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June 22, 2005 -- About Us | Advertise | Events | Subscribe | Unsubscribe

Main Stories
o SAG Union Actors Reject Video Game Contract Deal
o Report: Global Media, Entertainment Revenue to Hit $1.8 Trillion in 2009
o Apple Sued for Patent Infringement of iTunes User Interface
o AOL, MTV, Premiere Radio, XM to Broadcast Live 8 Charity Concerts
o Kodak, Barco to Jointly Market Digital Cinema Projectors
o Japan's Cybird Buys Mobile Entertainment Firm Airborne for $90 Million
o Report: MP3 Player Market to Hit 104 Million Units in 2009
o Oregon Bank Launches Local Artist Custom CD Promotion


> Featured Advertisement:
--Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP
  IT Workers Assert Their Rights To Overtime Pay
 

o Briefly Noted: Sony UMD - 100,000 sales, Vivendi Universal Games - "The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction," AOL's "Princess Natasha" - DC Comics, LodgeNet - ESPN, Muze - Biblio.com, GoFish - lyrics search engine, Jakks Pacific - HIT Entertainment, Pixem - "Wimbledon 2005," MediaBay - Larry King Audiobook Club
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> Job/Event/Marketplace Classifieds:
--Project Manager
--Senior Software Engineer - ASP.Net, VB.Net, Web Services
--Media Supervisor
--Director, IT Planning and Program Management - Biotech
--Technical Account Manager (TAM)
--Account Executives, Integration Software & Solution Sales - Software AG
--IT Workers Assert Their Rights To Overtime Pay
--Vice President/Media Director
--Sr. Product Manager
--Internal Communications/ Strategic HR Consultant
--Channel Sales Director
--IT Solutions and Services Sales - Financial/Insurance Vertical
--Information Architect
--Senior Java Developer
--Strategic Communications Group Offers Blog Relations Counsel
 


o SAG Union Actors Reject Video Game Contract Deal

Los Angeles -- The Screen Actors Guild (SAG), a trade union representing Hollywood's actors, has announced that its members have voted to reject the contract agreement recently reached between the union's negotiating committee and video game publishers. The deal avoided a potential strike among actors who lend their voices and likenesses to video games. Video game publishers rejected actors' demands to earn residuals for their performances, based on video game sales, although the agreement did provide a pay hike and improved benefits. "The video game market has grown to be enormously profitable, and our members have played a tremendous role in generating those profits," said SAG national executive director Greg Hessinger. "While the tentative agreement reached included several key gains, the Guild's National Executive Committee has made the final determination that this proposal was not enough. We will now explore our options." While SAG members voted to reject the contract, the agreement was approved by another major actors' union, the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA). Many voice-over actors belong to both unions, so the SAG contract breakdown is not expected to have a major impact on game production.
http://tinyurl.com/dvkwk
http://tinyurl.com/bj787
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o Report: Global Media, Entertainment Revenue to Hit $1.8 Trillion in 2009

New York -- The global entertainment and media industry is projected to grow at a 7.3% compound annual growth rate, from $1.3 trillion last year to $1.8 trillion in 2009, spurred by improved economic conditions, an advertising upswing, and increased focus on online distribution of music, films, books and video games, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers' Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2005-2009 report. Fueled by broadband adoption, the Internet sector for entertainment and media is expected to grow at a 17% CAGR, reaching $289 billion in 2009, while online advertising will grow at a 16% CAGR to $32 billion the same year. New spending streams on broadband and wireless distribution platforms will grow revenues for those sectors from $11.4 billion in 2004 to nearly $73 billion by 2009. "The entertainment and media industry continues to display an extraordinary ability to reinvent itself and create new revenue streams through innovative offerings that barely existed as recently as 2000," said PwC's Wayne Jackson. "Online and wireless video games, online film rental subscriptions, licensed digital distribution of music, and the rapid adoption of ring tones and mobile music downloads are becoming critical components of the industry and driving significant revenues across all regions."
http://www.pwc.com/outlook
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o Apple Sued for Patent Infringement of iTunes User Interface

San Francisco -- Apple Computer has been sued for patent infringement, by a software developer that claims Apple stole the user interface for its iTunes music player, AppleInsider.com reported. Vermont-based Contois Music Technology sued Apple in federal court last week, asking for an injunction to stop distribution of iTunes, in addition to unspecified damages for "willful" copyright infringement -- which, if agreed on by the court, would yield triple the normal monetary award. The suit alleges that Contois showed its design for a user interface for music player software at trade shows including COMDEX in 1995 and NAMM in 1996, where current and future Apple employees saw it and then incorporated it into iTunes -- which was first released in 2001. Contois claims it notified Apple of the infringement in September 2004, but believes the company learned of its patent in January 2003.
http://www.appleinsider.com/article.php?id=1143
http://tinyurl.com/cz29b
http://www.contois.com
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o AOL, MTV, Premiere Radio, XM to Broadcast Live 8 Charity Concerts

New York -- America Online, the webcast partner for the upcoming Live 8 charity concerts, announced on Wednesday that it has licensed U.S. broadcast rights for the July 2 concerts to MTV Networks, Premiere Radio Networks and XM Satellite Radio. Under the deal, the multi-city concerts will be seen live on MTV, and heard live on radio stations owned by Premiere, as well as by XM Satellite Radio subscribers. AOL said it will offer free live streaming video from five cities hosting concerts, and provide additional coverage through a team of on-site bloggers. AOL will also offer the concerts for free on-demand for six weeks following the event.
http://www.aolmusic.com
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o Kodak, Barco to Jointly Market Digital Cinema Projectors

Los Angeles -- Two providers of digital cinema projection systems -- Eastman Kodak and Barco -- announced on Wednesday they have teamed to market and sell each others' technologies. While Kodak provides digital cinema systems to theaters for pre-show use, Barco is one of three licensees of Texas Instruments' DLP Cinema technology and has installed nearly 200 of its digital projectors for movie theater screens worldwide. In addition to selling and marketing each others' products, Kodak and Barco will also collaborate on service and support, and systems development. "In North America, we believe the partnership will provide an enhanced digital cinema solution for our studio, postproduction, feature film, and exhibition customers by offering Kodak's service network, systems integration, and support infrastructure along with Barco's digital projection solutions," said Barco Digital Cinema executive vice president Scott Spector.
http://www.barco.com/digitalcinema/en/Pressreleases/show.asp?index=1559
http://tinyurl.com/ajgv8
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o Japan's Cybird Buys Mobile Entertainment Firm Airborne for $90 Million

Montreal -- Canadian mobile entertainment publisher Airborne Entertainment announced on Wednesday that it has agreed to be acquired by Japan's Cybird, a provider of mobile content services, for about $90 million. Founded in 2000, Montreal-based Airborne has produced mobile games based on licenses from MAXIM Magazine, Fox, Donald Trump and others; Cybird has created mobile content sites for NTT DoCoMo, au and Vodafone that count a combined 3.6 million subscribers. Cybird said it would benefit from Airborne's content library and distribution deals with North American wireless carriers, while Airborne will gain greater access for its products in the lucrative Asian wireless market. Airborne will become a subsidiary of Cybird and maintain its current management team.
http://www.airborne-e.com/website/news/index.php?loc=detail&id=87
http://www.cybird.co.jp
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o Report: MP3 Player Market to Hit 104 Million Units in 2009

Scottsdale, Ariz. -- The MP3 player market is poised to grow from 27.8 million units shipped in 2004 to 104 million by 2009, driven by falling prices, more legitimate digital music services, smaller hard drives and increased flash memory storage capacity, according to a report from market research firm In-Stat. Combined revenue for hard drive- and flash memory-based MP3 players reached $4.5 billion in 2004, up nearly 200% from 2003. Meanwhile, U.S. households owning a digital music player have grown from 16% in 2001 to 25% in 2005. In-Stat noted that Apple currently holds 30% market share for combined sales of hard drive and flash memory MP3 players. It also predicts that flash memory players with 1GB or greater capacities will make up 20% of that market by the end of this year. "As competition heats up, vendors are striving to differentiate products by offering a wide range of price points, memory capacities, and features," said In-Stat analyst Stephanie Guza.
http://www.instat.com/press.asp?ID=1366&sku=IN0502148ID  
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o Oregon Bank Launches Local Artist Custom CD Promotion

Portland, Ore. -- Umpqua Bank, a large community bank in the Pacific Northwest, on Wednesday announced the launch of a promotion for new accountholders, who will be able to browse a catalog of tracks from local Portland artists and create their own custom 10-song mix CD. Umpqua partnered with Portland-based licensing company Rumblefish to provide tracks for its Discover Local Music program, which will be offered in the fall at select stores in Oregon, Washington and California, as well as from UmpquaMusic.com. "The Discover Local Music program is a way for Umpqua Bank to showcase and support local artists while interacting with customers and the community on an entirely new level," said Umpqua Bank CEO Ray Davis.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050622/sfw047.html
http://www.rumblefish.com
http://www.umpquamusic.com 

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> Featured Advertisement:

> Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP

IT Workers Assert Their Rights To Overtime Pay

Tired of working late and on weekends without extra compensation? Whether you are a salaried or hourly pay employee, your company may be required to pay you overtime wages. Do not assume that you are not entitled to overtime. For a clear, concise summary of the law for IT workers, visit http://www.lieffcabraser.com/itovertime.htm or contact attorney Jahan Sagafi of Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP, at jsagafi@lchb.com
 

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o Briefly Noted:

(London) Sony has now sold more than 100,000 films on the Universal Media Disc (UMD) format used exclusively with its PSP handheld game device, Reuters reported. The figure does not include copies of "Spider-Man 2" bundled with new PSP units sold in North America. Film distributors including Sony Pictures, Universal, Lion's Gate and Anchor Bay have all committed to releasing titles on UMD.
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=9674 

(Los Angeles) Vivendi Universal Games announced on Wednesday that it has signed actors Ron Perlman, Neal McDonough and Richard Moll to lend their voices to its Sierra Entertainment publishing label's "The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction." The title also features a storyline penned by comic book writer Paul Jenkins and artwork from comic artist Bryan Hitch. Developed by Canada-based Radical Entertainment for PlayStation 2, Xbox and GameCube, the game is due to ship in August.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050622/law010.html
http://www.radical.ca
http://www.hulkgames.com 

(New York) America Online said on Wednesday that it has signed a deal with DC Comics to develop comic books based on its "Princess Natasha" original animated webisode series. Developed by Animation Collective for AOL's KOL service for kids, the series is also slated to extend to TV (Cartoon Network), DVD (Anchor Bay Entertainment) and books (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers).
http://www.corp.aol.com/press/index.shtml
http://www.dccomics.com

(Sioux Falls, S.D.) LodgeNet, a provider of broadband and in-room interactive entertainment systems to hoteliers, said on Wednesday that it has signed an agreement with ESPN to carry the sports network's GamePlan and Full Court college football and basketball pay-per-view services in its hotel rooms. ESPN recently signed a similar deal with LodgeNet rival On Command.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050621/cgtu055.html
http://www.lodgenet.com

(New York) Muze, a provider of entertainment-related databases on music, movies, books and video games to traditional and online retailers, announced on Wednesday that it has partnered with North Carolina-based Biblio.com to enhance its books database. Biblio.com will provide Muze with book reviews, synopses and bibliographical information on the 20 million used, rare and out-of-print books titles in its database. New York-based Muze was recently acquired by Enterprise Partners Venture Capital.
http://www.muze.com
http://www.biblio.com 

(San Francisco) GoFish, a developer of Internet multimedia search technology, on Wednesday launched a search engine that lets users search for and purchase songs by entering song lyrics. The GoFish Search-by-Lyrics engine returns 30-second audio clips, artist information, album art, and links to purchase tracks.
http://www.gofish.com 

(Malibu, Calif.) Toymaker Jakks Pacific on Wednesday said it signed licensing agreements with preschool entertainment producer HIT Entertainment, to create plug-and-play TV Games video game devices based on HIT properties "The Wiggles," "Barney," "Bob the Builder," "Thomas & Friends" and "Angelina Ballerina." The games are slated for release in 2006.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050622/law030.html
http://www.tvgames.com
http://www.hitentertainment.com 

(Las Vegas) Mobile game developer Pixem, a unit of Win Win Gaming, on Wednesday announced the launch of its "Wimbledon 2005" mobile game, the first cell phone tennis game to be officially licensed by the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. The game will initially be available to Verizon and Cingular customers in North America.
http://www.pixiem.com/wimbledon.com 

(Cedar Knolls, N.J.) MediaBay, a distributor of spoken word audio content, announced on Wednesday that it plans to launch CNN talk show host Larry King's online audiobook club this month. The first release for the club will be the official licensed version of Orson Welles' infamous 1938 Mercury Theater Sunday evening radio broadcast of "War of the Worlds." Along with the broadcast, an interview with surviving cast members; a second interview with Orson Welles and H.G. Wells; a recording of the next morning's press conference and other content will be offered to club members as a digital download, or as a 2-disc CD.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050622/nyw051.html
http://www.mediabay.com
http://www.larrykingaudio.com

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> Classifieds -- Advertise

> Project Manager

Cauldron Solutions, a leading provider of technology solutions that manage the production, distribution and transaction exchange of on-demand content, is seeking an experienced Project Manager. The right candidate will possess a strong track record of delivering large-scale media or technology projects on time and on budget. Excellent communication skills, attention to detail, PLC discipline, and strong client-relationship management skills are essential. Visit www.cauldronsolutions.com and send resumes to jobs@cauldronsolutions.com.
_________________

> Senior Software Engineer - ASP.Net, VB.Net, Web Services

Build Web Services for commercial CRM. Must have experience building Web Services and related technologies in a .NET environment: XML, XSL, SOAP, UDDI, WSDL ,WSE (.NET), security methods and standards, JavaScript, CSS, DHTML, ASP .NET, ADO.NET, MS SQL Server, T-SQL, stored procedures, triggers and data access optimization techniques. SharePoint 2003 Web Part Development, SharePoint Portal Server 2003 and Windows SharePoint Services configuration. Send resumes to recruiter@tmaresources.com
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> Media Supervisor - Manhattan, NY

In this management position, the Supervisor oversees all aspects of online media campaigns, including planning, implementing and tracking for one of the top 10 advertisers in the country. Require: Five to seven years of exp. in media, marketing or strategic planning, Exp. in online marketing and current knowledge of trends and innovations in interactive media, Proven leadership skills and mgmt exp., Excellent written and verbal communications skills, Detail-oriented approach. Please email cover letter and resume to Arela Simerson arela@cm-recruiting.com
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> Director, IT Planning and Program Management - Biotech

Key member of IT organization; senor management position within IT. Manage staff of 3-4 professionals; partner with CIO in managing IT planning, program management and administration. Prepare and track IT budget; determine performance measures; lead program management across all business functions; establish standards. Requires experience managing multiple large IT projects across diverse business units. Send resumes to fsltd@earthlink.net
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> Technical Account Manager (TAM) - Springfield, VA

Verio is a global industry-leading hosting and service provider. We are currently offering a position within our Technical Account Management group. The selected candidate will be responsible for the detailed tracking/resolution and day-to-day operational management of our dedicated hosting clients. The TAM will facilitate and assist with the troubleshooting of escalated client issues(24x7). Technical account/project management skills, preferably in a hosting environment, are desired. Bachelor's degree required. For more Information please visit http://ver.hrdpt.com Send resumes to cmerritt@verio.net
_________________

> IT Workers Assert Their Rights To Overtime Pay

Tired of working late and on weekends without extra compensation? Whether you are a salaried or hourly pay employee, your company may be required to pay you overtime wages. Do not assume that you are not entitled to overtime. For a clear, concise summary of the law for IT workers, visit http://www.lieffcabraser.com/itovertime.htm or contact attorney Jahan Sagafi of Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP, at jsagafi@lchb.com
_________________

> Account Executives, Integration Software & Solution Sales - Software AG

Established for over 30 years, Software AG is an expert in world-class enterprise modernization and information integration. We seek Account Executives with an advanced understanding of integration, middleware solutions, BPM, and workflow delivery software to sell our portfolio of software, solutions, and services. Visit http://www.softwareagusa.com/ or email resume to kim.burger@softwareagusa.com
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> Vice President/Media Director - Boston

Our client, one of the top interactive and analytical data marketing firms in their space, is searching for a Vice President / Media Director. Candidates should have at least 10 years of strategic media planning experience, large team management and strong client relationship building experience. P&L responsibility along with new business media lead pitch & win experience is required. The client will pay for full relocation for the right candidate. Reports to EVP/ Media. Boston. Requires relocation to Boston. Send resumes to dhonig@market- search.net
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> Sr. Product Manager - Walnut Creek

The Product Manager is the worldwide owner of assigned products throughout the product life cycle, including market analysis, definition of feature requirements, product positioning, competitive analysis, partner identification, and product launch. Require: 5 years enterprise software or hardware appliance product mgmt, understanding of IT environments in general and network troubleshooting in particular, strong communication and writing skills, strong strategic and analytical skills, ability to work in and foster a collaborative team, BS/BA required, MS/MBA preferred. Visit http://www.wildpackets.com Send resumes to hr2005@wildpackets.com
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> Internal Communications/ Strategic HR Consultant

Innovative and fast-growing strategic communications firm is seeking an exceptional internal communications Campaign Director responsible for the strategy and day-to-day execution of high-visibility communication projects. Contract Position. Min 3 to 5 years internal communications exp. Organizational development, change mgmt, and HR exp. Branding and communications design exp. Project mgmt exp. with emphasis on delivering projects on-time and on budget. Willingness to travel throughout US and Europe, possibly as much as 50 percent of the time. Highly motivated, dynamic personality. Send resumes to jobs@bonfiresf.com Visit http://www.bonfirecommunications.com
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> Channel Sales Director

ExtenDB is searching for a Channel Sales Director to be responsible for developing and implementing partner strategies to grow company revenue through resellers, system integrators, and technology partners. The ideal candidate has experience in channel management or business development within the Business Intelligence or database markets. About us: ExtenDB leverages open source and commodity computing to offer exceptional value for BI solutions. Send resumes to jobs@extendb.com
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> IT Solutions and Services Sales - Financial/Insurance Vertical

Software AG seeks an Account Executive to sell IT Solutions and Professional Services in the New York City/NJ/Philadelphia area. Qualified candidates will have previous experience selling Integration/middleware solutions and Services within Insurance and Financial Services companies. Familiarity with XML and integration platforms essential. Visit http://www.softwareagusa.com/ or email resume to kim.burger@softwareagusa.com
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> Information Architect

This exciting role is an opportunity for a seasoned Application Developer with Java and Websphere experience. Must have five or more years exp. in systems engineering with a large business enterprise with revenues of $100 million reqd. Candidate must demonstrate proficiency and exp. in any of J2EE (4 years), EAI (Websphere Family), Unix, and Oracle. Require financial/accounting applications, Network operating systems and client/server systems environments. Please submit your resume to vbhatia@hirestrategy.com, or visit http://www.hirestrategy.com/quicklinks/hire266.asp
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> Senior Java Developer

Looking for software engineers interested in helping us build a worldwide info mgmt system. Our preferred candidate is someone with demonstrated application development/software engineering exp. creating web-based applications using Java, JSP, EJB, JDBC, Struts, Hibernate, Spring, Ant, and WebLogic. Knowledge of Oracle DBMS and Plumtree Portal Server is also desired. A solid understanding of n-tiered application architecture and enterprise design patterns is essential. Must be a U.S. citizen and hold a B.S. or M.S. degree in Computer Science or Computer Information Systems, or a similar degree. Send inquiries to careers@nearinfinity.com
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> Strategic Communications Group Offers Blog Relations Counsel

Enter the Blogosphere prepared - Enhance your sales and marketing programs. Take advantage of blog relations and blog technology at its forefront. As blogging matures and becomes a prevailing force in communications, allow Strategic Communications Group to assist you in meeting your sales, profitability and corporate valuation goals. Contact us for a free white paper. Send inquiries to info@gotostrategic.com or call 301.408.4500. Visit http://www.gotostrategic.com/blogptw.html  for more info.
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About Us
Digital Media Wire, Inc. is a news organization, publisher and events company serving the digital media industry since May 2000. Our daily newsletter delivers original briefings on business, legal and financial developments shaping digital media and read by over 30,000 executives and professionals.

Digital Media Wire, Inc. is part of the Tech Wire Media Group, an international network of publications that includes Potomac Tech Wire, New England Tech Wire, Southeast Tech Wire, Bay Area Tech Wire, Tri-state Tech Wire, Thames Tech Wire and European Tech Wire. The network reaches more than 70,000 individuals from over 70 countries each business day.

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Co-Founder & Executive Editor: Paul Sherman
VP, Marketing & Events: Tinzar Than Sherman
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Editor: Mark Hefflinger


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