02/28/22: A&E orders James Brown docuseries

Monday February 28, 2022

Today’s Premieres
AMC: Ragdoll at 10p
discovery+: Million Dollar Wheels
Food Network: Spring Baking Championship at 8p, Spring Baking Championship: Easter at 10p
FX: Better Things at 10p
HBO: My Brilliant Friend: Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay at 10p
HGTV: Rock the Block at 9p
History Channel: History’s Greatest Mysteries at 9p

Today’s Finales
TLC: David & Annie: After the 90 Days at 9p; Loren & Alexei: After the 90 Days at 9:30p

IN THE NEWS

Mick Jagger is among the executive producers for “James Brown: Say It Loud” (wt), greenlit by A&E. The docuseries explores Brown’s legacy as a musical force, cultural catalyst, and dominant Black creative voice. The show will premiere on A&E in 2023 timed to what would have been Brown’s 90th birthday. In addition to Jagger, exec producers are Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, Peter Afterman, David Blackman, Victoria Pearman, Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter, Shawn Gee, Zarah Zohlman and Charlie Cohen. Co-Executive Producers for Polygram are Madeline Post and Robert Komadina. Producer for Inaudible Films is Sarah Haber. “I am thrilled to be producing the four-part documentary series with A&E delving into the fascinating life of James Brown,” said Jagger. “He was a brilliant performer who inspired me from the beginning and was deeply committed to the Civil Rights movement.”

Chris Licht has been selected to replace Jeff Zucker as President of CNN once the merger of Discovery Inc. and WarnerMedia is complete, according to multiple reports (including CNN’s). Licht is currently executive producer of “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” and EVP of Special Programming at ViacomCBS. He was previously executive producer of “CBS This Morning” and MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.” Zucker abruptly departed his position on February 2.

Winners of the televised portion of the “53rd NAACP Image Awards” on Saturday included Jennifer Hudson (Entertainer of the Year and Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture – “Respect”), Angela Bassett (Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series – “9-1-1”), Will Smith (Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture – “King Richard”), Sterling K. Brown (Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series – “This is Us”), Issa Rae (Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series – “Insecure”), Anthony Anderson (Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series – “blackish”), Nikole Hannah-Jones (Social Justice Impact) and “The Harder They Fall” (Outstanding Motion Picture). An encore presentation of the show airs tonight, February 28 at 9p on BET.

E.W. Scripps Co. posted lower profit in 4Q21 on higher costs and expenses, some of which were related to its acquisition of ION Media Networks Inc. in January. Operating revenue rose to $622.3 million from $591.1 million a year earlier, while core advertising rose 8.1%, to $183 million.

Gray Television announced quarterly revenue of $721 million, a decrease of 9% from the 4Q20, primarily due to the decline in political advertising revenue. Take political advertising comparisons out of the picture, and total core revenue grew 26% to $359 million.

2022 Cynopsis Best of the Best Winners + Rising Star Honorees Announced

Last Thursday, Cynopsis’ Best of the Best Awards honored today’s leaders in TV programming, campaigns and more during a virtual ceremony. The full list of Best of the Best Winners, Rising Stars and New & Noteworthy can be found below.

Congratulations!

WATCH THE VIDEO

PRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT

Documentary “After Jackie” scored an order from the History Channel. From LeBron James and Maverick Carter’s UNINTERRUPTED, Firelight Films and in association with Major League Baseball and in collaboration with The Jackie Robinson Foundation, the two-hour film tells the story of the second wave of Black baseball players after Jackie Robinson who fought for equality. James, Carter, director Stanley Nelson and Andre Gaines exec produce.

A prequel to drama “Outlander” is in development at Starz. “Outlander” showrunner Matthew B. Roberts will write and executive produce along with executive producers Ronald D. Moore and Maril Davis via their Tall Ship Productions. Sony Pictures Television will be the studio.

Ilene Chaiken is out as executive producer/showrunner of NBC’s “Law & Order: Organized Crime,” replaced by Barry O’Brien, who had been co-executive producer, for the remainder of season two. “Ilene did a terrific job launching the series and is a gifted writer,” said “L&O” mastermind Dick Wolf. “She leaves the show in good hands and we are incredibly grateful for her contributions.”

A comedy focused on former First Daughter Alice Roosevelt Longworth, rebellious daughter of Teddy, is in the works at HBO Max. Based on the book Alice: Alice Roosevelt Longworth from White House Princess to Washington Power Broker, the project comes from Victor Fresco, KatCo and Kapital Entertainment.

CBC and HBO Max have renewed comedy “Sort Of” for season two. The series, a co-production between HBO Max and Sienna Films, focuses on a fluid millennial who straddles various identities.

Casting notes: Lyric Ross (“This Is Us”) landed a role in upcoming Disney+ and Marvel series “Ironheart,” reports Deadline… Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias (“Mr. Iglesias”) and Ryan McPartlin (“Chuck”) are onboard NBC pilot “Hungry” in series regular roles…Bernard White (“Silicon Valley”) has joined the cast of ABC’s “Big Sky” in the recurring role of patriarch of a drug cartel… Justin Johnson Cortez (“9-1-1: Lone Star”) has been cast in a series regular role on CW pilot “Walker: Independence.”

NEW & RETURNING SERIES

Season two of Food Network’s “Chef Boot Camp” kicks off Thursday, April 7 at 10p, with Chef Cliff Crooks helping struggling professional cooks.

A place of refuge in Canada becomes a crime scene in murder mystery series “The Wall,” premiering Monday, March 1 on Crackle.

“Great Performances: Now Hear This” will shine a light on American composers for season three. New episodes premiere Fridays, April 8-29 at 9p on PBS (check local listings).

COMING UP

The season two cast of Netflix dating series “Love Is Blind” will gather for a reunion episode slated for Friday, March 4. “Love Is Blind” hosts Vanessa and Nick Lachey will also host the special.

STREAMING

Hallmark Movies Now is offering subscribers a fresh slate of programming in March, with new uploads starting on Thursdays. Highlights include “Beverly Hills Wedding,” “All of My Heart: The Wedding” and “Mystery 101: Pilot” (March 3); season nine of “When Calls the Heart,” “As Luck Would Have It” and “Fashionably Yours” (March 10), and “Right in Front of Me” (March 17), among others.

Streaming aggregator ScreenHits TV has partnered with international news network Euronews in a deal that calls for SHTV to provide English, German, French, Spanish and other users live and on-demand TV editions of Euronews and Africanews on its curated platform.

TECH TALK

Nearly 87% of display ad spend comes through programmatic channels accounting for $85 billion in spending, according to a report from MiQ; by 2025, this is expected to rise to nearly $130 billion. Other highlights from “The Future Is Biddable” report include:
· Online advertising and online video displays will account for a majority of omnichannel data, followed closely by CTV.
· Campaign optimization, incremental reach, and custom KPI’s are among the top considerations for planning omnichannel campaigns in a cookieless world.
· Budget projects for CTV are predicted to vary between 70% and 90%.

Yahoo has created an XR Immersive Storytelling training curriculum in partnership with the Online News Association/Journalism360 and Knight Foundation. The curriculum offers journalists and storytellers who have limited experience with XR with comprehensive instructional videos created as a how-to series for making XR content using free, publicly available tools.

OTT VIRTUAL CONFERENCE: FULL AGENDA RELEASED

Join 750+ attendees on March 8th, interested in hearing from experts who are already taking part in this fast growing space.

Speaking companies include Gamut, Premion, Discovery, Future Today and The Toy Book.

FIND OUT MORE

RATINGS

On February 24, Univision’s three-hour “Premio Lo Nuestro” reached 6.0 million Total Viewers 2+ who tuned in to all or part of the live broadcast.

Discovery’s “Gold Rush” (2.2 million P2+) and “Gold Rush: White Water” (1.6 million P2+) were the top 2 non-news cable telecasts on Friday, February 18, in Live+3 data.

EXECUTIVE MOVES

Sahand Sepehrnia has been named SVP of Streaming for CBS Stations. Sepehrnia was most recently Executive Director, Content Strategy and Analysis, ABC Owned Television Stations, for the Walt Disney Company.

IN MEMORIAM

Veteran marketing executive Mark Stroman died February 22 of complications associated with Covid. He was 58. Stroman was one of the original 35 employees hired at Fox Broadcasting Company. He later was a founding agent at the marketing division of Endeavor, and was most recently CMO at Spin Media.

This Day in History
1909 – The first National Women’s Day was observed in the US.

Answer to Our Last Trivia Question
Which actors were series regulars in the same sitcoms, one in 1961-63, and another in 1964-66? Fred Gwynne and Al Lewis, in “Care 54, Where Are You?”, then “The Munsters.” Kudos to: John Ferlazzo/London; Charles Lore/NYC; Fred Cerullo/NYC; Max Leinwand-MediaPlace/Long Island City, NY; Greg West-WATC/Atlanta; John Kukla-KDFW/Dallas; Lorrie Shilling/El Segundo, CA; Richard Quan-Heat/San Francisco; Tom Moore-Kalt Productions/LA

Today’s Trivia Question
Who played Hustle Man on “Martin” (1992-1997)? (Email [email protected] with your answer and be sure to include your name, company, city and time zone. Unofficial rules: a limit of four answers per time zone.)

Cynopsis Team

Lynn Leahey
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Division President
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VP/Group Publisher
@robertacaploe

Executive Director of Sales
Albert Nassour
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Job of the day

ASSOC DIRECTOR OF AD SALES MARKETING & CLIENT PARTNERSHIPS (TEMP)
THE WEATHER GROUP
NYC, NY
Oversee execution of branded content. Lead high-profile priority accounts from kick-off through execution. Manage client/agency communication and creative approvals throughout activation process to ensure excellence and that all deliverables are met throughout the duration of the execution. TV experience, acct mgmt, and shoot supervision req. Full info HERE (3/11)

MANAGER, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
YES NETWORK
NYC
Define the YES App strategy & prioritized roadmap, providing analytical insights & defining success metrics & KPIs. Coordinate w/ internal & external stakeholders on executing app roadmap. Assist with preparation of annual budget, forecasts, & monthly. 2-4 yrs exp in business development, consulting, strategy, product management and/or finance. Full info HERE (3/11)

MARKETING COORDINATOR, STREAMING PLATFORMS
FilmRise/NYC, NY: Maintaining a yearlong editorial calendar to identify marketing & promotional opportunities with streaming partners. Creating and submitting TV & movie recommendations for marketing stunts to streaming partners. Managing brand presence and messaging on YouTube with direct to consumer product team. Experience in the entertainment industry preferred. Full info HERE (3/11)

COORDINATOR, INTERNATIONAL SALES
FilmRise/NYC, NY: Assist the International Sales team with all administrative duties: scheduling meetings, schedule department calls, managing conference/festival schedule & appointments, coordinate travel bookings for department, prepare and submit expense and budget reports, reach out to new contacts as needed, coordinate internally with various departments. Full info HERE (3/11)

ACCOUNT DIRECTOR
FUTURE TODAY(FTI+)
LA, CHICAGO or NYC
Represent FTI+ (independent publisher), selling an expansive portfolio of AVOD apps, focus on kids content along with TEEN, family, entertainment & lifestyle. 5+ years selling linear/OLV exp req. Biz dev position inclusive of direct, pmp/pg. Solid relationships across verticals. Full info HERE (3/10)

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE, DIRECT RESPONSE ADVERTISING SALES >>
GAC MEDIA/NYC: Responsible for prospecting, selling, stewarding, and reporting on all business, as it relates to Direct Response Advertising; work externally with Clients to maintain current business, develop new business and service overall Client needs; strive towards the pricing guidelines that align with the overall Sales team revenue goals. Full info HERE (3/10)

PRODUCER, THE FAMILY HANDYMAN, STREAMING TV
JUKIN MEDIA
LOS ANGELES
Produce curated and original series for Streaming TV in the DIY and home genre first, and other genres second. Maintain and influence creative alignment with the Channel and Brands. Contribute to the ideation of new show concepts in the DIY space. 4+ Years Production Experience (digital & linear) in the DIY/Home genre. Full info HERE (3/6)

JR. DISTRIBUTION FINANCIAL ANALYST
GSN
SANTA MONCIA
1+ yrs. w/database and reporting. MS Excel proficiency. Medea/Argo software experience required. Reviewing remittances/variances, reconciliation of discrepancies, creating codes and protocols in Medea, analysis to specific team initiatives w/other departments, coordinating support, tracking status of agreements, and strong time management. Full info HERE (3/6)

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE ASSOCIATE >>
MEDIAOCEAN/CHICAGO: The Customer Experience Associate provides application support for agency partners and agency vendors by identifying, researching, troubleshooting, and resolving application questions and issues in regards to our accounting and financial functions of the software. Full info HERE (3/6)

SALES DEVELOPMENT REPRESENTATIVE >>
MEDIAOCEAN/NYC, CHICAGO: Find and screen potential customers and have a strong understanding of the sales process, excelling at researching leads, starting new relationships, and setting our sales team up for success. Have the ability to showcase our offerings in a compelling way. 1-3 years of professional work experience preferred. Full info HERE (3/5)

ACCOUNT MANAGER FOR CLIENT SERVICES – DEAL MAKER >>
MEDIAOCEAN/NYC/EAST COAST: Execute a coordinated account plan for driving growth and adoption of Mediaocean solutions. Maintain a regular cadence of on-site visits to consult end users, identify and address business needs and challenges. Act as a trusted advisor and partner with customer contacts. 3+ years of experience in client services or consulting. Full info HERE (3/5)

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
KIRO TV (COX MEDIA GROUP)
SEATTLE, WA
Responsible for the sales on air inventory and websites, major event sponsorships, and digital assets offered. Focus on uncovering customers’ marketing and deliver results. Build influential relationships and generate new business opportunities consistently. 2+ years of new business development and prospecting experience required. Full info HERE (3/4)

SENIOR MANAGER, CONSUMER INSIGHTS >>
DISNEY GENERAL ENTERTAINMENT/BURBANK CA: Lead content research projects at all phases of a series lifecycle from concept to pilot to marketing and positioning to maintenance and health post-launch. Develop strategic insights about our brands and audiences and communicate those across the. A minimum of 5 yrs of exp leading primary research projects -both qualitative and quantitative. Full info HERE (3/4)

DIRECTOR, DIGITAL PRODUCT
A+E NETWORKS
NYC OR REMOTE
Develop Ad Supported streaming products across Mobile, Web & Connected TV devices & collaborate with engineering, UX/design, sales & marketing teams. Operate as a product owner; have 5+ yrs product management experience in a software/Web/mobile or connected TV app. environment. Strong technical, creative, strategic acumen. Curious and innovative. Full info HERE (3/3)

DIRECTOR OF PRODUCT MARKETING
TEGNA
NYC PREFERRED; DC/MCLEAN, VA ALSO POSSIBLE
Natural leader and an outstanding writer and communicator, responsible for representing the voice of our local and national customers while blending our product strategy with the tactics we need to drive customer success and revenue. Full info HERE (3/3)

PRODUCT MARKETING MANAGER
TEGNA
NYC PREFERRED; DC/MCLEAN, VA ALSO POSSIBLE
Represent the voice of the customer while serving as the glue that binds our product strategy to the tactics we need to drive customer success and revenue. The PMM will continuously focus on the creation of product positioning and buyer personas, generating demand, helping enable sales, and shaping the product roadmap. Full info HERE (3/3)

JR. ANALYST, AUDIENCE RESEARCH
FETV
NYC
Daily email sent to Executives about network performance outlining top program performances with Households & Key Demos, with context. Daily update of excel based network programming grid. Develop a Weekly Schedule Analysis Report giving insight into performance. Strong understanding of Nielsen concepts and terminology, plus exp with Nielsen data. Full info HERE (3/2)

MEDIA PLANNING COORDINATOR >>
IFC NETWORK/NYC: Strategically schedule/enter promos. Monitor programming ensuring promo assets are accurate. Work with Traffic on logs/formats. Review asset delivery/screen content. Proficient in Office, exp w/ sched software, background in media. Detail-oriented/Ability to prioritize/Meet deadlines. Full info HERE (3/2)

SCHEDULING COORDINATOR >>
AMC NETWORKS/NYC: Daily input of schedules for multiple nets. Work with Ops and Media Planning on program delivery, formats & versions. Maintain tracking docs, work with large amts of detailed info & tight deadlines. Acute attn to detail. Proficient in Excel, exp w/ sched software, background in media. Full info HERE (3/2)

COORDINATOR, MULTIPLATFORM SCHEDULING, INTERNATIONAL >>
AMC NETWORKS/NYC: Enter on-demand and digital linear channel schedules into various databases. Track content from multiple networks. Contribute to special projects as needed. Collaborative spirit with strong attention to detail. Excellent in Excel, background in media preferred. Full info HERE (3/2)

OPERATIONS AND STRATEGY MANAGER >>
BYUB/PROVO, UT: Dynamic, strategic leader who will work with various departments to analyze and improve existing processes and organizational structures. The candidate must have a deep understanding of BYUB’s mission and vision, be a collaborative leader and be dedicated to increasing the audience by assisting in delivering an optimized entertainment experience. Full info HERE (3/1)

DIRECTOR, CURRENT PROGRAMMING & DEVELOPMENT, STREAMING TV
JUKIN MEDIA
LOS ANGELES
Establish long-term creative programming strategy to achieve business unit KPIs (audience, sales, distribution). Detail plans and budget to help develop, help commission, and acquire programming. Ideate show concepts to fit our numerous brands on a daily basis. 7+ years in creative production for digital / streaming / television. Full info HERE (3/1)

ACCOUNT MANAGER
JUKIN MEDIA
WEST COAST (REMOTE – SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA)
Responsible for pre-sale planning & post-sale management & execution. Working closely with operations & sales on trafficking & QA for ad campaigns including scheduling, inventory requests, & production timelines. Helping sales & marketing put together pitch decks for client meetings and formal RFPs. 2-5 yrs prior exp in the advertising/media space. Full info HERE (3/1)

ACCOUNT SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE
CW
NYC
Work closely with Directors/Account Executives in positioning the network (Linear & Digital) to new and existing clients. Communicate with major agencies/clients serving a key role in the sales process. Collaborate internally with various departments to provide solutions for advertisers. 3+ years in media. Full info HERE (3/1)

DIRECTOR, SCHEDULING & ACQUISITIONS
TV ONE
SILVER SPRING, MD
Develop programming strategies/schedules that achieve or exceed rating & revenue goals. Manage the production of network schedule grids & identify, evaluate & secure acquisition opportunities utilizing data to make optimal acquisition decisions. Min of 5 yrs of prior program scheduling & acquisition experience in cable/digital channel or network. Full info HERE (3/1)

MONDAY FEBRUARY 28
ABC: The Bachelor, The Good Doctor
CBS: The Neighborhood, Bob Hearts Abishola, NCIS, NCIS: Hawai’i
CW: All American, All American: Homecoming
FOX: 9-1-1: Lone Star, The Cleaning Lady
NBC: America’s Got Talent: Extreme, The Endgame
PBS: Antiques Roadshow, Antiques Roadshow, Independent Lens
Telemundo: Exatlon Estados Unidos, Hercal: Amor y Venganza, Pasion de Gavilanes
Univision: Soltero con HijasMi Fortuna es Amarte, Madre

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