Anime purveyor Crunchyroll has surpassed 5 million streaming subscribers and has also teamed with Zoe Saldana on Dark Star Squadron, a project it describes as an “epic animated space opera.”
Crunchyroll, founded in 2006, is owned by WarnerMedia. The AT&T division entered into an agreement last December to sell Crunchyroll to Sony for almost $1.2 billion, but regulators have not yet signed off on the transaction.
Dark Star Squadron is backed by Saldana’s Cinestar Pictures. Todd Ludy, whose credits include Voltron: Legendary Defender, is onboard to write it. Saldana and her sisters, Cisely and Mariel Saldana of Cinestar are exec producers. Sonia A. Gambaro and Maytal Gilboa from Pollinate Entertainment are also producers on the film.
“The tremendous growth of our streaming service is indicative of the growing love for anime and its deserved spotlight in popular culture,” said Joanne Waage, Crunchyroll’s Gm. “Zoe and her team are bringing their own...
Crunchyroll, founded in 2006, is owned by WarnerMedia. The AT&T division entered into an agreement last December to sell Crunchyroll to Sony for almost $1.2 billion, but regulators have not yet signed off on the transaction.
Dark Star Squadron is backed by Saldana’s Cinestar Pictures. Todd Ludy, whose credits include Voltron: Legendary Defender, is onboard to write it. Saldana and her sisters, Cisely and Mariel Saldana of Cinestar are exec producers. Sonia A. Gambaro and Maytal Gilboa from Pollinate Entertainment are also producers on the film.
“The tremendous growth of our streaming service is indicative of the growing love for anime and its deserved spotlight in popular culture,” said Joanne Waage, Crunchyroll’s Gm. “Zoe and her team are bringing their own...
- 8/3/2021
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Women In Animation has unveiled the program for its fifth World Summit, which is part of the virtual programming for the hybrid version of the Annecy International Animation Festival taking place this year.
The event, produced in concert with South African animation studio Triggerfish, will also be available exclusively to Wia members from Monday, June 14th at 12:00 a.m. Pst through Saturday, June 19th. On the 20th, it will become available to the general public via Women in Animation’s website and YouTube channel.
Centered on the theme of “The Business Case For Diversity,” the 2021 virtual Summit will feature panels on topics including “Alternative Career Paths and Opportunities for Talent,” “Greenlighting Diverse Voices” and more. Highlights will include a Keynote speech presented by Justice Rx’s Vice President of Creative Affairs, Amma Y. Ghartey-Tagoe Kootin, as well as Fireside Chat with Marvel Studios’ Executive Vice President of Production, Victoria Alonso.
The event, produced in concert with South African animation studio Triggerfish, will also be available exclusively to Wia members from Monday, June 14th at 12:00 a.m. Pst through Saturday, June 19th. On the 20th, it will become available to the general public via Women in Animation’s website and YouTube channel.
Centered on the theme of “The Business Case For Diversity,” the 2021 virtual Summit will feature panels on topics including “Alternative Career Paths and Opportunities for Talent,” “Greenlighting Diverse Voices” and more. Highlights will include a Keynote speech presented by Justice Rx’s Vice President of Creative Affairs, Amma Y. Ghartey-Tagoe Kootin, as well as Fireside Chat with Marvel Studios’ Executive Vice President of Production, Victoria Alonso.
- 5/26/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Crunchyroll and the production companies of Idris Elba and his wife, Sabrina, are joining forces for an animated fantasy series with the working title Dantai. It is the first producing collaboration by the pair, who married in 2019.
The news about the project comes as Crunchyroll also reports surpassing four million subscribers. The WarnerMedia anime specialist is in the process of being sold to Sony’s Funimation in a $1.2 billion deal.
Crunchyroll passed three million subscribers just last summer. At that time, it added two higher-level subscription tiers beyond the $8-a-month “Fan” basic tier. The $10 “Mega Fan” and $15 “Ultimate Fan” plans have been “very successful” and comprise a “significant portion” of the overall subscriber base, a company rep told Deadline. The company has not broken out numbers by level.
Founded in 2006, Crunchyroll has accumulated a library of more than 1,000 titles and 30,000 episodes, available in more than 200 countries and territories. It has...
The news about the project comes as Crunchyroll also reports surpassing four million subscribers. The WarnerMedia anime specialist is in the process of being sold to Sony’s Funimation in a $1.2 billion deal.
Crunchyroll passed three million subscribers just last summer. At that time, it added two higher-level subscription tiers beyond the $8-a-month “Fan” basic tier. The $10 “Mega Fan” and $15 “Ultimate Fan” plans have been “very successful” and comprise a “significant portion” of the overall subscriber base, a company rep told Deadline. The company has not broken out numbers by level.
Founded in 2006, Crunchyroll has accumulated a library of more than 1,000 titles and 30,000 episodes, available in more than 200 countries and territories. It has...
- 2/2/2021
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: The American Forces Network is getting a special Veterans Day broadcast of Netflix’s World War II animated drama series The Liberator, for military service members and their families. Based on the book by Alex Kershaw, the series hails from writer Jeb Stuart (Die Hard), A+E Studios, Bob Shaye and Michael Lynne’s Unique Features and Triscope Studios.
The four-part limited series, which also launches Nov. 11 on Netflix, airs on Afn|prime Atlantic at 7 p.m. (Cet) for viewers in Central Europe and at 7 p.m. Japan|Korea Time (Jkt) on Afn|prime Pacific for viewers in Japan and Korea.
Created by Stuart, based on Kershaw’s book The Liberator: One World War II Soldier’s 500-Day Odyssey , the limited series follows the true story of maverick U.S. Army officer Felix Sparks and his infantry unit as they fought for over 500 days to liberate Europe.
“This Veterans Day, we...
The four-part limited series, which also launches Nov. 11 on Netflix, airs on Afn|prime Atlantic at 7 p.m. (Cet) for viewers in Central Europe and at 7 p.m. Japan|Korea Time (Jkt) on Afn|prime Pacific for viewers in Japan and Korea.
Created by Stuart, based on Kershaw’s book The Liberator: One World War II Soldier’s 500-Day Odyssey , the limited series follows the true story of maverick U.S. Army officer Felix Sparks and his infantry unit as they fought for over 500 days to liberate Europe.
“This Veterans Day, we...
- 11/9/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva and Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
WarnerMedia’s Crunchyroll and Adult Swim are teaming on Shenmue, a 13-episode original anime series based on the Sega game franchise. The co-production will stream worldwide outside of Japan and mainland China on Crunchyroll and air on Adult Swim’s Toonami in the domestic U.S.
Shenmue follows the journey of Ryo Hazuki. After he witnesses his father’s murder at the family dojo, Ryo dedicates his life to finding the man responsible – a mission that takes him from the streets of Yokosuka, Japan to the sprawling metropolis of Hong Kong, and beyond. Soon he’ll learn that larger, mystical forces are at play as he trains to become the ultimate martial artist in his quest for revenge.
Shenmue is co-produced by Crunchyroll and Adult Swim Productions. Sakurai Chikara directs with animation production by Telecom Animation Film, and production management provided by Sola Entertainment.
Shenmue follows the journey of Ryo Hazuki. After he witnesses his father’s murder at the family dojo, Ryo dedicates his life to finding the man responsible – a mission that takes him from the streets of Yokosuka, Japan to the sprawling metropolis of Hong Kong, and beyond. Soon he’ll learn that larger, mystical forces are at play as he trains to become the ultimate martial artist in his quest for revenge.
Shenmue is co-produced by Crunchyroll and Adult Swim Productions. Sakurai Chikara directs with animation production by Telecom Animation Film, and production management provided by Sola Entertainment.
- 9/5/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Adult Swim and Crunchyroll are teaming up once again to produce a new anime series.
The two WarnerMedia properties are combining to develop “Fena: Pirate Princess,” which is slated to premiere on Adult Swim’s Toonami and stream on Crunchyroll in 2021. News of the series was announced at Adult Swim’s first ever convention, Adult Swim Con.
“Fena: Pirate Princess” will be a 12-episode original anime series that tells the tale of a young orphan girl named Fena Houtman. Fena has been raised on an Island where there is “no hope of becoming anything more than chattel, to be used and discarded by soldiers of the British Empire.”
However, she is more than just another powerless orphan. When her mysterious past comes knocking, Fena will break the chains of her oppressors. Her goal: forge a new identity, free of bondage, and search for a place where she can truly belong...
The two WarnerMedia properties are combining to develop “Fena: Pirate Princess,” which is slated to premiere on Adult Swim’s Toonami and stream on Crunchyroll in 2021. News of the series was announced at Adult Swim’s first ever convention, Adult Swim Con.
“Fena: Pirate Princess” will be a 12-episode original anime series that tells the tale of a young orphan girl named Fena Houtman. Fena has been raised on an Island where there is “no hope of becoming anything more than chattel, to be used and discarded by soldiers of the British Empire.”
However, she is more than just another powerless orphan. When her mysterious past comes knocking, Fena will break the chains of her oppressors. Her goal: forge a new identity, free of bondage, and search for a place where she can truly belong...
- 7/26/2020
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
Adult Swim’s Toonami has unveiled a new Production I.G. original anime series, Fena: Pirate Princess. The series will bow on Toonami and stream on Crunchyroll in 2021.
Fena: Pirate Princess is a 12-episode original anime series about a young orphan girl, Fena Houtman. Fena has been raised on an Island where there is no hope of becoming anything more than chattel, to be used and discarded by soldiers of the British Empire.
But Fena is more than just another powerless orphan. When her mysterious past comes knocking, Fena will break the chains of her oppressors. Her goal: forge a new identity, free of bondage, and search for a place where she can belong and find out the true mysteries behind a keyword, “Eden.”
“I’m thrilled to be able to announce our next co-produced anime series with our partners at Crunchyroll and bring Nakazawa’s unique vision to life,” said Jason DeMarco,...
Fena: Pirate Princess is a 12-episode original anime series about a young orphan girl, Fena Houtman. Fena has been raised on an Island where there is no hope of becoming anything more than chattel, to be used and discarded by soldiers of the British Empire.
But Fena is more than just another powerless orphan. When her mysterious past comes knocking, Fena will break the chains of her oppressors. Her goal: forge a new identity, free of bondage, and search for a place where she can belong and find out the true mysteries behind a keyword, “Eden.”
“I’m thrilled to be able to announce our next co-produced anime series with our partners at Crunchyroll and bring Nakazawa’s unique vision to life,” said Jason DeMarco,...
- 7/26/2020
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Although he's best known by horror fans as the founder of New Line Cinema and the producer of A Nightmare on Elm Street movies (and executive producer of Freddy's Nightmares), Bob Shaye is also a director, and following 1990's Book of Love and 2007's The Last Mimzy, Shaye returns to the director's chair with the thriller Ambition, and Shout! Studios and Unique Features are teaming up to release the suspense thriller this fall.
Press Release: Shout! Studios, the multi-platform filmed entertainment distribution and production arm of Shout! Factory and Unique Features announced a strategic distribution collaboration to bring visionary filmmaker Bob Shaye’s new suspense thriller Ambition to a wide variety of entertainment platforms and in select U.S. cinemas. Unique Features and Seth Willenson will handle theatrical distribution duties. Directed by Shaye, Ambition stars Katherine Hughes, Giles Matthey, Sonoya Mizuno, and Bryan Batt with a special appearance by Lin Shaye.
Press Release: Shout! Studios, the multi-platform filmed entertainment distribution and production arm of Shout! Factory and Unique Features announced a strategic distribution collaboration to bring visionary filmmaker Bob Shaye’s new suspense thriller Ambition to a wide variety of entertainment platforms and in select U.S. cinemas. Unique Features and Seth Willenson will handle theatrical distribution duties. Directed by Shaye, Ambition stars Katherine Hughes, Giles Matthey, Sonoya Mizuno, and Bryan Batt with a special appearance by Lin Shaye.
- 6/6/2019
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Exclusive: Shout! Studios and Unique Features have teamed on a deal for the multi-platform distribution of Ambition, the suspense thriller directed by New Line Cinema and Unique Features founder Bob Shaye that will now hit select U.S. theaters day-and-date in the fall.
As part of a multi-year team-up between Shout! and Unique Features, Shout! Studios has acquired North American distribution rights to the pic including digital, VOD, broadcast and home entertainment.
Ambition, a modernist version of Douglas Sirk’s 1950s melodrama thrillers, stars Katherine Hughes as Jude Hunter, and intensely driven musician preparing for the biggest audition of her life. As a series of deaths surround her, she recognizes the pattern that seems to connect her with the deaths and her ambition. One night, her suspicions are confirmed: She becomes the target of a murderer fueled by the jealousy of her success.
Giles Matthey, Sonoya Mizuno and Bryan Batt also star in the pic,...
As part of a multi-year team-up between Shout! and Unique Features, Shout! Studios has acquired North American distribution rights to the pic including digital, VOD, broadcast and home entertainment.
Ambition, a modernist version of Douglas Sirk’s 1950s melodrama thrillers, stars Katherine Hughes as Jude Hunter, and intensely driven musician preparing for the biggest audition of her life. As a series of deaths surround her, she recognizes the pattern that seems to connect her with the deaths and her ambition. One night, her suspicions are confirmed: She becomes the target of a murderer fueled by the jealousy of her success.
Giles Matthey, Sonoya Mizuno and Bryan Batt also star in the pic,...
- 5/30/2019
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix is using a unique method to tell the story of one of the bloodiest and most dramatic events during World War II.
The streamer ordered a four-part drama, “The Liberator” that will be a mix of live action and CGI that use a new technology called Trioscope Enhanced Hybrid Animation. The combat drama will follow Sparks and the 157th Infantry Regiment from Oklahoma, a National Guard unit comprised primarily of cowboys, Native Americans and Mexican-Americans from the Invasion of Italy to the liberation of the concentration camp of Dachau.
Based on Alex Kershaw’s book “The Liberator: One World War II Soldier’s 500-Day Odyssey,” the series was created by “Die Hard” and “The Fugitive” writer Jeb Stuart.
Also Read: 'The One': Netflix Orders TV Adaptation of John Marrs Sci-Fi Novel About DNA and Dating
Trioscope Enhanced Hybrid Animation is a new patent-pending technology combining CGI (computer generated images) with live-action performance.
The streamer ordered a four-part drama, “The Liberator” that will be a mix of live action and CGI that use a new technology called Trioscope Enhanced Hybrid Animation. The combat drama will follow Sparks and the 157th Infantry Regiment from Oklahoma, a National Guard unit comprised primarily of cowboys, Native Americans and Mexican-Americans from the Invasion of Italy to the liberation of the concentration camp of Dachau.
Based on Alex Kershaw’s book “The Liberator: One World War II Soldier’s 500-Day Odyssey,” the series was created by “Die Hard” and “The Fugitive” writer Jeb Stuart.
Also Read: 'The One': Netflix Orders TV Adaptation of John Marrs Sci-Fi Novel About DNA and Dating
Trioscope Enhanced Hybrid Animation is a new patent-pending technology combining CGI (computer generated images) with live-action performance.
- 11/15/2018
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Netflix has given a green light to The Liberator, a four-part animated World War II drama series based on the book by Alex Kershaw, from writer Jeb Stuart, A+E Studios, Bob Shaye and Michael Lynne’s Unique Features and School of Humans. It marks A+E Studios’ first series for Netflix as the A+E Networks’ production unit has been branching out.
The Liberator will be the first project produced in Trioscope, a new enhanced hybrid animation technology that combines state-of-the-art CGI with live-action performance. It allows creators to tell a visually compelling story with rich detail in a way that conveys the human emotion and drama of the serious subject matter.
Grzegorz Jonkajtys developed the Trioscope technology together with School of Humans’ L.C. Crowley. Jonkajtys also will direct all four episodes. While production is yet to begin,...
The Liberator will be the first project produced in Trioscope, a new enhanced hybrid animation technology that combines state-of-the-art CGI with live-action performance. It allows creators to tell a visually compelling story with rich detail in a way that conveys the human emotion and drama of the serious subject matter.
Grzegorz Jonkajtys developed the Trioscope technology together with School of Humans’ L.C. Crowley. Jonkajtys also will direct all four episodes. While production is yet to begin,...
- 11/15/2018
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Ellation-owned Vrv, the streaming platform that aggregates over-the-top video services into one destination, has announced that it is bringing back HarmonQuest for a third season.
Produced by Universal Cable Productions and Starburns Industries, the series is a mix of adult animation and live improvisation. Created by Dan Harmon, the man behind the breakout hit “Rick and Morty,” and longtime partner Spencer Crittenden, production for the new season will begin this fall in Los Angeles.
Also Read: 5 Questions With Ellation's Eric Berman on the Importance of Aggregation in a Saturated Ott Market
“Thanks to Vrv’s dedication to serving fandoms and growing communities, they’re the perfect home and partner for HarmonQuest and all adventurous and fantastical content online, we’re proud to stand tall with Otter Media powerhouses like Crunchyroll and Rooster Teeth,” said Spencer Crittenden.
The new season will star Harmon, Crittenden, Erin McGathy and Jeff B. Davis, who...
Produced by Universal Cable Productions and Starburns Industries, the series is a mix of adult animation and live improvisation. Created by Dan Harmon, the man behind the breakout hit “Rick and Morty,” and longtime partner Spencer Crittenden, production for the new season will begin this fall in Los Angeles.
Also Read: 5 Questions With Ellation's Eric Berman on the Importance of Aggregation in a Saturated Ott Market
“Thanks to Vrv’s dedication to serving fandoms and growing communities, they’re the perfect home and partner for HarmonQuest and all adventurous and fantastical content online, we’re proud to stand tall with Otter Media powerhouses like Crunchyroll and Rooster Teeth,” said Spencer Crittenden.
The new season will star Harmon, Crittenden, Erin McGathy and Jeff B. Davis, who...
- 10/2/2018
- by Matt Lopez
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Andrew Herwitz Cannes-bound with Ambition, Smitten!
The Film Sales Company has acquired worldwide sales rights to features directed by two familiar Hollywood names.
Psychological thriller Ambition is directed by New Line Cinema founder Bob Shaye and produced by Unique Features, the company Shaye and former New Line president Michael Lynne launched in 2008.
The completed film centres on a beautiful young woman who must decide how far she will go to get what she wants – with or without the help of her two ardent suitors.
Shaye, whose directing credits include The Last Mimzy, produces Ambition with Unique’s Sarah Victor. Katherine Hughes, Sonoyoa Mizuno, and Giles Matthey.
Film Sales Company head Andrew Herwitz’s sales slate includes the rom-com Smitten! directed by Barry Morrow, who shared the best original screenplay Oscar for Rain Man in 1989.
Glee’s Darren Criss stars alongside model and TV star Madalina Ghenea. The story takes place in Tuscany, Italy, as a couple...
The Film Sales Company has acquired worldwide sales rights to features directed by two familiar Hollywood names.
Psychological thriller Ambition is directed by New Line Cinema founder Bob Shaye and produced by Unique Features, the company Shaye and former New Line president Michael Lynne launched in 2008.
The completed film centres on a beautiful young woman who must decide how far she will go to get what she wants – with or without the help of her two ardent suitors.
Shaye, whose directing credits include The Last Mimzy, produces Ambition with Unique’s Sarah Victor. Katherine Hughes, Sonoyoa Mizuno, and Giles Matthey.
Film Sales Company head Andrew Herwitz’s sales slate includes the rom-com Smitten! directed by Barry Morrow, who shared the best original screenplay Oscar for Rain Man in 1989.
Glee’s Darren Criss stars alongside model and TV star Madalina Ghenea. The story takes place in Tuscany, Italy, as a couple...
- 5/9/2017
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
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