Universal Pictures Partners With MINICK to Launch Mobile Film Portals Worldwide

Universal Pictures Partners With MINICK to Launch Mobile Film Portals Worldwide

LONDON, August 2/PRNewswire/ -- Universal Pictures has selected MINICK, a pioneer in wireless infrastructure and interactive applications, to build and manage their mobile film portals on a global basis. The partnership is designed to provide Universal with a scalable, streamlined framework to rapidly deploy mobile websites and develop significant mobile presence for their brands to complement existing distribution through mobile operators.

Beginning in Q4 2007, Universal and Minick will launch visually rich and compelling interactive mobile web (WAP) destinations for fans of Universal films to enjoy on their mobile phones. This new network of original, fully hosted sites and partner portals will give users on-the-go easy access to information about Universal's films and DVDs as well as the ability to download promotional and premium mobile content and participate in affinity programs.

Jeremy Laws, Senior Vice President of Universal Mobile Entertainment said: "MINICK's impressive track record with major brands and their global reach make them a perfect choice for Universal. We are thrilled to be working with MINICK on this key component of our global mobile distribution strategy."

Lourens de Beer, MINICK UK's Managing Director added: "The possibilities of using mobile as part of a long-term film marketing strategy are endless. Universal has been instrumental in making the necessary steps to achieve this. We have only scratched the surface of what mobile can truly achieve and over the coming years the types of services, data collection and interactive initiatives used by Universal Pictures and other MINICK clients will only grow and become richer."

About MINICK:

MINICK is the pioneer of interactive mobile applications and infrastructure solutions. Founded in 1994, MINICK develops and operates mobile services for network operators such as Vodafone, T-Mobile, Telefonica, and Orange, for media and entertainment companies such as MTV, RTL Newmedia, Channel 4, Sony Pictures, and Universal Music as well as for FMCG brands in mobile direct and dialogue marketing. The company has built one of the largest premium messaging networks in Europe and North America, and operates its own SMS and MMS centres with direct connections to the mobile networks. MINICK has offices in Germany, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. More information can be found at http://www.minick.net.

About Universal Pictures Digital Platforms Group:

Universal Pictures Digital Platforms (UPDPG) is responsible for global digital product development, production, licensing, distribution, and growth strategy for the extensive catalogue of Universal's properties across new and emerging digital platforms, including mobile, video game consoles, personal computers, and other portable devices. With a worldwide mandate to help shape the digital future of Universal Pictures, the Group has offices in Universal City, California; London, England; and Tokyo, Japan.

Universal Pictures Digital Platforms Group is a unit of Universal Studios Home Entertainment and Universal Pictures. Universal Pictures is a division of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80% owned by General Electric and 20% owned by Vivendi.

Source: MINICK

For more information please contact: Lourens de Beer, +44-(0)7810-180-175, lourens.debeer@minick.net; Nicholas Dale, +1-(818)-777-2833, nicholas.dale@nbcuni.com

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Profile: International Entertainment