /NYC. Exp. professional with strong interest in media looking to transfer Wall Street sales & analytical skills to ent. industry. Seeks position in sales dept. w/ability to learn & grow. [email protected] (6/20)
SITUATION WANTED: “Out-of-the box” ADMIN/MGR visionary 20 yrs exp. in Project & Office Mgmt, Medical Ed, & Franchise Retail. Mission driven & customer focused. Takes ownership of outcome. Immediate start [email protected] Resume (6/15)
SITUATION WANTED: Breath-of-Fresh AIR/WRITER EXTRAORDINAIRE: available for long-term relationship with your audience. Proven track record crafting brand voices, concept/copy. Coming to Promax? Let’s meet. Contact [email protected] (6/15)
SITUATION WANTED: PRODUCER/WRITER/FIELD DIRECTOR: Exp. includes: reality, entertainment, talk, news, & docs. 3 Emmy noms; LA based, willing to travel. [email protected] (6/14)
SITUATION WANTED: ASSISTANT PLANNER/Online Media/NYC: Eager to learn field of online media. Creative instincts, diligent, quick ability to learn. Proficient in MS Word, Ppoint, Excel. Resume contact [email protected] (6/14)
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