Wireless Watch for November 12, 2004

Fox Mobile Video Series Promotes ’24’

Fox Entertainment Group is rolling out a series of 24 one-minute dramatic episodes promoting its TV program “24.” Vodafone is distributing the mobile video series internationally in installments, dubbed “mobisodes” by Fox. Taken together, the live-action story will amount to a 24 minute viewing experience.

The series, dubbed “24: Conspiracy” and produced by Spark Hill Productions, will be distributed exclusively to customers of Vodafone live! with 3G beginning in January 2005. A deal is also underway to distribute it through Verizon Wireless in the U.S., later in the year.

“The ’24’ mobile series and the licensing and marketing partnership with world wireless leader Vodafone are truly unprecedented in our business,” said Twentieth Century Fox Television President Gary Newman.

Mobile marketing firm Enpocket closed $9.5 million in third-round funding, led by Straumur Investment Bank and its subsidiary Bru Venture Capital. The company also named Peter Larsen chief executive officer. Larsen replaces Jonathon Linner, a high profile figure in mobile marketing.

The company described Linner as a genuine entrepreneur better suited to starting projects than managing large companies. His departure was reached by mutual agreement “between Jonathon and the board,” a spokesperson said.

New CEO Larsen originally joined Enpocket as VP of sales and business development, a role in which he developed the company’s mobile CRM solutions. He was later promoted to managing director of Europe, the Middle East and Africa.