archives

o AtomShockwave Lays Off 120 of 170 Employees
o National Book Awards to Accept E-Book Entries
o Copyright Office Launches Web-based Copyright Search Service
o Contact Database Software Firm BigRecordPromoter Raises First Round
o Videoconferencing Firm GeoVideo Acquired by Wire One Technologies
o Two Way TV Merges TWIN Entertainment Venture with Interactive Network
> DMW & socalTECH Seminar: Digital Asia -- June 20 | Los Angeles
> Digital Media Wire Seminar: iTV -- June 27 | San Francisco
o Briefly Noted: Yahoo - Radiohead, MP3.com artists - Van Cliburn
International Piano Competition, Quixotic Solutions, Neumu, eGames - Into
Networks, Salon.com - Powell's, "Copyright on Trial," "The music
revolution will not be digitized"
_____________________________________________

> Job Postings: Director of Product Management, Writer/Editor,
Web Producer, Product Marketing Manager

> Events/Services: "Loyola Marymount MBA in the Media," "Investing in
Early Stage Deals," "Interactive Submissions for Sensory Circus"

Full Job/Event/Services descriptions listed below "Briefly Noted" section
or at
http://www.digitalmediawire.com/postings.html

To Post a Job: http://www.digitalmediawire.com/jobs.html
To Post an Event/Service: http://www.digitalmediawire.com/events.html
_____________________________________________

o AtomShockwave Lays Off 120 of 170 Employees

Seattle -- Short film and games distributor AtomShockwave has laid off 120
of its 170 employees, according to sources who spoke to Inside.com on
Friday. The layoffs are part of a restructuring that "reflect[s] the
changes in the economy," a representative told CNET. Sources also told
CNET -- which reported that 150 of 180 employees were actually laid off --
that fired employees wanting to stay must reapply to attain one of the 30
remaining positions; all others would be offered eight-week severance
packages. The layoffs come despite the company having raised $22.9 million
in March from investors that included Shockwave.com parent Macromedia.
Seattle-based AtomShockwave will no longer aggressively acquire content,
but rather focus on syndication, paid content and securing sponsorships
and advertising from major companies.
http://www.inside.com/jcs/Story?article_id=32116&pod_id=10
http://news.cnet.com/news/0-1005-200-6158263.html?tag=mn_hd
http://www.atomshockwave.com
_____________________________________________

o National Book Awards to Accept E-Book Entries

Chicago -- The National Book Foundation announced on Friday that it will
now accept e-books alongside traditional printed works for consideration
for the National Book Awards. However, the e-books must be submitted in
print form as bound texts, so that they can be judged by the quality of
their text and so judges aren't taken with their "bells and whistles," Meg
Kearney, associate director of the National Book Foundation, told
Inside.com.
http://www.publishersweekly.com/nbf/docs/nbf.html
http://www.msnbc.com/news/581087.asp?0nm=C16M
_____________________________________________

o Copyright Office Launches Web-based Copyright Search Service

Washington, D.C. -- The U.S. Copyright Office announced on Friday the beta
version of a new search engine it has created that houses information on
14 million copyrighted works dating back to 1978. The branch of the
Library of Congress said the new service is designed for first-time or
occasional users, and is much easier to use than its other search service,
the Telnet-based LOCIS. Users can search the Copyright Office's records
based on three categories: Registered Works, consisting of music, films,
books and software; Serials, such as magazines or newspapers; and
Documents, which consist of Office documents like name changes and
transfers of copyright ownership.
http://www.loc.gov/copyright/search
_____________________________________________

o Contact Database Software Firm BigRecordPromoter Raises First Round

Santa Monica, Calif. -- BigRecordPromoter, a developer of software that
manages contact information for independent musicians and promoters, said
it has raised an undisclosed amount of funding in its first round from
Pacific Security Group. The company will use the funds to continue
development of its product; a beta version of the software is expected to
launch in August. Santa Monica-based BigRecordPromoter was spun-off from
Creative Design, a provider of Web design services. The company is also
raising a second round of funding which it will use to market its software
and complete the final version, expected to be released by the end of
2001.
http://www.bigrecordpromoter.com
_____________________________________________

o Videoconferencing Firm GeoVideo Acquired by Wire One Technologies

Hillside, N.J. -- Wire One Technologies, a developer of video
communications technology, announced that it will acquire the assets of
GeoVideo Networks, a provider of video collaboration technology, for just
under $5 million in stock. New York-based GeoVideo's assets include $2.5
million cash on hand and its browser software that lets "up to six
simultaneous, real-time, bi-directional high-bandwidth IP video sessions"
take place on a regular desktop PC. New Jersey-based Wire One said it will
integrate GeoVideo's technology into its own offerings by the beginning of
next year.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/010531/nyth064.html
http://www.geovideo.com
http://www.wireone.com
_____________________________________________

o Two Way TV Merges TWIN Entertainment Venture with Interactive Network

London -- Two Way TV Ltd, a developer of games for interactive television,
announced on Friday that its partner Interactive Network -- also an iTV
developer -- will be merged into their joint venture TWIN Entertainment,
which will be renamed Two Way TV (US), Inc. Under the terms, Two Way TV
Ltd will own 45 percent of Two Way TV (US). The London-based Two Way TV
will grant the new U.S.-based company an exclusive license to all of its
games, technologies and patents to market and further develop them for
U.S. and Canadian interactive television markets.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/010601/0068.html
http://www.twowaytv.com
http://www.interactivenetwork.com
http://www.twinentertainment.com
_____________________________________________

> Digital Media Wire & socalTECH Present a Panel Discussion:
"Digital Asia: Recent Developments & New Business Opportunities"

Los Angeles | Wednesday, June 20th at the Wyndham Bel Age

SPONSORS:
Jones Day Reavis & Pogue, Loyola Marymount Int'l MBA in Media

This panel of executives, investors and professionals will discuss the
latest developments in digital media, with a focus on business
opportunities, strategies and ventures being created between the United
States and China, Taiwan, Korea and Japan.
For more information and to register:
http://www.acteva.com/booking.cfm?bevaid=14674&Referrer_id=4074

SPEAKERS:
Ravin Agrawal - Partner | EastWest VentureGroup
James Hsu - Attorney | Jones Day Reavis & Pogue
Stuart Levy - Co-Founder & CEO | TOKYOPOP
Beth Minehart - SVP Business Development | Universal Studios Television
***Additional panelists TBA***

MODERATOR:
Stephen Liu
Co-Founder & President | Reelplay, Founder & Chairman | APEX

SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS:
Asian Business League, AINT, Asian Professional Exchange, larta
_____________________________________________

> Digital Media Wire Presents a Panel Discussion:
"iTV: Defining the New Face of Television"

San Francisco | Wednesday, June 27th at The City Club

SPONSOR: UBS Warburg

This panel of players ranging from content developers to investment
bankers will discuss the new face of television, which will include an
amalgam of services like email, IPGs (interactive program guides), PVRs
(personal video recorders), enhanced TV, etc., and what it means for
Hollywood, the tech industry and most importantly, the consumer.
For more information and to register:
http://www.acteva.com/booking.cfm?bevaid=14770&Referrer_id=4074

MODERATOR:
Michael Kline - Senior Manager | Deloitte Consulting

SPEAKERS:
David Higley - Exec. Director Technology Investment Banking | UBS Warburg
Bill Niemeyer - Director of Strategic Development | Spiderdance
Nicholas Wodtke - SVP Interactive Television | Sony Pictures Entertainment
***Additional panelists TBA***
_____________________________________________

o Briefly Noted:

(Santa Clara, Calif.) Yahoo announced on Friday that Capitol Records
recording artists Radiohead will promote their latest album, "Amnesiac,"
on the portal. Fans can currently listen to the album in its entirety in a
28k or 80k streaming audio version on the site; the album will be released
June 5. They can also preorder the album, bid on front row concert
tickets, download a free track from the album and watch Radiohead videos.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/010601/2059.html
http://music.yahoo.com/music/aom
http://news.cnet.com/news/0-1005-200-6156059.html?tag=cd_mh

(San Diego) Digital music distributor MP3.com announced on Friday that two
of its artists will compete in the Van Cliburn International Piano
Competition, which honors the American pianist who won the first
International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow, in 1958. The artists --
Roger Wright and Andrew Russo -- are both pianists that have posted their
recordings on San Diego-based MP3.com's site.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/010601/laf022.html
http://www.cliburn.org/competition/index.html
http://www.mp3.com/rogerwright
http://www.mp3.com/johnbellyoung

(Washington, D.C.) Quixotic Solutions, a developer of technology for the
online gaming industry, said it has developed technology "that radically
reduces or eliminates most forms of online cheating, promotes fair play
and enables consumers to participate in a safe and regulated online gaming
environment." D.C.-based Quixotic licenses its products to online gambling
sites and governments.
http://www.quixotic-solutions.com

(Los Angeles) Neumu, an online music news and art site created by former
Sonicnet editor-in-chief and Addicted to Noise founder Michael Goldberg,
on Friday announced its launch. In addition to editorial content from
Goldberg's InsiderOne.net and original album reviews and interviews, the
site will feature animation, film reviews and photography.
http://www.neumu.com/dailyreport/

(Langhorne, Pa.) Video game developer eGames announced on Friday that it
has partnered with Into Networks to offer streaming media versions of its
games. Massachusetts-based Into Networks delivers software on a rental or
subscription fee basis to broadband and cable modem subscribers.
Pennsylvania-based eGames develops "family friendly," Web-based video
games.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/010531/cgth051.html
http://www.egames.com
http://www.intonetworks.com

(San Francisco) Online magazine Salon.com said on Friday that independent
bookseller Powell's has become its exclusive books partner. Books-related
editorial content on Salon.com will now link to e-commerce sales pages on
Powells.com.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/010601/sff007.html
http://www.powells.com
http://www.salon.com

(San Francisco) Streamingmedia.com is currently running a feature story on
Jason Spatafore, who was prosecuted by the federal government for
providing free downloads of "Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace" on
his website. Spatafore pleaded guilty to copyright infringement and was
sentenced on March 23 to two years probation and a $250 fine. "Lucasfilm
scapegoated me," Spatafore said. "I don’t know why."
http://www.streamingmedia.com/article.asp?id=7450

(San Francisco) Salon.com featured an article on Friday about the
consolidation and current trend of acquisitions in the digital music
industry. Vivendi Universal recently purchased both EMusic and MP3.com;
Bertelsmann acquired MyPlay and is working with Napster, and other
companies such as Nullsoft, SonicNet, Scour and IUMA have been
incorporated into larger traditional media companies.
http://www.salon.com/tech/feature/2001/06/01/digital_music/index.html

===================================================
Job Postings:
===================================================
To Post Jobs: http://www.digitalmediawire.com/jobs.html

> About.com, Director of Product Management - New York City

The ideal candidate will be responsible for managing product design,
planning, testing, documentation and implementation of company products
and sales integrations. This person will report to the SVP of Product
Development and will be managing a team of top notch dedicated HTML
Producers, Project Managers and Designers.
Send resume and cover letter to Kevin Donovan at kdonovan@about-inc.com
http://www.about.com
______________________

> Penthouse.com, Writer/Editor - New York City

PENTHOUSE.COM -- the official website of Penthouse Magazine -- is seeking
a full time copyeditor. An ideal candidate has strong writing and editing
skills, but more importantly loves to copyedit and work with text.
Experience with BBEdit, FTP, Web Editing etc. a major plus. This is a
great opportunity to make real contributions on a small, energetic
editorial staff.
Send resume to: editor@generalmedia.com
http://www.penthouse.com
______________________

> Screen Actors Guild, Web Producer - Los Angeles

Must have strong visual design skills and be able to work both
independently and as part of a team. Responsibilities will include but not
be limited to Web page creation (HTML), Graphic design / web graphics,
Information design / web architecture, Animation / Flash design, CGI
programming / Java script & Database front-end design. 3-5 years in web
design & scripting OR pertinent degree. Send resume and cover letter to:
jobs@sag.org
http://www.sag.org
______________________

> Wayport, Inc., Product Marketing Manager - Austin, TX

A minimum of 5+ years exp. in product management. Responsibilities include
working w/ external customers & internal engineering in product
definition, developing product features & functionality, as well as
developing product life cycle plans, pricing & product positioning. Must
have a strong financial background, negotiation skills and track record
working with wireless apps.
Send resumes to: debbie.primera@wayport.net
http://www.wayport.net

===================================================
Events/Services Postings:
===================================================
To Post Events/Services: http://www.digitalmediawire.com/events.html

> Loyola Marymount University, International MBA in Media - Los Angeles

Loyola Marymount's International MBA in Media is a unique 1-year program
for individuals who are interested in the business aspect of the growing
entertainment and media industries. In cooperation with the Center for
Asian Business at LMU, this innovative program is offered through LMU's
famous College of Business Administration and the School of Film and
Television.
For more information, please visit: http://www.lmu.edu/acad/cab/immba/
______________________

Investing in Early Stage Deals, July 23-24 - Boston

With the dramatic changes and new developments affecting venture capital
investing, how are venture capitalists strategizing and doing business in
uncertain markets? Hear discussions from top industry leaders as they
explore the opportunities, as well as the pitfalls, of early stage
investing.
For more information, please email ipakoys@srinstitute.com
To register: http://www.srinstitute.com/cx375
______________________

> Interactive Submissions for Sensory Circus, June 9 - Los Angeles

Sensory Circus is reviewing submissions for a few additional film and
interactive presentations for the June 9 event at the Wyndham Bel Age
Hotel in West Hollywood. Companies and individuals intersted in
presenting at the event should contact
Caradoc Ehrenhalt at ehrenhalt@shoptop.com
To register for the event, please visit: http://www.sensorycircus.com
______________________

To subscribe, go to:
http://www.digitalmediawire.com

Questions or comments? Send email to:
mark@digitalmediawire.com

News tips, press releases. Send email to:
editorial@digitalmediawire.com