PSP World

PSP-formatted movie site launches

Paramount Pictures Interactive Marketing has built the first movie web site specifically for PlayStation Portable. PSP users who have downloaded the PSP 2.0 operating system will be able to surf wirelessly to access the PSP-exclusive site for “Get Rich or Die Tryin’,” starring Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and directed by six-time Academy Award nominee Jim Sheridan.

Built specifically to take advantage of PSP’s aspect ratio and surfing capabilities, the site will contain trailers, wallpapers, webisodes, and photos that PSP users can download directly to their PSP devices. Commenting on the announcement, Powell said, “We’re thrilled to have built the first movie-related PSP-specific site — it’s just one example of how we’re always looking for new ways to reach online moviegoers. As we move into a mobile world, it’s important to be aware of the ways advances in technology affect information access. In addition, ‘Get Rich or Die Tryin” is a perfect match for the first PSP-exclusive movie site; the PSP is huge in the hip-hop community and 50’s fans are avid PSP users.”

Prior to the “Get Rich or Die Tryin’” PSP site, PSP users who wanted to play movie trailers would first download the trailer to their desktops, then transfer the file to the handheld device. With the release of PSP’s OS 2.0, users can now browse the internet with the device, downloading information directly to the PSP. With the introduction of http://www.50psp.com, Paramount Pictures introduces the first film site designed specifically for the device. Sony has sold upwards of six million PSP units worldwide with an expected total unit sales of 12 million by the end of 2005, a rate which has already far outpaced the introduction of the iPod. A recent report from Sony also indicated that an anticipated $250 million of UMD movies will be sold by year- end, making the PSP the fastest growing multi-media platform ever, beating the first year numbers during the launch of both the iPod and the DVD player combined.

Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, one of the biggest and most popular stars in hip-hop, is the charismatic driving force behind “Get Rich or Die Tryin’,” a hard-hitting drama directed by six-time Oscar nominee Jim Sheridan about an orphaned street kid who makes his mark in the drug trade but finally dares to leave the violence behind and become the rap artist he was meant to be.