Photo courtesy of TOKYOPOP.
Doubling down on its commitment to the extremely popular vertical, MBC GROUP expands its anime content on Shahid and introduces an investment fund for anime production
Source: TOKYOPOP press release
Special Thanks to Erik Jansen (MediaLab)
At Anime Japan in Tokyo, MBC GROUP, the largest and leading media company in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), announced the formation of MBC Anime – a brand-new hub dedicated to the licensing, promotion, and production of anime content in the region.
MBC Anime is a venture led by renowned anime and manga expert, Stu Levy, founder and CEO of TOKYOPOP, a leading international distributor, licensor, and publisher of anime and manga.
Through the new initiative, MBC Anime will commission, produce, and invest in a series of world-class quality anime titles. Often aimed at adults, anime refers to the wide range of Japanese animation that reflects multiple genres and features a distinctly recognisable visual aesthetic and storytelling approach.
MBC GROUP has revealed plans to heavily invest over the next several years in the venture, with an ambition to expand further after this time frame. During the first investment period, MBC Anime aims to forge substantive relationships with key anime studios in Japan, supporting and investing in a multitude of compelling projects.
Sam Barnett, CEO of MBC GROUP, commented: “Anime and manga are incredibly popular in the Middle East and North Africa, with Saudi Arabia being the leader in terms of viewership in the region. In recent years, there has been a huge increase in events and activities related to this art form.
We are thrilled to announce that Stu Levy has joined us to head up MBC Anime. Stu is a renowned figure in the anime industry, known for his expertise in distribution, licensing, and publishing. We’re very excited about the prospects for this cooperation.”
TOKYOPOP’s Levy added: “Having worked with the talented team at MBC GROUP over the past couple of years, I’ve been impressed by their licensing approach and dedication to the space. Their commitment to not only anime, but building long-term relationships in Japan made me confident of the real potential for exciting growth opportunities working together.”
TOKYOPOP CEO Stu Levy with Sam Barnett, CEO of MBC GROUP at Anime Japan. Photo courtesy of TOKYOPOP.
ABOUT MBC GROUP
Headquartered in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, MBC GROUP is the largest and leading media company in the Middle East & North Africa region that enriches people’s lives through information, interaction, and entertainment. In addition to its leading position in the MENA, MBC GROUP is also considered one of the world’s top media and broadcast organisations. Its award-winning streaming platform, Shahid, can be accessed across the world, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
MBC GROUP is also at the forefront of spearheading international exchanges of knowledge and expertise by inviting international companies, talent, and producers to become involved in Arabic-language titles. It also works with global entities to offer support and opportunities to MENA talent and producers worldwide.
ABOUT TOKYOPOP
Founded in 1997, TOKYOPOP brings Asian pop culture to Hollywood and beyond. TOKYOPOP established the market for manga in North America, introducing the term to the English language in the process, and expanding the market in Germany, publishing thousands of books in both languages, distributing anime and Asian films on home video and television, licensing merchandise to consumer goods and companies, and creating graphic novels of both original content and major IP adaptations. TOKYOPOP’s core values focus on multiculturism and diversity; aestheticism and artistic integrity; and passionate and positive storytelling. More information at: https://www.tokyopop.com/.