Anime producer and mega-online anime retailer Right Stuf, Inc. is pleased to welcome David Bowers and Maryann Garger – the director and producer of Imagi Studios’ newly released ASTRO BOY movie – to episode 104 of ANIME TODAY.
Press Release from Right Stuf, Inc.
GRIMES, IA, October 23, 2009 – Anime producer and mega-online anime retailer Right Stuf, Inc. is pleased to welcome David Bowers and Maryann Garger – the director and producer of Imagi Studios’ newly released ASTRO BOY movie – to episode 104 of ANIME TODAY.
In this new, two-segment interview, Bowers and Garger discuss how they each became involved with the Astro Boy project, talk about the challenges of introducing Astro Boy to new fans while also still appealing to long-time fans of the series, share details about the film adaptation and its vocal cast, and hint at the Easter eggs fans of the original series can find throughout the movie.
Prior to directing Astro Boy, David Bowers co-directed the 2006 computer-animated film Flushed Away, served as the storyboard supervisor for Aardman Animations’ Chicken Run, and worked as an animator and story artist for projects including Balto and the Dreamworks’ feature films The Prince of Egypt and The Road to El Dorado. Maryann Garger’s credits include serving as co-producer for Flushed Away and producer for the animated short First Flight, as well as work on Madagascar, Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas, Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron, The Prince of Egypt and Pocahontas.
Also in episode 104 of ANIME TODAY:
* Chad shares “What’s Hot” in the world of anime and manga.
* Rich tells fans how they can “Unleash Fierce Savings” on manga from Go! Comi.
* Rich and Nick take a look at how packages get out from RightStuf.com to customers in the first installment of “Best Wishes, Stuf!,” a special feature in anticipation of Anime Today’s fourth anniversary.
* Nick and Rich announce the latest Year of the Otaku winners (and new weekly contest), announce the winners of the Rockin’ Android SUGURI Perfect Edition contest, and kick-off a new contest for an official Jungle Emperor Leo (Kimba) collectible wrist watch.
* Rich and Nick provide a rundown of upcoming conventions, courtesy of AnimeCons.com.
* Christy offers recommendations to fans of the original Dragon Ball anime in a new “If…/Then” segment.
* Listen to clips from the Read or Die (R.O.D.) OVA Original Soundtrack and Read or Die (R.O.D.) TV Original Soundtracks 1 and 2 from Geneon Music. Also hear tracks from JapanFiles.com artists SKYBEAVER (“For a Long Time” from the CD The First Countdown) and HIGH and MIGHTY COLOR (“you” from the CD swamp man).
* And finally, ANIME TODAY highlights some of the newest fan reviews from RightStuf.com visitors.
ABOUT ANIME TODAY
Released every other week, ANIME TODAY is the first commercially-produced podcast aimed at enthusiasts of Japanese animation and comics (“anime” and “manga”). Each episode features fresh content and gives listeners a glimpse into what's new and what's hot in the world of anime and manga. Segments include reviews of titles from all major anime studios, insights into the industry from anime producers, tips on traveling to and around Japan, interaction with listeners, contests, prizes and more.
ABOUT RIGHT STUF, INC.
Currently celebrating its 22nd year in business, Right Stuf, Inc. was one of the first players in the U.S. Japanese Animation ("anime") industry, as both an anime producer/distributor and a retailer. Right Stuf works to promote knowledge of its own products, as well as the anime and manga industry, in general, through its online storefront at RightStuf.com and a variety of media including podcasts and special publications.
Nozomi Entertainment, Right Stuf’s production division, is dedicated to the highest quality releases. True to the Japanese word that inspired its name, Nozomi’s focus is on “what fans want.” By focusing on a limited number of anime properties each year, the Nozomi production team ensures each release receives the care and attention to detail it deserves.
From anime classics like Astro Boy, Kimba and Gigantor to modern comedies, dramas and favorites such as The Irresponsible Captain Tylor, His and Her Circumstances, Gravitation, Shingu: Secret of the Stellar Wars, Ninja Nonsense, To Heart, The Third: The Girl With the Blue Eye, Emma: A Victorian Romance, Maria Watches Over Us, ARIA, Gakuen Alice and Rental Magica, Right Stuf and Nozomi Entertainment produce quality programming for fans of all ages and interests. For more information, visit www.rightstuf.com and www.nozomient.com.
