As cellphone networks support ever increasing download speeds, and consumer appetite for media on a small screen develops, Paramount Pictures has announced the formation of its Mobile Entertainment unit intended to focus on “developing mobile entertainment and alternative distribution models”.  A subsection of Paramount Pictures Digital Entertainment, the group will be helmed by Sandi Isaacs, SVP-mobile and interactive, and have three execs managing content in the major worldwide regions.

“We [create mobile content], and there’s an opportunity there because there’s not a lot of high-quality content up on these devices, so we believe it will perform really well. It’s a little too early to tell.  As this market continues to grow, it will make more and more sense to create mobile content” Sandi Isaacs, SVP-mobile and interactive, Paramount Mobile Entertainment

Deals have already been signed with a variety of handset manufacturers, carriers and media producers, including Verizon Wireless, AT&T, T-Mobile, 02 UK, Hungama, Cellempower (i2 Group) and Nokia, and trials involving full-length movie downloads have been underway in Europe.