People to Watch

By: David FutrelleWed Dec 19, 2007 at 8:24 AM

Nokia's N-Gage cell phone cum gaming device flopped when it was released in 2003. But failure didn't shake Nokia 's belief that it could create a multimedia winner to rival Apple. Earlier this year, Kallasvuo unveiled Ovi, an Internet portal/music store/iTunes challenger. This month, he'll launch a new N-Gage--not a single device, but a gaming system that can be installed on any Nokia smartphone and is meant to threaten the iPhone. We're sure Steve Jobs is quaking.

Jeffrey Katzenberg
CEO of Dreamworks Animation

Dreamworks's Bee Movie, starring Jerry Seinfeld as a bumblebee exploring life beyond the hive, has already stirred lots of, er, buzz. But will the hype translate to ticket sales when this CGI comedy debuts on November 2? Katzenberg could use a hit--and a reliable new film franchise. Dreamworks's Shrek the Third was a big summer success, but it fell well short of Shrek 2's $920 million global box-office take.

George H.W. Bush
41st U.S. President

On November 10, Bush the Elder will preside over the grand reopening of his presidential library in College Station, Texas. One feature added during its $8.3 million high-tech makeover is a replica of the White House situation room with an interactive presentation on Bush 41's decisions ahead of the first Gulf War. We're guessing that when it's time to build his own library, Bush 43 won't emulate Dad on that one.

Venus Williams
fashion designer

Most designers don't sign with national chains partway through fashion school, but they also don't have four Wimbledon titles and the name Venus Williams. On November 15, Williams, who's nearly done with her studies at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, launches EleVen, a 120-piece collection at Steve & Barry's, the $19.98-and-under outfitter whose other designers include Stephon Marbury and Sarah Jessica Parker. Williams's line is the biggest ever for any female athlete with any company--including her sister, Serena, who has a Nike line. If Venus's designs are anything like her game, they'll be inconsistent with flashes of brilliance.