Press Release
VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has launched a new wholly-owned Hollywood-based company named VIZ Productions to produce and license live-action theatrical film and TV projects based on animated and manga (graphic novel) series. The new company will draw on a vast catalog of manga properties owned by its Japanese parent companies Shogakukan, Inc. and Shueisha, Inc., as well as publishing giant -Hakusensha, all of which are among the largest publishing houses in Japan.
VIZ Productions will also serve as liaison between Japanese creative licensors and Hollywood production houses, studios and agents and plans to produce or license live action films covering a wide range of graphic novel genres. Projects lined up include science fiction, fantasy, action adventure, horror, thriller, comedy and drama. The VIZ Productions launch is timely as Hollywood is looking actively for new material and a myriad of Japanese graphic novel material remains untapped in Hollywood. VIZ Productions' parent company VIZ Media dominates the burgeoning North American manga market and its stable of animation titles are seen on Cartoon Network and other distribution outlets. Among some of its most popular titles include NARUTO, BLEACH, DEATH NOTE, INUYASHA and NAOKI URASAWA'S MONSTER.
"VIZ Productions will give Hollywood a unique conduit to some of the most innovative and unique entertainment properties from Japan. Hollywood has always looked to comic books and graphic novels and has recently discovered the untapped pool of Japanese manga for development into live action features. Worldwide, the creators of manga are viewed as artists, and the rich storylines are already a hit with the coveted 12-34 demographic," says Jason Hoffs,
Head of Production for VIZ Productions. "With our pool of resources of dramatic storylines and incredible characters coming from manga and animation, we are confident that the development of many new projects will attract the best talent, actors, directors, writers and bring a new array of films to domestic audiences."
Adds Hidemi Fukuhara, President and CEO of VIZ Media: "We are proud to have Jason Hoffs as Head of Production for VIZ Productions; he brings a great deal of knowledge gained from over 15 years in Hollywood and has a keen eye for great stories. Our parent companies Shogakukan and Shueisha are the top manga publishers in Japan and hold a wealth of rich characters and storylines in their extensive catalog. Jason Hoffs will helm the effort to bring these wonderful stories to Hollywood and to build a bridge between the creative talents both in Hollywood and in Tokyo."
About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan's largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. For more information on VIZ Productions Contact: 310-385-0824. For General Press Inquiries contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at Press Release
VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has launched a new wholly-owned Hollywood-based company named VIZ Productions to produce and license live-action theatrical film and TV projects based on animated and manga (graphic novel) series. The new company will draw on a vast catalog of manga properties owned by its Japanese parent companies Shogakukan, Inc. and Shueisha, Inc., as well as publishing giant -Hakusensha, all of which are among the largest publishing houses in Japan.
VIZ Productions will also serve as liaison between Japanese creative licensors and Hollywood production houses, studios and agents and plans to produce or license live action films covering a wide range of graphic novel genres. Projects lined up include science fiction, fantasy, action adventure, horror, thriller, comedy and drama. The VIZ Productions launch is timely as Hollywood is looking actively for new material and a myriad of Japanese graphic novel material remains untapped in Hollywood. VIZ Productions' parent company VIZ Media dominates the burgeoning North American manga market and its stable of animation titles are seen on Cartoon Network and other distribution outlets. Among some of its most popular titles include NARUTO, BLEACH, DEATH NOTE, INUYASHA and NAOKI URASAWA'S MONSTER.
"VIZ Productions will give Hollywood a unique conduit to some of the most innovative and unique entertainment properties from Japan. Hollywood has always looked to comic books and graphic novels and has recently discovered the untapped pool of Japanese manga for development into live action features. Worldwide, the creators of manga are viewed as artists, and the rich storylines are already a hit with the coveted 12-34 demographic," says Jason Hoffs,
Head of Production for VIZ Productions. "With our pool of resources of dramatic storylines and incredible characters coming from manga and animation, we are confident that the development of many new projects will attract the best talent, actors, directors, writers and bring a new array of films to domestic audiences."
Adds Hidemi Fukuhara, President and CEO of VIZ Media: "We are proud to have Jason Hoffs as Head of Production for VIZ Productions; he brings a great deal of knowledge gained from over 15 years in Hollywood and has a keen eye for great stories. Our parent companies Shogakukan and Shueisha are the top manga publishers in Japan and hold a wealth of rich characters and storylines in their extensive catalog. Jason Hoffs will helm the effort to bring these wonderful stories to Hollywood and to build a bridge between the creative talents both in Hollywood and in Tokyo."
About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan's largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. For more information on VIZ Productions Contact: 310-385-0824. For General Press Inquiries contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at http://www.viz.com/
SORRENT LAUNCHES INUYASHA MOBILE GAME
Leading Mobile Publisher Launches Mobile Game Based on Popular Animation Series from VIZ Media
SAN MATEO, Calif. – April 19, 2005 –Sorrent, Inc., a leading creator
and global publisher of mobile entertainment, and VIZ Media, a global
provider of animation entertainment and merchandise licensing, today
announced the launch of a mobile entertainment suite based on the
wildly popular Japanese animation TV program and one of the top-selling
graphic novel series in America – INUYASHA. The mobile game captures
the energy and excitement of the successful animation series.
INUYASHA fans will now be able to bring their favorite animation
characters with them wherever they go through Sorrent’s mobile game.
Fans can traverse environments based on feudal Japan, encounter
familiar friends and well-known enemies, battle evil demons and relive
favorite themes from the best-selling anime series. The mobile game,
which is available on every major wireless carrier in the US, gives a
side-scrolling perspective reflective of the characters and themes from
INUYASHA. Fans can play as two of the series’ heroes, INUYASHA and
Kagome, and have the ability to unlock and play as additional
characters once they’ve mastered the game.
According to IGN.com, “For fans of the manga and anime, INUYASHAis a
no-brainer. It's an action-filled romp that treats the source material
with great respect.”
“Withthe INUYASHA mobile game, we aimed to give the millions of
dedicated fans a way to relate to the storyline and characters they
love no matter where they are,” said Robert Nashak, vice president of
production, Sorrent. “The INUYASHA mobile game includes some of the
most progressive gameplay around and is yet another example of the
high-caliber, critically-acclaimed capabilities of Sorrent’s production
team.”
INUYASHA, created by world-famous manga artist Rumiko Takahashi, is
taking a popular place in the hearts of American audiences and is one
of the top-rated animated series on Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim block.
INUYASHA was also named No. 1 anime for 2004 by icV2 - the premiere
news and information provider for pop culture retailers. In addition,
VIZ Media has sold more than one million copies of both INUYASHA DVDs
and graphic novels and released the first INUYASHA movie,"Affections
Touching Across Time," on DVD in September 2004.
“The launch of the mobile game enhances the world of INUYASHA for fans
and continues the momentum for licensing this successful brand,” said
Cynthia Money, vice president of consumer products, VIZ Media. “Sorrent
has captured the essence of INUYASHA and effectively translated that
into an engaging mobile experience true to the graphic novel and
animation series.”
About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one
of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of
manga publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese
content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of
manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan
Production Co., Ltd. (ShoPro Japan), VIZ Media is a leader in the
publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking
audiences in North America and a global licensor of Japanese animation.
The company offers an integrated product line including, magazines such
as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, videos, DVDs, audio
soundtracks and develops and markets animated entertainment from
initial production, television placement and distribution, to
merchandise licensing and promotions for audiences and consumers of all
ages.
press release
San Francisco, CA, APRIL 4, 2005 — VIZ, LLC and ShoPro Entertainment, Inc., two prominent North American based companies specializing in Japanese content, announced the completion of their merger today to form VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), a groundbreaking new entertainment company specializing in the production and licensing of animated content for TV and theatrical distribution, publishing, home video distribution, and consumer products. VIZ Media, based in its new location just two blocks from historical Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, will leverage the unique collaboration, vision and ownership of three global powerhouses in Japanese manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc. and Shogakukan Production Co., Ltd. VIZ Media will be owned 40% by Shogakukan Inc. and Shueisha Inc. respectively, and 20% by Shogakukan Production Co., Ltd.
The merger was a natural progression for VIZ, LLC and ShoPro Entertainment, Inc., who have successively collaborated on many hit properties including the wildly successful INUYASHA and MEGAMAN NT WARRIOR. As one entity, the new company will benefit from shared resources and creative talent, and gain access to Japan's strongest content, enhancing its ability to reach a wider audience.
VIZ Media's mission is to enrich lives worldwide through the highest quality entertainment and unmatched storytelling.
"We are excited to continue expanding our business by developing entertainment content across all available mediums for people of all ages on a worldwide basis," said Hidemi Fukuhara, President and CEO of VIZ Media. "Having the support and leveraging the combined assets of three of Japan's largest and most respected content creators provides VIZ Media with a significant competitive advantage and will create unlimited new opportunities for our company."
Going forward, VIZ Media will grow its business by working with its parent companies to maximize their brands' exposure on an all rights basis. Implementing a comprehensive brand strategy that effectively bridges a range of media, including TV broadcast, publishing, home video, licensing, consumer products and promotions, VIZ Media aims to become an industry leader worldwide for audiences of all ages.
About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ, LLC and ShoPro Entertainment, Inc. recently merged to form VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan's largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan Production Co., Ltd. (ShoPro Japan), VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America and a global licensor of Japanese animation. The company offers an integrated product line including, magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, videos, DVDs, audio soundtracks and develops and markets animated entertainment from initial production, television placement and distribution, to merchandise licensing and promotions for audiences and consumers of all ages.
check out the new Viz Media site.