Cynopsis: DIGITAL
10/24/12

Good morning. It’s Wednesday, October 24, 2012, and this is your first early morning digital briefing.

Here’s a rundown of the important things that came out of the big Apple event yesterday, which did indeed, as speculated by everyone, introduce the iPad minito the frenzied masses:

• The iPad mini: It’s a smaller iPad, weighing in at a crisp 0.68 pounds. It features a 7.9-inch screen. The 16GB version is available starting at $329. People can preorder beginning this Friday; the WiFi version ships on November 2, the cellular version two weeks after that.
• A new Mac Mini. $599.
• A new 13-inch MacBook Pro with a Retina display, weighing in at 3.5 pounds. Starting at $1,699.
• A new iMac, which will be available in two models: 27-inch (December) and 21.5-inch (November). The 21.5-inch model starts at $1,299. The 27-inch is priced at $1,800.
• CEO Tim Cook said there are over 200 million devices currently running on iOS 6, and that 35 billion apps have been downloaded from the App Store to date. He also said that Apple sold its 100 millionth iPad a couple of weeks ago.

A new deal between Yahoo and CBS Television Distribution (CTD) will rebrand CBS’ syndicated newsmagazine series The Insider as omg! Insider, with the intention of creating a new multiplatform entertainment experience for audiences and advertisers alike. To launch in January 2013, the new TV show will still cover the top news and trends in Hollywood, and will still be hosted by Kevin Frazier and Brooke Anderson. However, Yahoo talent such as Kristen Aldridge and Michael Yo will now also appear on the telecasts. Online, Yahoo’s entertainment news site, omg!, will offer continually updated entertainment coverage in the form of video clips, interviews, photo galleries, and editorial content. The site will also be the exclusive home to video from the TV show. For advertisers, the partners says this will provide them with a promotion platform that extends across both TV and digital, as the website will post breaking news and promote the evening broadcast throughout the day.

Alloy Digital has teamed up with the Xbox 360 to launch a new digital series tied to the release of a new racing game, Forza Horizon. The reality competition series, titled Chasing with Steve Aoki, will span four weeks and eight episodes. Pitting three teams of the famous DJ’s “mega-fans” in a road rally challenge that’s based on Aoki’s life and music, new episodes will air every Tuesday and Thursday. The show will be distributed by Fuse on its website as well as the music network’s YouTube channel. In a bit of cross-promotion, Misty Kingma from the Alloy-owned Clevver Music will serve as the host of this series. In addition, Alloy’s Smosh brand will be featured during episode four, in which the comedic duo behind Smosh presents the rules of a challenge that centers on the video game. That’s not the only cross-promotion coming out of this partnership between Alloy and Xbox 360: The game and the series will be marketed via editorial content, as well as banner and video ads, across the Alloy Digital Network on sites that reach consumers ages 12-34.

Speaking of Microsoft: NBA Game Time is now available in the US on the Xbox Live. The new app allows users to watch every NBA matchup live or on-demand, as well as condensed versions and quick highlights of the games. Other features include up-to-the-minute team and player stats, standings, scores, schedules, and a “mini-guide” that lets users get a quick preview of all of the day’s action at the bottom of their TV screen, and switch between games at their convenience. A split screen option will also allow users to watch two games at once. And of course, all of it is integrated with voice and gesture controls via Kinect for the Xbox 360. Microsoft says the app will be available in other countries “shortly after” yesterday’s US launch.

Crackle has launched a collection of horror films for the second year in a row, titled Kill Count 2. Leading up to Halloween next week, users will be able to watch their favorite “kills” presented in this year’s collection on Crackle. In total, there are over 300 gruesome deaths to be witnessed across the 30+ films that are available in this iteration of the horror films package. Each featured film in Kill Count 2 is preceded by a promo and a faux ratings card detailing the killings in that movie. A Kill Count Death Toll will keep track of the number of deaths a user has witnessed across Crackle. Horror films featured in Kill Count 2 include classics like Night of the Living Dead and Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, relatively recent fare such as Prom Night and Vacancy, and lesser-known/grindhouse ones like Frankenfish and Zombie Strippers. Those accessing Crackle via its Xbox Live app will be able to access additional films, including The Devil’s Tomb and Vampire Bats.

Blip Studios, the production arm of digital media company Blip, has inked exclusive sales and distribution deals with three successful producers of online content: Julian Smith, Kipkay, and Cinema Snob.“Blip Studios aims to build a curated and robust catalog of series across multiple genres that appeal to specific audiences in search of quality entertainment,” said Steve Woolf, President of Blip Studios, in describing these deals. The goal is to help these producers expand their reach across Blip’s distribution network. Here’s some more information on each:

• Julian Smith: The actor and filmmaker operates a YouTube channel that has more than 1.1 million subscribers, as well as a Facebook page with over 350,000 followers. He creates short-form scripted comedy content that will reflect real-life situations.
• Kipkay: Also the owner of a YouTube channel with over 1.1 million subscribers, Kip Kedersha produces a variety of tech-related videos, which usually involve lasers, different gadgets, hacks, and pranks. He also produces a gadget review show.
• Cinema Snob: Created by Brad Jones, it’s a movie review site that has amassed tens of millions of views since it launched in 2007.

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE

Yesterday brought the global rollout of video ads on LinkedIn’s self-serve platform, LinkedIn Ads. Available in standard 300×250 units across the site, the video ads will be able to compete for impressions similar to what’s already available with text and image ad formats, says LinkedIn. Using an engagement-based model, once a user clicks on the ad, the video will take over the entire unit and will play a 30-second spot. After the video completes, users will be able to click through to the brand’s landing page or website. LinkedIn says brands can pay per view or click, and will have the ability to stop the campaign at anytime. Additionally, LinkedIn video ads are integrated with YouTube, allowing brands to bring over existing content from the world’s largest video site.

Spafax Networks, a digital out-of-home media division of WPP’s tenthavenue, has selected Nielsen’s On-Location reporting service to provide metrics for the buying and selling of digital place-based advertising. The company will incorporate the Nielsen tools into a new measurement standard for out-of-home advertising, which will allow advertisers to track, measure, and value messages that are being delivered to consumers while they’re on the go. The eventual goal for Spafax is to create an ecosystem for digital place-based advertising to the extent that it becomes another screen advertisers and media agencies regularly pay attention to when trying to reach consumers, wherever they are.

RedMas, a digital ad network focusing on Latin America and the US Hispanic markets, has inked a deal to become the exclusive commercial representative in Venezuela and Peru for Yahoo’s digital ad solutions. Per the deal, RedMas will offer local advertisers in both countries customizable branded solutions, as well as traditional display units, mobile, search, and performance campaigns, designed to reach Yahoo’s global audience. RedMas is the digital advertising arm of the Cisneros Group of Companies.

A+E Networks Digital Media reports that the week of October 14 was the best week on record for Biography.com. The website witnessed 1.4 million video views and 2.2 million visits, and received 1.9 million unique visitors during the entire week. It was largely sparked by last week’s presidential debate, as A+E says Barack Obama and Mitt Romney are the holders of the top 2 profiles on the website for that week.

Join us on November 14, 2012 at the Cynopsis Digital Video Measurement Summit in NYC. We’ve got some great speakers lined up, including executives from AOL, Adap.tv, comScore, My Damn Channel, Nielsen, Vuguru, and YouTube. You won’t want to miss it. REGISTER NOW.

In the last bit of news from Microsoft, the company plans to launch the SmartGlass app on October 26. The free app will allow users to watch a movie or TV show on their smartphone or tablet and finish it on the Xbox 360, or vice versa. In an interesting note, Microsoft says that the HBO Go app on the 360 will offer “groundbreaking Xbox SmartGlass experiences” tied to the next season of Game of Thrones. It’s the only media partnership of this type the company is announcing at the moment. Other features of the app include the ability control entertainment and gaming content on the Xbox 360, as well as a second-screen functionality so users can access additional information related to the content they’re interacting with on the gaming console. For example, when watching a sports game on the 360, users will be able to access real-time stats, news, and player bios via the app. When listening to music on the 360, they’ll be able to check out artist bios and discover related performers. While initially available for devices running on the Windows operating system, Microsoft plans to rollout versions for iOS and Android devices “soon.”

Michael Santoli, a former Associate Editor at Barron’s, has joined Yahoo Finance as a Senior Columnist. In the role, Santoli will look to serve as an authoritative voice on financial markets and economic news. He will also make regular appearances on Yahoo Finance’s original online shows, Daily Ticker and Breakout, as well as be a frequent contributor to CNBC as part of a recently announced partnership between the two media entities. He will be based in NY and will report to Yahoo Finance’s Editor-in-Chief, Aaron Task.

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE

Here’s a video from a new behavioral study conducted by Bravo and Latitude Research in July-August 2012 on the topic of multiscreen TV viewing. It consisted of two parts: A qualitative element that studied three groups of viewers on how they watched a TV show with DVR capabilities while accompanied by companion devices. The second phase of the study was a quantitative survey of over 1,000 multiscreen users, ages 18-54, on how they migrate across screens and how that varies based on the type of content that is being viewed. Here are some of the top findings:

David Kaplan, VP/Research at Bravo, says that when viewers in the qualitative study were shifting their attention away from the TV screen, about 20% of the time, they would seek out something on their companion screen that was related to the show they were watching. This opens up the capacity to offer what Bravo refers to as “productive distractions.”

According to the survey, 45% of “multiscreeners” say they are more likely to remember brands if they see ads on more than one screen rather than just on TV.

The survey also found that a “one size fits all” approach might not be the best one when developing second-screen content. When watching sitcoms, viewers also look for “laughter” and “relaxation” on the second screen; when watching reality food competitions, viewers are interested in “learning”; when viewers are watching dramas, they want to access more lighthearted fare on the second screen. In addition, viewers are 21% more likely to seek out show-related content on other devices while watching reality shows, when compared to scripted programming.

Later – Sahil
Sahil Patel, Associate Editor for Cynopsis Digital
10.24.12

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

To subscribe to any Cynopsis edition(s) click here.
To unsubscribe from this edition, click here.

Cynopsis CLASSIFIEDS – For More classifieds, visit the Cynopsis.com classifieds page here.

JOB OPENING: EXECUTIVE PRODUCER/Travel Channel/Chevy Chase: Creates & develops new original programming. Manages all aspects of original commissioned productions. Maintains and evolves ongoing series. 6 yrs exp. Click here to apply (10/31)

JOB OPENING: VP, BRAND CREATIVE/A&E TV/NY: Mng all creative work that represents the A&E & Bio brands incl. writing/producing all net brand creative. Min 8 yrs exp in creative exec role in media co. Apply: www.aenetworks.com/careers.html (10/30)

JOB OPENING: ABC RESEARCH CONSULTANT/ABC Burbank, CA: TV and digital media research exp, Solid computer skills, organized & detail oriented, college degree required, please contact [email protected] (10/30)

JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR RESEARCH/OUTDOOR CHANNEL/LA, CA: TV/Media resch; provide metrics/anlytcs; make recomndns; degree & 5-7 yrs resch exp in TV/cbl/brdcst ind reqd; apply at www.outdoorchannel.com/Employment (10/30)

JOB OPENING: SR AD SLS PLNR/OUTDOOR CHANNEL/CHICAGO: Provd sppt to centrl regn sls team, asst w/media adv, rsch & mktg plns; may have sls oppty. 4-5 yrs media sls ind exp, 4yr deg prfrd. Apply @ www.outdoorchannel.com/employment EEO/M/F/D/V (10/30)

JOB OPENING: PROGRAMMING OFFICE COORDINATOR/History/NY: Provide organized, multi-tasking administrative support for Programming team. F/T Freelance. Full Info/Apply: www.aenetworks.com/career.html (10/30)

JOB OPENING: PROGRAMMING COORDINATOR/History/NY: Experienced support for program development, liaison with program suppliers, dept coordination, contracts. F/T Freelance. Full Info/Apply: www.aenetworks.com/career.html (10/30)

JOB OPENING: ASSOC. DIR. PROGRAM RESEARCH/NBC Universal/NY: 5+ years Program Research experience required. Experience with Explorer/Arianna/Npower needed. Must have mgmt & presentation exp. Apply: www.nbcunicareers.com Job #4291BR (10/27)

JOB OPENING: INT’L SALES REP/NY: Multimedia co. seeks energetic/driven ind. to license content to int’l ntwrks & operators worldwide. +7yrs int’l sales exp. req. pref. in media ind. Sports bckgrnd a +. Res: Attn Rose [email protected] (10/27)

JOB OPENING: MGR GRAPHICS/Lifetime TV/NY: Supervise the in-house Motion Graphics Team of artists & animators. Min of 5 yrs exp in motion graphics prod w/at least 2 yrs at a sr producer level. Appy: www.aenetworks.com/careers.html (10/27)

JOB OPENING: INTERACTIVE CLIENT SERVICE SPECIALIST/New York, NY: Produce interactive broadcast ad campaigns. Detail oriented, strong communication skills. 2-4 yrs creative PM experience. Apply at https://dish-assessment1-dish.icims.com/jobs/14975/job (10/25)

JOB OPENING:  EXEC ASSISTANT/busy NY prodco: Full time, must have exp as exec asst for prodco/network/agency. Self-starter, smart, ambitious, creative, cool under pressure. Apply: [email protected] (10/25)

JOB OPENING: SR RESEARCH ANALYST/WEtv/NYC: Handle all aspects of Rsrch. Focus on support of prgrmng, ad & affil. sales to achieve rev goals. Exp w/Nielsen Marketbreaks, NPower, Nielsen AdViews, etc.Submit res: http://tinyurl.com/bs56ncw (10/25)

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].

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: FIELD PRODUCER: 10+ yrs exp w/I.D., TLC, HGTV. Reliable, hard-working, can travel anywhere @ drop of a hat. Contact: [email protected] for hiring & refs (10/30)

SITUATION WANTED: SUPERFINE WRITER: Concepts/content/copy. Digital, video, print, integrated. Broadcast, innovation, beauty, foodie, wellness. I hear brand voices. behance.net/betsyaaron (10/25)

SITUATION WANTED: NEED A BUDGET or SCHED? LINE PROD/EIC: 15+ yrs. exp. All formats TV & Features- fast turn around. Email:  [email protected] (10/25)

E-mail [email protected] or call Trish Pihonak at 888.702.3858 for rates and specs for Job Openings.

Are you looking for a job? Post your Situation Wanted Ad here — Email [email protected] for specs.

Copyright Cynopsis 2012

All outgoing e-mails are scanned and sent out virus free. Copyright Cynopsis 2012