CYNOPSISDIGITAL
09.17.15

Good morning. It’s Thursday September 17, 2015, and this is your first early morning digital briefing.

 
Apple debuted iOS 9 for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. The company’s latest operating system features faster performance, better security, and another hour’s worth of battery life. In addition to numerous other new features, the OS makes it easier to find apps and other information: A new feature called Siri Suggestions shows you your most-recently used apps, in effect predicting which ones you’re likely to use. (It also isolates users’ most recently used contacts, as well as other info.) Meanwhile, the OS’s updated search bar can pull up apps from the App Store, as well as existing apps on your device.   
 
Meanwhile, Apple delayed the release – expected in conjunction with iOS 9 – of its newest Apple Watch OS, the watchOS 2. The company cited a bug, which it says will be fixed shortly. The newest update will make it easier for developers to build apps running on the device.
 
News Corp is acquiring video ad tech company Unruly. News Corp CEO Robert Thomson called Unruly a “feisty and creative company with a startup sensibility that fits perfectly with our own approach to developing businesses in the digital age.” Unruly will continue working with its existing clients as it begins collaborating with News Corp business units. News Corp paid 90 million dollars for the company, and could pay up to $86 million more, depending on Unruly’s future performance.

 
YouTube multichannel network FullScreen announced its intention to launch a new streaming entertainment service. Details are sparse, but according to a blog post from Fullscreen CEO George Strompolos, the service will include original scripted and unscripted series, hosted shows, feature films, podcasts, editorial content and more. “We’re building something special for a very specific audience,” he wrote, “[a] community of viewers who grew up online and live on their mobile devices.”
 
Amazon added HBO’s Sex and the City to its SVOD service. Prime users can now watch and download every episode. The show initially ran for six seasons, ending in 2004.   
 
In a gift from the comedy gods, an upcoming reunion series starring and written by David Cross and Bob Odenkirk has an official launch date. Netflix announced that W/ Bob & David will premiere on Friday November 13. The series, which consists of four 30-minute episodes, is the duo’s second collaboration in sketch comedy; they starred in the now-legendary HBO series Mr. Show with Bob and David from 1995 to 1998.
 
 

 
From hiring new execs to inking new licensing deals, Paramount Pictures has had a busy few days. Now there’s another licensing deal on the books: Chinese SVOD service Youku Tudou will add more than 100 Paramount titles to its library. The additions include films from the Mission: Impossible and Transformers franchises.
 
Tmall Box Office, a Chinese SVOD service launched by the Alibaba Group just this month, acquired over 1,200 hours of kid-friendly content in a deal with DHX Media. Chinese subscribers will gain access to titles including Teletubbies, Paddington Bear, and Johnny Test.
 
Multiplatform video service provider Vubiquity acquired Warner Bros.’ Digital End-To-End (DETE), a managed content technology service. Vubiquity says that the deal will give it access to DETE’s sizable network of distributors and enable the company to expand its content services. Among other things, Vubiquity says, the agreement gives the company exclusive distribution rights to all of Warner Bros.’ movies and TV shows for “several years.” The deal’s financial terms weren’t announced.
 
Open Book Productions has partnered with media company BroadbandTV. The production company, best known for its web series Venice the Series, will now have access to Open Book’s content. Crystal Chappell, who serves as Open Book’s CEO and stars in Venice the Series, spoke with Cynopsis Digital. “One of the things that we struggle with as a smaller company is finding…advertisers that fit,” she said.  BroadbandTV, she said, help Open Book find the brands to help back its projects.

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE

 
A hyper-immersive simulation of war-torn Syria can be more fun than it sounds. Just ask ABCNews. If you tuned in to last night’s edition of Nightline, you had the opportunity to use virtual reality to explore Damascus. During correspondent Alexander Marquardt’s newscast, viewers were encouraged to view panoramic images of the city. The VR features were accessible via ABCNews.com/VR, as well as through a virtual reality app (created by VR developer Jaunt) for iOS and Android.
 
 

 
On Tuesday, AOL debuted One by AOL: Creative. It’s an ad-creation counterpart to One by AOL, the company’s programmatic ad tech tool. Among other features, Creative leverages reams of data to allow advertisers in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. to effectively tailor an ad’s creative content to a brand’s audience. David Miller, AOL’s Vice President of Ad Product Management, spoke with Cynopsis Digital, and summed up Creative’s value to advertisers. “[Advertisers] are leveraging all the data they have access to,” he said. “But they’re not necessarily taking all that information into the creative experience.” According to Miller, advertisers on-board for One: Creative’s beta launch include Toyota and L’Oreal Paris. AOL’s global marketing platform Pictela has been folded into Creative, and the brand name has been retired.

 
With the NFL’s opening weekend in the digital books, it’s worth closely examining how folks responded on social media. Thanks to some exclusive info from the analytics team at StatSocial, Cynopsis Digital can do just that. As game day started, each game and team quickly became trending topics on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. The audience was 82% male, and over a third were teenagers. Football was their #1 interest. And nine out of 10 of their favorite brands were sports-related. Surprisingly, few of their top 10 favorite celebrities were NFL players. For more info, take a look at the below chart from StatSocial.

 
 
StatSocial also tracked the Tuesday premiere of FX series The Bastard Executioner and found that series creator Kurt Sutter was viewers’ second favorite celebrity influencer in this group. 53% of the social audience demonstrated an affinity for FX programing like American Horror story and Sons of Anarchy (also created by Sutter). But Game of Thrones tops the list. See another exclusive StatSocial chart below.

 
 
Floyd Mayweather, Jr.’s Saturday victory over Andre Berto marked the end of his storied career. Showtime Sports was there for the social media conversation, driving the discussion across Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, Tumblr, and YouTube with the hashtag #MayweatherBerto. The fight ranked #1 across Broadcast, Cable and Syndication on the Nielsen Twitter TV Ratings. And #MayweatherBerto trended worldwide throughout fight night.

 
Disney/ABC Television Group added two execs on Tuesday. Cindy Davis will serve as Executive VP of Consumer Experience, developing research capabilities for all of Disney/ABC’s platforms. John Frelinghuysen will serve as Executive VP of Digital Media, Strategy and Business Development, overseeing Disney/ABC’s business and strategy developments across digital and mobile. Both positions are newly created. Davis previously worked as head of Walmart’s consumer research group; Frelinghuysen served as AOL’s head of strategy.   
 
Also on Tuesday, Dick Glover announced that he was stepping down as CEO of Funny Or Die. But while his days in comedy may be over, he’ll still be a boss: Glover will be taking over as CEO of production company of Mandalay Sports Media. For at least the time being, Funny Or Die’s COO, Mike Galbraith, will take over the company’s day-to-day CEO duties.

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE

We’ll have the following experts on hand to present & answer your questions:
Joseph Hodorowicz – Talent Manager – Collective Digital Studio
Dave Perry  VP, Future TV + Cross Platform Innovation – VH1
Jesse Redniss– Co-Founder – BRaVe Ventures
Ilana Stern – Senior Director Consumer Marketing & Brand Strategy – Oxygen

 
English singer Toby Randall has rapidly become a musical celeb, and he’s not even out of braces; such is the impact of YouTube. Not surprisingly, he’s got some sharp insights into the power of digital content creation. Randall discussed his (very young) career over on YouTube Spotlight – available to watch here.

CYNOPSISJOBS – For More jobs, visit Cynopsis.com

JOB OPENING: 2 MANAGER S&P/DISNEY/BURBANK: Review original series, online, acquired content. Animation and live action. Commercial clearance. Kids exp pref. Please visit www.disneycareers.com REQ 296252 and 296253 more info (9/24)

JOB OPENING: LIVE ACTION PRODUCER/PREDITOR/TOCA BOCA TV/NYC: Mng creation of kid-hosted segments. Write/prod/edit 4-6 short form segs wkly. Mng budgets/sched w/Operations Dir. Working knowledge Premier/Final cut editing. Full info/apply HERE: http://tocaboca.theresumator.com/apply/HR05SU/Live-Action-Producer (9/24)

JOB OPENING: ANIMATION PRODUCER/TOCA BOCA TV/NYC:Dvlp/prod/curate new animated pilots, shorts & series. Full info/apply HERE: http://tocaboca.theresumator.com/apply/Rpe0DS/Animation-Producer (9/24)

JOB OPENING: ACCOUNT MGR/WFAA-TV, Dallas, TX: (2) open positions for Acct Mgr. Provide unparalleled svc to both the client & the co. by plan’g, dvlpng & executing fully integrated media campaigns. Min 2 yrs acct service support in media ind. Full info/apply HERE (9/23)

JOB OPENING: PRODUCTION MGR (FT WORTH) & ADVERTISING SALES EXEC (REMOTE)/RIDE TV: Production Manager with 5+ years in network television program production supr/mmgt. Ad Sales Exec w/3 yrs TV ad sales exp. Outdoor, ag, or equine ad sales exp a plus! Res/cover HERE (9/23)

JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR, HOME ENTERTAINMENT/CROWN MEDIA FAMILY NETWORKS/LA: Build and manage physical and digital distribution business.Lead vision/strgy into existing and new dist. platforms. Min 5 yrs exp. Apply HERE (9/22)

JOB OPENING: ANALYST, BRAVO PROGRAM RES/NYC: Knowledge of Nielsen, proactive thinker and good communication skills needed; 1-2 years relevant exp prefered. Cable ntwk exp a plus. Apply HERE (9/19)

JOB OPENING: MGR, PROMO PLNG/SCHED/Showtime/NYC: Dvlp/optimize digital promo plans w/streaming partners.Schedule/commission/traffic promo elements. 4 +yrs working w/ digital promos, media plng + knwldg of web & mobile tech.Digital analytics acumen. Full info/apply HERE (9/19)

JOB OPENING: DIGITAL AE/FOX HOME TEAM SPORTS/NY, LA & CHI: Drive digital revenue thru sales to agencies & clients directly. Develop innovative digital strategies that expand the scope of HTS client solutions. Min 5 yrs digital/sales/sports exp req. Email resume to: [email protected] (9/19)

JOB OPENING: DIGITAL SALES PLANNER/FOX HOME TEAM SPORTS/LA: Support the sale of HTS digital assets from inception thru post-sale stewardship. Assist AEs on all account needs, incl participation in sales mtgs. 1-2 yrs digital sales exp req. Full info/apply HERE (9/19)

JOB OPENING: SR RESEARCH ANALYST/BBCA/NYC: Support both Ad Sales and Affiliate Sales to achieve rev goals. 1-2 years exp with Nielsen systems and digital research. Full info/apply HERE (9/19) 

JOB OPENING: DIR, PRICING & PLANNING/AMC/NYC: 4-6 years exp in Ad Sales Pricing and Planning at nat’l broadcast or cable ntwk. Planner and Inventory mmgt exp required. Full info/apply HERE (9/19) 

JOB OPENING: MANAGER, RESEARCH/IFC/NYC: 2+ years ad sales research exp at broadcast or cable ntwk. Ability to mentor analysts. Strong familiarity with Nielsen products. Fully/apply HERE (9/19)

JOB OPENING: MNGR, CONTENT&PARTNERSHIPS/NYC: Develop & execute cross-platform content solutions in NYC office. 2-3 yrs integrated mrtkting/branded content exp & kwldg. Strong client service, commun, management skills. Full info/apply HERE (9/19)

JOB OPENING: VP, TALENT RELATIONS/BET Networks/LA: Work w/other members of the Orig Prgrmng dept to mng talent on the shows & help bring talent to the network. 10 yrs exp in talent relations and/or casting/talent dvlpmnt w/in ent industry. Full info/apply HERE (9/19)

JOB OPENING: VP SCRIPTED DEVELOPMENT/BET/LA: Head of Original Prgrmng & be resp for all aspects of dvlpmnt. 6+ yrs of scripted dvlpmnt exp at ntwrk or prod co. w/at least 3 yrs exp at the Dir level or higher at a ntwrk, studio, or active prod co. Full info/apply HERE (9/19)

JOB OPENING: PRODUCTION MANAGER/IFC/NYC: SCRIPTED experience is a must! Supervise production on IFC fully scripted originals. 5+ years in production supr/mmgt at ntwk or studio lvl. Full Info/Apply HERE (9/19)

JOB OPENING: MOTION GRAPHICS DESIGNER/REELZ/ALBUQUERQUE: Design and execute on-air graphics as well as digital and print. Must have 3-5 yrs exp w/AE, C4D, Photoshop, Illustrator. Strong design sense is essential. Relocation assistance. Apply at: http://www.reelz.com/careers/ (9/19)

JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR PROGRAM PLANNING/Nickelodeon/NYC: Plan/implement prgrm schedules for cable TV networks that targets Kids/Teens/Adults/Boys. Mng daily long form linear prgrm scheduling ops. 7+ yrs exp prgrm scheduling at brdcst or cbl ntwrk. Full info/apply HERE (9/19)

JOB OPENING: DIR AD SALES RESEARCH (TEMP)/NYC: Serve as an expert on target audiences to all clients-Sales, Research, co-workers & agencies. 4 yrs+ of media research exp. Ad sales rsch exp a must. Full info/apply: www.fuse.tv (9/19)

JOB OPENING: DIGITAL PRODUCER/Sprout/NYC: Manage portfolio of dig projs in interactive, gaming & digital media; Exp w/Agile/Scrum framework and full dev cycle, from concept to delivery; Min. 5 yr exp. Full info/apply HERE (9/19)

JOB OPENING: TALENT AGENT/Top Tier Talent agency/NYC: Quickly growing digital media division seeking self-starter w/a passion for digital & social media; solid knwlg of emerging ‘influencer’-based talent community. Entrepreneurial disposition pref’d. Resume HERE (9/19) 

JOB OPENING: SR MGR, CONSUMER MKTG & BRAND STRATEGY/NATGEO/DC: Develop & execute premium, innovative integrated mktg campaigns across all platforms to drive ratings & audience engagement for iconic brand. Min 5 yrs exp with network/TV required. Full info/apply HERE (9/19)

JOB OPENING: MGR, BUSINESS OPERATIONS/Viacom/NYC: Mng daily ops & strategic projects for Content Distribution incl: linear signal distribution, digital ops & business applications. BA Deg w/Min 4 yrs relevant industry exp req’d. Full info/apply HERE (9/19)

JOB OPENING: MGR, INTEGRATED MARKETING/Viacom/NYC: Dvlp creative multi-platform integrated mktg programs for various Spike properties incl awards shows & Spike Original Prgrmng. Min 4 yrs Ad Sales &/or mktg exp. Strong orgnztl/time mngmnt skills. Full info/apply HERE (9/19)

JOB OPENING: DIR CONSUMER MKTG/UP TV/ATL: Dvlp/implement multi-platform mktg plans. 10+ yrs Dir/Sr level exp. w/mktg, adv. & promoting orig. prgrms at ad-supported cbl ntwk. Exp. working digital, social, TV, print, outdoor & radio + dev. of key art & other collateral. Resume HERE (9/19)

CASTING CALL: Companies can showcase their casting notices/casting calls here. For information on rates and specs for posting a casting notice, please email Trish at [email protected]

EXPERT SERVICES ADS: These ads are for companies or people who offer an expertise in the field of media by way of production, voice over artistry, writing, set development, etc. For information on rates and specs for posting an Expertise Service 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: Accomplished, results-driven research/insights exec seeks VP+ consumer insights role client or vendor side. Open to re-lo. Can start immediately. Great references. Email candidate directly at [email protected] to discuss

To subscribe to any Cynopsis edition(s) click here.
%%PLUGIN_Unsubscribe: 2193667-unsub-generic%%

All outgoing e-mails are scanned and sent out virus free. Copyright Cynopsis 2015