Universal Studios Consumer Products Group is turning to the small screen to build additional revenue from its properties via a new mobile entertainment division.
Universal veteran Jeremy Laws has been promoted to senior VP to head the Universal Mobile Entertainment division. Within the new unit, Laws will oversee all aspects of licensing and promotions in the wireless area, as well as pursue and manage licenses. He will lead a team of sales executives around the world, including top media markets (Los Angeles, London and Tokyo).
Laws joined Universal Studios Consumer Products Group as executive director in 1999, overseeing all aspects of wireless licensing, including flip clips, stills and advertising. Based out of Los Angeles, Laws reports to Beth Goss, executive VP- Universal Studios Consumer Products Group.
“With the explosion of the mobile data market, it demands the time of a concentrated team that can develop and manage our properties in this space,” Goss said in a statement.
Universal Studios has aggressively pursued mobile content licensing since 2000. The studio has more than 60 deals worldwide with partners including Gameloft, Ojom, Player X and Starwave Mobile. This year, Universal plans to launch 30 games and a range of graphics, video clips and voice ringers based on its film and TV assets on major carriers.