Sony is to launch an academy that will develop talent involved in the creation of anime, it was announced on Thursday.
The initiative was revealed as part of Japanese electronics and entertainment conglomerate Sony Group Corporation’s annual corporate strategy presentation.
“The launch of a project to establish an academy [comes] with the aim of nurturing anime creators in global markets, mainly by Aniplex and Crunchyroll with collaboration from across the industry,” said Sony Group chairman and CEO Yoshida Kenichiro and president, COO and CFO Totoki Hiroki.
Anime is a significant and growing portion of Sony’s business, though it is split across different divisions. Aniplex which is a creator and distributor of Japanese animation is currently a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) which is part of the wider music division. It has enjoyed success with anime franchises such as “Demon Slayer.”
Specialist streaming service and anime distributor Crunchyroll, however,...
The initiative was revealed as part of Japanese electronics and entertainment conglomerate Sony Group Corporation’s annual corporate strategy presentation.
“The launch of a project to establish an academy [comes] with the aim of nurturing anime creators in global markets, mainly by Aniplex and Crunchyroll with collaboration from across the industry,” said Sony Group chairman and CEO Yoshida Kenichiro and president, COO and CFO Totoki Hiroki.
Anime is a significant and growing portion of Sony’s business, though it is split across different divisions. Aniplex which is a creator and distributor of Japanese animation is currently a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) which is part of the wider music division. It has enjoyed success with anime franchises such as “Demon Slayer.”
Specialist streaming service and anime distributor Crunchyroll, however,...
- 5/24/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
On May 23, 2024, Sony Group Corp. held its Sony Group Management Policy Briefing, where it announced plans to boost its animation business by leveraging advanced technologies, including newly-developed animation-creation software and artificial intelligence.
Sony aims to expand through its existing subsidiaries, Aniplex and U.S.-based animation distributor Crunchyroll LLC, positioning the anime business as a major revenue source alongside its established sectors of games, music, and movies.
Sony President, COO & CFO, Hiroki Totoko pointed out that Crunchyroll is one of the fastest-growing and most profitable areas within the film division of the company.
In the briefing, the Tokyo-based electronics and entertainment giant highlighted the potential of AI to increase production efficiency and improve the quality of its animated titles.
This news comes on the back of Japan investing heavily in a startup which would use AI translations to boost the export of manga.
While they didn’t reveal finer details...
Sony aims to expand through its existing subsidiaries, Aniplex and U.S.-based animation distributor Crunchyroll LLC, positioning the anime business as a major revenue source alongside its established sectors of games, music, and movies.
Sony President, COO & CFO, Hiroki Totoko pointed out that Crunchyroll is one of the fastest-growing and most profitable areas within the film division of the company.
In the briefing, the Tokyo-based electronics and entertainment giant highlighted the potential of AI to increase production efficiency and improve the quality of its animated titles.
This news comes on the back of Japan investing heavily in a startup which would use AI translations to boost the export of manga.
While they didn’t reveal finer details...
- 5/23/2024
- by A.R. Madillo
- AnimeHunch
Crunchyroll®, the ultimate home for anime worldwide, revealed the winners for the 2024 Crunchyroll Anime Awards during a live ceremony featuring global celebrity presenters and exciting musical performances, all to honor the creators, musicians, and performers powering the global love of anime. The full list of winners can be found below and on the Anime Awards website.
The 2024 Crunchyroll Anime Awards were held live in Tokyo, Japan and live-streamed globally, hosted by voice actress Sally Amaki and popular entertainer Jon Kabira. The winners for each category were revealed by a slate of global celebrity presenters, representing passionate anime fans from across entertainment including three-time Grammy-winning recording artist Megan Thee Stallion, Japanese singer-songwriter LiSA, award-winning actress Iman Vellani (Ms. Marvel and The Marvels), Academy Award winning duo Phil Lord & Chris Miller (Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse), director Joaquim Dos Santos (Spider-Man: Across the Spider-verse), sports superstar DeMarcus Lawrence (NFL's Dallas Cowboys) and...
The 2024 Crunchyroll Anime Awards were held live in Tokyo, Japan and live-streamed globally, hosted by voice actress Sally Amaki and popular entertainer Jon Kabira. The winners for each category were revealed by a slate of global celebrity presenters, representing passionate anime fans from across entertainment including three-time Grammy-winning recording artist Megan Thee Stallion, Japanese singer-songwriter LiSA, award-winning actress Iman Vellani (Ms. Marvel and The Marvels), Academy Award winning duo Phil Lord & Chris Miller (Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse), director Joaquim Dos Santos (Spider-Man: Across the Spider-verse), sports superstar DeMarcus Lawrence (NFL's Dallas Cowboys) and...
- 3/5/2024
- by Suzie Cho
- AsianMoviePulse
Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 was the big winner at Crunchyroll’s Anime Awards in Tokyo over the weekend, taking the top-prize anime of the year honor and triumphing in 10 additional categories, including best director, best character design, best action and best cinematography. The best film prize went to Mokoto Shinkai’s anime blockbuster Suzume, while Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Swordsmith Village Arc won several key categories, such as best animation and best fantasy.
The annual awards show, now in its eighth year, selects leading achievements in Japanese animation across a broad range of categories and picks the winners via a global popular vote. The show aired live on Crunchyroll, the anime specialty streamer owned by Sony Group, with a replay later released over the brand’s YouTube and Twitch channels. Japanese entertainer Jon Kabira and voice actress Sally Amaki hosted the show.
In recent editions, the event’s popularity has...
The annual awards show, now in its eighth year, selects leading achievements in Japanese animation across a broad range of categories and picks the winners via a global popular vote. The show aired live on Crunchyroll, the anime specialty streamer owned by Sony Group, with a replay later released over the brand’s YouTube and Twitch channels. Japanese entertainer Jon Kabira and voice actress Sally Amaki hosted the show.
In recent editions, the event’s popularity has...
- 3/4/2024
- by Patrick Brzeski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The 8th annual Crunchyroll Anime Awards just concluded in Tokyo — with “Jujutsu Kaisen” Season 2 wining a total of 11 honors, including the top prize of anime of the year.
Crunchyroll revealed the winners of the fan-voted awards during a live ceremony Saturday, March 2, featuring celebrity presenters and musical performances. (The full list of winners is below.) A replay of the 2024 Anime Awards, hosted by voice actor Sally Amaki and entertainer Jon Kabira, will be available to stream on Crunchyroll’s official YouTube and Twitch channels.
Three-time Grammy-winner Megan Thee Stallion (pictured above) presented the award for anime of the year to “Jujutsu Kaisen: Hidden Inventory/Premature Death.” The series also won trophies for best director (Shota Goshozono), best action, best character design, best cinematography, best ending and opening sequences, best supporting character (Satoru Gojo) and three voice actor awards.
.@theestallion Stallion presenting at the 2024 @Crunchyroll @TheAnimeAwards pic.twitter.com/0Fr9FtjzpS...
Crunchyroll revealed the winners of the fan-voted awards during a live ceremony Saturday, March 2, featuring celebrity presenters and musical performances. (The full list of winners is below.) A replay of the 2024 Anime Awards, hosted by voice actor Sally Amaki and entertainer Jon Kabira, will be available to stream on Crunchyroll’s official YouTube and Twitch channels.
Three-time Grammy-winner Megan Thee Stallion (pictured above) presented the award for anime of the year to “Jujutsu Kaisen: Hidden Inventory/Premature Death.” The series also won trophies for best director (Shota Goshozono), best action, best character design, best cinematography, best ending and opening sequences, best supporting character (Satoru Gojo) and three voice actor awards.
.@theestallion Stallion presenting at the 2024 @Crunchyroll @TheAnimeAwards pic.twitter.com/0Fr9FtjzpS...
- 3/2/2024
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Jujutsu Kaisen won Anime of the Year at the eighth annual Crunchyroll Anime Awards, which were handed out Saturday in Tokyo.
From left: Sony’s Sanford Panitch and Keith Le Goy, Crunchyroll’s Rahul Purini and Sony’s Kenichiro Yoshida
The Japanese manga series, which debuted in 2018, also won Best Action of the Year, dominated this year’s event, also winning Best Cinematography, Best Character Design, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor, Best Opening and Best Ending Sequences, plus three additional awards for Best Voice Actors in different languages.
Other winners included Demon Slayer (Kimetsu no Yaiba Swordsmith Village Arc), which collected three awards including Best Animation and Best Art Direction.
See the complete winners list below.
Celebrating the best and brightest in anime, the 2024 Anime Awards drew a record-breaking 34million votes from fans in 200 countries and territories, Crunchyroll said.
Here are the winners of the 2024 Anime Awards:
Anime of the...
From left: Sony’s Sanford Panitch and Keith Le Goy, Crunchyroll’s Rahul Purini and Sony’s Kenichiro Yoshida
The Japanese manga series, which debuted in 2018, also won Best Action of the Year, dominated this year’s event, also winning Best Cinematography, Best Character Design, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor, Best Opening and Best Ending Sequences, plus three additional awards for Best Voice Actors in different languages.
Other winners included Demon Slayer (Kimetsu no Yaiba Swordsmith Village Arc), which collected three awards including Best Animation and Best Art Direction.
See the complete winners list below.
Celebrating the best and brightest in anime, the 2024 Anime Awards drew a record-breaking 34million votes from fans in 200 countries and territories, Crunchyroll said.
Here are the winners of the 2024 Anime Awards:
Anime of the...
- 3/2/2024
- by Erik Pedersen and Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV
The Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2024, which took place in Tokyo on March 2, 2024, announced the winners across numerous categories.
A record breaking 34 million votes were cast by global fans, with Argentina, Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, Great Britain, India, Mexico, Spain and the United States being some of the most engaged countries.
“Anime fans from around the world have spoken and collectively, they cast more votes than in the history of the Anime Awards to crown the 2024 winners,” said Rahul Purini, President of Crunchyroll. “Anime is a powerful force, driving pop culture and connecting global fans and it is a privilege to celebrate and honor this dynamic artform.”
Crunchyroll Anime Awards aims to recognize the outstanding achievements in Japanese animation, including honoring creators, musicians, and performances across streaming and theatrical platforms.
The winners that were announced are as follows:
Best Action Anime
Winner: Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2
Nominees:
Attack on Titan Final Season...
A record breaking 34 million votes were cast by global fans, with Argentina, Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, Great Britain, India, Mexico, Spain and the United States being some of the most engaged countries.
“Anime fans from around the world have spoken and collectively, they cast more votes than in the history of the Anime Awards to crown the 2024 winners,” said Rahul Purini, President of Crunchyroll. “Anime is a powerful force, driving pop culture and connecting global fans and it is a privilege to celebrate and honor this dynamic artform.”
Crunchyroll Anime Awards aims to recognize the outstanding achievements in Japanese animation, including honoring creators, musicians, and performances across streaming and theatrical platforms.
The winners that were announced are as follows:
Best Action Anime
Winner: Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2
Nominees:
Attack on Titan Final Season...
- 3/2/2024
- by Ami Nazru
- AnimeHunch
One of the major talking points in the Hollywood strike last year involved AI. Following its rapid growth, writers and actors feared studio execs might use AI to replace human involvement to cut costs. And with Crunchyroll CEO’s new statements pointing in that direction, fans haven’t backed away from showcasing their dismay towards this practice.
Instead of relying on dubs for animes, most fans usually prefer watching them with subtitles in order to get the closest experience to the original Japanese release possible. And while for years, professional translators were given the job of creating subtitles that don’t lose the essence of the original, it seems, the studios are aiming to replace these professionals with AI.
Rahul Purini – Crunchyroll CEO
Crunchyroll Is Looking to Integrate AI Into Its Structure to Create Subtitles
Crunchyroll, known for distributing and licensing anime, is aiming to integrate AI more into its...
Instead of relying on dubs for animes, most fans usually prefer watching them with subtitles in order to get the closest experience to the original Japanese release possible. And while for years, professional translators were given the job of creating subtitles that don’t lose the essence of the original, it seems, the studios are aiming to replace these professionals with AI.
Rahul Purini – Crunchyroll CEO
Crunchyroll Is Looking to Integrate AI Into Its Structure to Create Subtitles
Crunchyroll, known for distributing and licensing anime, is aiming to integrate AI more into its...
- 2/28/2024
- by Santanu Roy
- FandomWire
Crunchyroll’s chief Rahul Parini sat down with The Verge on a wide-ranging interview, and gave plenty of answers on the future of the anime streaming service.
Crunchyroll is following its own path to streaming success. According to a survey from Polygon, 42% of Gen Z audiences and 25% of millennials watch anime at least once a week, and that means there’s a large untapped market for Crunchyroll to pursue, even with the 13 million paid subscribers it now claims. Speaking with The Verge, Crunchyroll president Rahul Purini revealed that there was a much wider audience waiting in the wings for his streamer, and it’s his job to find ways to bring his content to those customers.
Purini doesn’t anticipate taking measures like password-sharing crackdowns or bringing ads to Crunchyroll to boost revenues. The streamer is rolling out to more and more smart TVs in an effort to seek out customers where they are.
Crunchyroll is following its own path to streaming success. According to a survey from Polygon, 42% of Gen Z audiences and 25% of millennials watch anime at least once a week, and that means there’s a large untapped market for Crunchyroll to pursue, even with the 13 million paid subscribers it now claims. Speaking with The Verge, Crunchyroll president Rahul Purini revealed that there was a much wider audience waiting in the wings for his streamer, and it’s his job to find ways to bring his content to those customers.
Purini doesn’t anticipate taking measures like password-sharing crackdowns or bringing ads to Crunchyroll to boost revenues. The streamer is rolling out to more and more smart TVs in an effort to seek out customers where they are.
- 2/28/2024
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
Solo Leveling began premiering on January 6, 2024. Since then it has broken several records and crashed the Crunchyroll site. The manhwa became quite popular, and fans were urging for an anime adaptation. Their wish was fulfilled when the anime was announced almost one and a half years ago. Since then, they have been eagerly waiting for Solo Leveling’s release.
Fans had high expectations from the popular manhwa, and the anime adaptation exceeded the expectations. But it would not have been possible if Crunchyroll CEO Rahul Purini hadn’t taken action. It was due to his efforts that Chugong’s magnum opus got an anime adaptation, and Crunchyroll got its biggest hit of 2024. Rahul Purini had pitched the idea to a Japanese production house, Aniplex.
Rahul Purini Helped Crunchyroll Land Its Successful Anime in 2024 Rahul Purini – Crunchyroll CEO
In an interview with The Verge, Crunchyroll CEO Rahul Purini revealed how he...
Fans had high expectations from the popular manhwa, and the anime adaptation exceeded the expectations. But it would not have been possible if Crunchyroll CEO Rahul Purini hadn’t taken action. It was due to his efforts that Chugong’s magnum opus got an anime adaptation, and Crunchyroll got its biggest hit of 2024. Rahul Purini had pitched the idea to a Japanese production house, Aniplex.
Rahul Purini Helped Crunchyroll Land Its Successful Anime in 2024 Rahul Purini – Crunchyroll CEO
In an interview with The Verge, Crunchyroll CEO Rahul Purini revealed how he...
- 2/28/2024
- by Priyanko Chakraborty
- FandomWire
In a recent interview with The Verge, Crunchyroll President Rahul Purini shed light on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in various workflows within the organization, particularly focusing on subtitling and closed captioning.
According to Purini, the area they are very focused right now is utilizing AI for subtitling and closed captioning. This technology would streamline the process of converting spoken Japanese dialogue into subtitles in various languages, allowing Crunchyroll to launch content internationally much closer to its Japanese release date.
“AI is definitely something that we think about at a lot of different workflows within the organization. Right now, one of the areas we are very focused on testing is our subtitling and closed captioning, where we go from speech to text and how do we improve and optimize our processes where we can get the subtitles done in various languages across the world faster so that we can...
According to Purini, the area they are very focused right now is utilizing AI for subtitling and closed captioning. This technology would streamline the process of converting spoken Japanese dialogue into subtitles in various languages, allowing Crunchyroll to launch content internationally much closer to its Japanese release date.
“AI is definitely something that we think about at a lot of different workflows within the organization. Right now, one of the areas we are very focused on testing is our subtitling and closed captioning, where we go from speech to text and how do we improve and optimize our processes where we can get the subtitles done in various languages across the world faster so that we can...
- 2/28/2024
- by Ami Nazru
- AnimeHunch
Funimation customers will lose access to certain digital titles that they have purchased when the streamers merge on April 2.
In many ways, the merger between Sony-owned anime platforms Funimation and Crunchyroll is a boon for fans. It brings much of the content previously available on Funimation over to the company’s flagship Crunchyroll service and provides a more expansive library of titles for anime fans to explore and engage with. However, there are significant issues involved in the process, as Funimation customers who have digital copies of certain titles are set to lose them in the migration. Sony is promising that it will make it up to subscribers, but the details are thin and the process has been less than smooth so far.
Key Points: Anime streamers Funimation and Crunchyroll are set to finally merge on April 2. At that point, digital copies of certain physical media titles purchased by Funimation customers will be deleted.
In many ways, the merger between Sony-owned anime platforms Funimation and Crunchyroll is a boon for fans. It brings much of the content previously available on Funimation over to the company’s flagship Crunchyroll service and provides a more expansive library of titles for anime fans to explore and engage with. However, there are significant issues involved in the process, as Funimation customers who have digital copies of certain titles are set to lose them in the migration. Sony is promising that it will make it up to subscribers, but the details are thin and the process has been less than smooth so far.
Key Points: Anime streamers Funimation and Crunchyroll are set to finally merge on April 2. At that point, digital copies of certain physical media titles purchased by Funimation customers will be deleted.
- 2/27/2024
- by Matt Tamanini
- The Streamable
Anime, the Japanese animation art form, has come a long way in the past few decades. Fans who once had little recourse but bootlegs and piracy to watch their favorite shows are now part of a global community, and a $20 billion market, that’s even more robust internationally than it is in Japan.
A major player in this market is Crunchyroll, the Sony-owned and anime-focused subscription streaming platform, which has long been a go-to destination for watching Japanese animation Stateside. It’s also become a rare success story amid media’s great streaming recession, with a clearly defined and diversified — and profitable — business model that serves a passionate and still-growing audience.
“If anime is a niche, it’s a gigantic niche. We have research that shows there’s about 800 million interested fans globally outside of Japan and China,” Crunchyroll president Rahul Purini explains on the latest episode of Variety‘s “Strictly Business” podcast,...
A major player in this market is Crunchyroll, the Sony-owned and anime-focused subscription streaming platform, which has long been a go-to destination for watching Japanese animation Stateside. It’s also become a rare success story amid media’s great streaming recession, with a clearly defined and diversified — and profitable — business model that serves a passionate and still-growing audience.
“If anime is a niche, it’s a gigantic niche. We have research that shows there’s about 800 million interested fans globally outside of Japan and China,” Crunchyroll president Rahul Purini explains on the latest episode of Variety‘s “Strictly Business” podcast,...
- 2/21/2024
- by Tyler Aquilina
- Variety Film + TV
Voting is open now through Saturday, Jan. 27 and viewers can stream select nominees for free through March 2.
With the Golden Globes and Emmy Awards already behind us and the Academy Award nominations being announced on Tuesday, Jan. 23, we are firmly entrenched in the middle of awards season. This week, the world’s leading anime streaming service Crunchyroll released the nominees for the eighth annual Anime Awards. The winners will be announced during a live ceremony on Saturday, March 2 that will be livestreamed on the platform in a ceremony hosted by voice actress Sally Amaki and entertainer Jon Kabira. Voting is now open through Saturday, Jan. 27 at 11:59 p.m. Pt, anime fans are able to vote on Crunchyroll's website.
The eighth annual Anime Awards will stream on Crunchyroll on March 2 and voting will be open through Jan. 27. The first round of presenters has been announced, including Megan Thee Stallion and Iman Vellani.
With the Golden Globes and Emmy Awards already behind us and the Academy Award nominations being announced on Tuesday, Jan. 23, we are firmly entrenched in the middle of awards season. This week, the world’s leading anime streaming service Crunchyroll released the nominees for the eighth annual Anime Awards. The winners will be announced during a live ceremony on Saturday, March 2 that will be livestreamed on the platform in a ceremony hosted by voice actress Sally Amaki and entertainer Jon Kabira. Voting is now open through Saturday, Jan. 27 at 11:59 p.m. Pt, anime fans are able to vote on Crunchyroll's website.
The eighth annual Anime Awards will stream on Crunchyroll on March 2 and voting will be open through Jan. 27. The first round of presenters has been announced, including Megan Thee Stallion and Iman Vellani.
- 1/18/2024
- by Matt Tamanini
- The Streamable
Crunchyroll unveiled the nominees and celebrity-fan presenters for the eighth annual Crunchyroll Anime Awards, featuring contenders for Anime of the Year, such as Chainsaw Man, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Swordsmith Village Arc, Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2, Vinland Saga Season 2, Bocchi the Rock!, and Oshi No Ko. Additionally, the star-studded lineup of presenters for the live ceremony and pre-show in Tokyo has been announced, and it includes Ms Marvel‘s Iman Vellani and artist Megan Thee Stallion. “With more than 30 anime studios, 5 streaming platforms, 50 series and films, and over 50 voice actors, the nominees for the Crunchyroll Anime Awards represent the world-class creatives powering the global love of anime,” said Rahul Purini, President, Crunchyroll. “We’re proud to present this year’s nominees and look forward to the show where we, with our incredible slate of global presenters, will celebrate anime’s ability to captivate fans around the world.” “Watching anime is...
- 1/17/2024
- TV Insider
Crunchyroll and Gsn, each a subsidiary of Sony Pictures Entertainment, have joined forces to launch a new 24/7 anime streaming channel.
Starting today, viewers can find the new Crunchyroll channel on Amazon Freevee, LG Channels, the Roku Channel and Vizio WatchFree+. An announcement of the venture says its linear-style roster of fan-favorite titles is intended for an “anime-curious audience.” Among the series available at launch are Horimiya, Ranking of Kings, Moriarty the Patriot, Psycho–Pass, Arifureta, Sugar Apple Fairytale, To Your Eternity and Code Geass.
New and premium anime content will remain on Crunchyroll’s SVOD and AVOD services, the companies said.
Sony acquired Crunchyroll from AT&T in 2021 and merged it with anime specialist Funimation. The avid base of anime fans globally has propelled Crunchyroll past 10 million paid subscribers, Sony Corp. announced last summer. Sony also bought AT&T’s 42% stake in Gsn in 2019, becoming the sole owner of the cable TV network.
Starting today, viewers can find the new Crunchyroll channel on Amazon Freevee, LG Channels, the Roku Channel and Vizio WatchFree+. An announcement of the venture says its linear-style roster of fan-favorite titles is intended for an “anime-curious audience.” Among the series available at launch are Horimiya, Ranking of Kings, Moriarty the Patriot, Psycho–Pass, Arifureta, Sugar Apple Fairytale, To Your Eternity and Code Geass.
New and premium anime content will remain on Crunchyroll’s SVOD and AVOD services, the companies said.
Sony acquired Crunchyroll from AT&T in 2021 and merged it with anime specialist Funimation. The avid base of anime fans globally has propelled Crunchyroll past 10 million paid subscribers, Sony Corp. announced last summer. Sony also bought AT&T’s 42% stake in Gsn in 2019, becoming the sole owner of the cable TV network.
- 10/11/2023
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Sony’s Crunchyroll Launches Free 24-Hour Streaming Channel in Bid to Reach ‘Anime-Curious’ Audiences
All anime, all the time: Crunchyroll, the Sony-owned anime service, announced a new 24-hour free, ad-supported channel in the U.S. to promote the Japanese animation format — and try to win a few new fans for its core offerings.
The first services to carry Crunchyroll’s free, ad-supported streaming TV (Fast) channel are LG Channels, the Roku Channel and Vizio WatchFree+, launching on Oct. 11. Amazon’s Freevee is slated to launch the channel on Oct. 17. The channel is a joint collaboration between Crunchyroll and corporate cousin Game Show Network (Gsn), which is part of Sony Pictures Entertainment.
The Crunchyroll channel will feature a lineup of older shows, dubbed in English — while new and premium anime content will remain on Crunchyroll’s subscription and ad-supported VOD services. Series available on the Fast channel at launch include “Horimiya,” “Ranking of Kings,” “Moriarty the Patriot,” “Psycho-Pass,” “Arifureta,” “Sugar Apple Fairy Tale,” “To Your Eternity” and “Code Geass.
The first services to carry Crunchyroll’s free, ad-supported streaming TV (Fast) channel are LG Channels, the Roku Channel and Vizio WatchFree+, launching on Oct. 11. Amazon’s Freevee is slated to launch the channel on Oct. 17. The channel is a joint collaboration between Crunchyroll and corporate cousin Game Show Network (Gsn), which is part of Sony Pictures Entertainment.
The Crunchyroll channel will feature a lineup of older shows, dubbed in English — while new and premium anime content will remain on Crunchyroll’s subscription and ad-supported VOD services. Series available on the Fast channel at launch include “Horimiya,” “Ranking of Kings,” “Moriarty the Patriot,” “Psycho-Pass,” “Arifureta,” “Sugar Apple Fairy Tale,” “To Your Eternity” and “Code Geass.
- 10/11/2023
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Crunchyroll has launched its own 24/7 linear channel, the company announced Wednesday.
The anime-based channel, which is a collaboration between Sony Pictures Entertainment’s Crunchyroll and Gsn, will be available across Fast TV, with Amazon Freevee, LG Channels, The Roku Channel and Vizio WatchFree+ being the first to carry the channel. The network will launch on Oct. 11 on LG Channels, The Roku Channel and Vizio WatchFree+, with beginning to carry the channel on Oct. 17.
The channel will carry beloved Crunchyroll series, including “Horimiya,” “Ranking of Kings,” “Moriarty the Patriot,” “Psycho–Pass,” “Arifureta,” “Sugar Apple Fairytale,” “To Your Eternity” and “Code Geass.” New anime content will remain on Crunchyroll’s SVOD and AVOD services as well.
“Crunchyroll Channel is a gateway to the world of anime where we will guide viewers to discover new worlds, new stories and new characters,” Crunchyroll President Rahul Purini said in a statement. “And thanks to our distribution partners at launch,...
The anime-based channel, which is a collaboration between Sony Pictures Entertainment’s Crunchyroll and Gsn, will be available across Fast TV, with Amazon Freevee, LG Channels, The Roku Channel and Vizio WatchFree+ being the first to carry the channel. The network will launch on Oct. 11 on LG Channels, The Roku Channel and Vizio WatchFree+, with beginning to carry the channel on Oct. 17.
The channel will carry beloved Crunchyroll series, including “Horimiya,” “Ranking of Kings,” “Moriarty the Patriot,” “Psycho–Pass,” “Arifureta,” “Sugar Apple Fairytale,” “To Your Eternity” and “Code Geass.” New anime content will remain on Crunchyroll’s SVOD and AVOD services as well.
“Crunchyroll Channel is a gateway to the world of anime where we will guide viewers to discover new worlds, new stories and new characters,” Crunchyroll President Rahul Purini said in a statement. “And thanks to our distribution partners at launch,...
- 10/11/2023
- by Loree Seitz
- The Wrap
Believe it or not, anime has been one of the dominant entertainment genres for years, with viewers of all ages around the world tuning in to watch the stylized animated titles in record numbers. Now, fans will have a new way to stream hits as the world’s leading anime streaming service Crunchyroll has teamed up with Gsn to launch an around-the-clock free ad-supported streaming TV (Fast) anime channel.
Crunchyroll launches 24/7 streaming anime channel. The network will feature Japanese animated hits dubbed in English. The channel will be available on multiple free streaming platforms, including Freevee and the Roku Channel. 14-Day Free Trial $7.99+ / month crunchyroll.com
“With the launch of the Crunchyroll channel, we can immediately complement our growing subscription streaming platform by attracting more viewers and fans into our anime ecosystem,” Crunchyroll president Rahul Purini said. “We’re making it easier than ever to reach anime-interested and -curious viewers...
Crunchyroll launches 24/7 streaming anime channel. The network will feature Japanese animated hits dubbed in English. The channel will be available on multiple free streaming platforms, including Freevee and the Roku Channel. 14-Day Free Trial $7.99+ / month crunchyroll.com
“With the launch of the Crunchyroll channel, we can immediately complement our growing subscription streaming platform by attracting more viewers and fans into our anime ecosystem,” Crunchyroll president Rahul Purini said. “We’re making it easier than ever to reach anime-interested and -curious viewers...
- 10/11/2023
- by Matt Tamanini
- The Streamable
Exclusive: Anime streamer Crunchyroll is reshaping its management team, as COO Brady McCollum exits after 15 years.
McCollum will depart the company at the end of the month having joined in 2008, and has been working with Crunchroll President Rahul Purini over the past month to ensure what an insider called “a thoughtful transition path that continues the company’s fan-forward ambitions and growth.”
As part of the changes, Chief Marketing Officer Gita Rebbapragada will replace McCollum as COO, while Barb Bidan becomes Chief People Experience Officer, while new hire Charles Valentine will lead the Information Technology and Security teams as SVP and will report to Bidan.
Crunchyroll’s SVP of Global Commerce, Mitchel Berger, will take on the company’s manga publishing business in Emea, while continuing to lead Theatrical, Content Distribution, Consumer Products and Home Entertainment/Collectibles. Terry Li has been promoted to EVP, Emerging Business and will continue to...
McCollum will depart the company at the end of the month having joined in 2008, and has been working with Crunchroll President Rahul Purini over the past month to ensure what an insider called “a thoughtful transition path that continues the company’s fan-forward ambitions and growth.”
As part of the changes, Chief Marketing Officer Gita Rebbapragada will replace McCollum as COO, while Barb Bidan becomes Chief People Experience Officer, while new hire Charles Valentine will lead the Information Technology and Security teams as SVP and will report to Bidan.
Crunchyroll’s SVP of Global Commerce, Mitchel Berger, will take on the company’s manga publishing business in Emea, while continuing to lead Theatrical, Content Distribution, Consumer Products and Home Entertainment/Collectibles. Terry Li has been promoted to EVP, Emerging Business and will continue to...
- 9/8/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
As the global streaming business underwent a surprise, secular reassessment last year, Sony’s anime service Crunchyroll found the whole industry suddenly contemplating the same strategies it had been prioritizing for years. Out was the gusher approach to content spending in pursuit of limitless subscriber growth. In were financial discipline, multi-tiered subscription options and a more diversified approach to revenue generation.
The Crunchyroll of today is actually a merged service comprised of two former U.S.-based entities: Funimation, an anime platform founded by industry pioneer Gen Fukunaga in 1994, which Sony snapped up for $143 million in 2017; and Crunchyroll, the then-second-largest dedicated anime service, which the Japanese entertainment giant bought from AT&T in 2020 in a deal valued at $1.18 billion. Sony once was thought to be paying a steep premium in the latter acquisition, but given the success and opportunity the company has created for itself in consolidating the anime niche, many...
The Crunchyroll of today is actually a merged service comprised of two former U.S.-based entities: Funimation, an anime platform founded by industry pioneer Gen Fukunaga in 1994, which Sony snapped up for $143 million in 2017; and Crunchyroll, the then-second-largest dedicated anime service, which the Japanese entertainment giant bought from AT&T in 2020 in a deal valued at $1.18 billion. Sony once was thought to be paying a steep premium in the latter acquisition, but given the success and opportunity the company has created for itself in consolidating the anime niche, many...
- 3/15/2023
- by Patrick Brzeski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Click here to read the full article.
Anime specialty service Crunchyroll is joining forces with Sony Pictures and Japanese pay TV broadcaster Wowow to boost its original anime series output. The three partners unveiled a pact Thursday to work together on new content.
The partners said the series produced under the pact will broadcast and stream on Wowow in Japan, while launching on Crunchyroll in the more than 200 other countries and territories where the platform is active. Financial terms were not disclosed.
The three companies’ first joint project will be the fantasy adventure series Bye Bye, Earth, based on a best-selling Japanese novel by Tow Ubukata (Rwby: Ice Queendom; Ghost in the Shell: Arise). The story follows the journey of Bell in her quest to discover her roots, uncovering adventures and conflicts along the way.
“Anime fans love to discover new worlds and our partnership with Wowow and Sony Pictures...
Anime specialty service Crunchyroll is joining forces with Sony Pictures and Japanese pay TV broadcaster Wowow to boost its original anime series output. The three partners unveiled a pact Thursday to work together on new content.
The partners said the series produced under the pact will broadcast and stream on Wowow in Japan, while launching on Crunchyroll in the more than 200 other countries and territories where the platform is active. Financial terms were not disclosed.
The three companies’ first joint project will be the fantasy adventure series Bye Bye, Earth, based on a best-selling Japanese novel by Tow Ubukata (Rwby: Ice Queendom; Ghost in the Shell: Arise). The story follows the journey of Bell in her quest to discover her roots, uncovering adventures and conflicts along the way.
“Anime fans love to discover new worlds and our partnership with Wowow and Sony Pictures...
- 11/17/2022
- by Patrick Brzeski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Global anime brand Crunchyroll, alongside Wowow and Sony Pictures Entertainment Japan, have announced a partnership for the development and production of new anime series, starting with the fantasy adventure Bye Bye, Earth.
“Anime fans love to discover new worlds and our partnership with Wowow and Sony Pictures Entertainment Japan will allow us to present new adventures to the global anime community,” said Rahul Purini, president of Crunchyroll. “We’re excited to work with such incredible partners to create and support new content that we know will become favorites for fans worldwide.”
Bye Bye, Earth, the first title within the codevelopment and coproduction partnership, follows the journey of Bell in her quest to discover her roots, uncovering adventures and conflicts along the way. The series will be based on the action fantasy novel by Tow Ubukata (Rwby: Ice Queendom; Ghost in the Shell: Arise).
Bye Bye, Earth and each subsequent series created by Crunchyroll,...
“Anime fans love to discover new worlds and our partnership with Wowow and Sony Pictures Entertainment Japan will allow us to present new adventures to the global anime community,” said Rahul Purini, president of Crunchyroll. “We’re excited to work with such incredible partners to create and support new content that we know will become favorites for fans worldwide.”
Bye Bye, Earth, the first title within the codevelopment and coproduction partnership, follows the journey of Bell in her quest to discover her roots, uncovering adventures and conflicts along the way. The series will be based on the action fantasy novel by Tow Ubukata (Rwby: Ice Queendom; Ghost in the Shell: Arise).
Bye Bye, Earth and each subsequent series created by Crunchyroll,...
- 11/17/2022
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Anime specialty service Crunchyroll has selected the star hosts for its first-ever live awards show, which will be held early next year in Japan. Renowned voice actress Sally Amaki and veteran entertainer Jon Kabira will co-host the 2023 Crunchyroll Anime Awards, the company said Tuesday at the Tokyo International Film Festival.
“We share a deep love of anime with Sally and Jon, and we’re so excited to have their energy and passion onstage with us at the Anime Awards next year,” said Rahul Purini, president of Crunchyroll. “We’re looking forward to celebrating the creative forces behind anime’s biggest series and can’t wait to share more soon.”
Originally from Los Angeles, Sally Amaki is a member of the digital voice actor idol project 22/7 (Nanabun no Nijuni), a collaboration between Sony Music and Aniplex. Jon Kabira is a host and emcee with...
Anime specialty service Crunchyroll has selected the star hosts for its first-ever live awards show, which will be held early next year in Japan. Renowned voice actress Sally Amaki and veteran entertainer Jon Kabira will co-host the 2023 Crunchyroll Anime Awards, the company said Tuesday at the Tokyo International Film Festival.
“We share a deep love of anime with Sally and Jon, and we’re so excited to have their energy and passion onstage with us at the Anime Awards next year,” said Rahul Purini, president of Crunchyroll. “We’re looking forward to celebrating the creative forces behind anime’s biggest series and can’t wait to share more soon.”
Originally from Los Angeles, Sally Amaki is a member of the digital voice actor idol project 22/7 (Nanabun no Nijuni), a collaboration between Sony Music and Aniplex. Jon Kabira is a host and emcee with...
- 10/25/2022
- by Patrick Brzeski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Click here to read the full article.
Here’s a look at this week’s biggest premieres, parties and openings in Los Angeles and New York, including red carpets for Never Have I Ever, Beast, Day Shift and Secret Headquarters.
Beast premiere
Idris Elba premiered his new film alongside producer Will Packer and costars Sharlto Copley, Iyana Halley and Leah Sava Jeffries at MoMA on Monday.
Idris Elba, Sabrina Dhowre, Heather Hayslett and Will Packer Sharlto Copley, Iyana Halley, Leah Jeffries and Idris Elba
Secret Headquarters premiere
Owen Wilson, Jesse Williams, Michael Peña and Jessie Mueller walked the red carpet on Monday in NYC for the premiere of their Paramount+ superhero family film.
Jesse Williams, Owen Wilson, Michael Peña, Ariel Schulman, Henry Joost and Jessie Mueller Paramount CEO Bob Bakish and Owen Wilson
Five Days at Memorial premiere
On Monday, Apple TV+ celebrated the premiere of Five Days at Memorial...
Here’s a look at this week’s biggest premieres, parties and openings in Los Angeles and New York, including red carpets for Never Have I Ever, Beast, Day Shift and Secret Headquarters.
Beast premiere
Idris Elba premiered his new film alongside producer Will Packer and costars Sharlto Copley, Iyana Halley and Leah Sava Jeffries at MoMA on Monday.
Idris Elba, Sabrina Dhowre, Heather Hayslett and Will Packer Sharlto Copley, Iyana Halley, Leah Jeffries and Idris Elba
Secret Headquarters premiere
Owen Wilson, Jesse Williams, Michael Peña and Jessie Mueller walked the red carpet on Monday in NYC for the premiere of their Paramount+ superhero family film.
Jesse Williams, Owen Wilson, Michael Peña, Ariel Schulman, Henry Joost and Jessie Mueller Paramount CEO Bob Bakish and Owen Wilson
Five Days at Memorial premiere
On Monday, Apple TV+ celebrated the premiere of Five Days at Memorial...
- 8/12/2022
- by Kirsten Chuba
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Crunchyroll today announced it has acquired the global distribution and marketing rights (excluding Asia) from Toho, for Makoto Shinkai’s upcoming film, “Suzume no Tojimari” (working title). The deal was finalized at this year’s Cannes Film Festival and was negotiated by Crunchyroll’s Chief Content Officer Asa Suehira, Wild Bunch International’s CEO Vincent Maraval and Toho’s Akihiro Takeda. Rights are handled worldwide by Toho (excluding South Korea and India).
“Suzume no Tojimari” will debut in Japan on November 11 this year, and will be distributed in all major territories beginning in early 2023. In North America, Crunchyroll is the sole distributor. In Latin America, Australia/New Zealand, the Middle East and portions of Europe, the film will be distributed by Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment. In French- and German-speaking Europe, the film will be co-distributed by Crunchyroll, Sony Pictures and Wild Bunch International.
“It’s with humility and honor that CoMix Wave Films,...
“Suzume no Tojimari” will debut in Japan on November 11 this year, and will be distributed in all major territories beginning in early 2023. In North America, Crunchyroll is the sole distributor. In Latin America, Australia/New Zealand, the Middle East and portions of Europe, the film will be distributed by Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment. In French- and German-speaking Europe, the film will be co-distributed by Crunchyroll, Sony Pictures and Wild Bunch International.
“It’s with humility and honor that CoMix Wave Films,...
- 5/21/2022
- by Rouven Linnarz
- AsianMoviePulse
Crunchyroll announced Thursday the acquisition of Makoto Shinkai’s anime feature “Suzume no Tojimari” for all territories outside of Asia.
“Suzume no Tojimari,” which follows a 17-year-old girl named Suzume who must close various doors that are causing destruction throughout Japan, will debut in Japan on Nov. 11 this year from Toho, and will be distributed in all major territories beginning in early 2023.
Crunchyroll will handle distribution in North America, Crunchyroll is the sole distributor. The company will team with Sony Pictures Entertainment to handle Latin America, Australia/New Zealand, the Middle East and portions of Europe. The two companies will also partner with Wild Bunch International for French- and German-speaking Europe.
Also Read:
4 Things You Need to Know About Sony’s 1.2 Billion Crunchyroll Acquisition
Writer-director Shinkai has garnered great acclaim for his work in animation, including 2016’s “Your Name” and 2019’s “Weathering With You,” which was selected as Japan’s...
“Suzume no Tojimari,” which follows a 17-year-old girl named Suzume who must close various doors that are causing destruction throughout Japan, will debut in Japan on Nov. 11 this year from Toho, and will be distributed in all major territories beginning in early 2023.
Crunchyroll will handle distribution in North America, Crunchyroll is the sole distributor. The company will team with Sony Pictures Entertainment to handle Latin America, Australia/New Zealand, the Middle East and portions of Europe. The two companies will also partner with Wild Bunch International for French- and German-speaking Europe.
Also Read:
4 Things You Need to Know About Sony’s 1.2 Billion Crunchyroll Acquisition
Writer-director Shinkai has garnered great acclaim for his work in animation, including 2016’s “Your Name” and 2019’s “Weathering With You,” which was selected as Japan’s...
- 5/19/2022
- by Thom Geier
- The Wrap
Shinkai’s previous films include ‘Your Name’ and ‘Weathering With You’.
Anime streaming giant Crunchyroll has acquired global distribution and marketing rights (excluding Asia) for award-winning Japanese director Makoto Shinkai’s upcoming working-titled animated feature Suzume No Tojimari.
The coming-of-age tale marks a sixth animated feature for Shinkai after breakout international hits Your Name (2016) and Weathering With You (2019).
The feature is produced by CoMix Wave Films, the Tokyo animation studio behind many of Shinkai’s works, and Story Inc., which took credits on Weathering with You.
The deal between Crunchyroll and Japanese studio Toho, which handles worldwide rights, was brokered...
Anime streaming giant Crunchyroll has acquired global distribution and marketing rights (excluding Asia) for award-winning Japanese director Makoto Shinkai’s upcoming working-titled animated feature Suzume No Tojimari.
The coming-of-age tale marks a sixth animated feature for Shinkai after breakout international hits Your Name (2016) and Weathering With You (2019).
The feature is produced by CoMix Wave Films, the Tokyo animation studio behind many of Shinkai’s works, and Story Inc., which took credits on Weathering with You.
The deal between Crunchyroll and Japanese studio Toho, which handles worldwide rights, was brokered...
- 5/19/2022
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- ScreenDaily
After three years at Sony, Colin Decker is stepping down as CEO of Crunchyroll, with longtime Funimation exec Rahul Purini poised to run the anime brand as president.
The transition is occurring as Crunchyroll and Funimation continue to integrate their operations. AT&T sold Crunchyroll to Sony last year for 1.175 billion and the two anime operations have been joining forces in recent months.
Purini has been COO of Crunchyroll after holding the same title at Funimation.
Keith Le Goy, chairman of worldwide distribution and networks for Sony Pictures Entertainment, confirmed the move in a memo to employees. (Read it in full below.) Decker “championed and played a key role in our acquisition of Crunchyroll,” Le Goy noted, while Purini has been “instrumental in the company’s global and subscription growth” during his Sony exec stint.
“It is an honor and a privilege for me to take on this new role, and...
The transition is occurring as Crunchyroll and Funimation continue to integrate their operations. AT&T sold Crunchyroll to Sony last year for 1.175 billion and the two anime operations have been joining forces in recent months.
Purini has been COO of Crunchyroll after holding the same title at Funimation.
Keith Le Goy, chairman of worldwide distribution and networks for Sony Pictures Entertainment, confirmed the move in a memo to employees. (Read it in full below.) Decker “championed and played a key role in our acquisition of Crunchyroll,” Le Goy noted, while Purini has been “instrumental in the company’s global and subscription growth” during his Sony exec stint.
“It is an honor and a privilege for me to take on this new role, and...
- 4/19/2022
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
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