IGPX, a co-production between Cartoon Network, Japanese animation studio Production I.G and Bandai Entertainment, debuts on Nov. 5, 2005, at 10:00 pm. IGPX is the first original series produced for Toonami, Cartoon Networks action programming block that first brought anime to wide television audiences in the U.S.
Racers and futurists should enjoy this series set in 2048, when the Immortal Grand Prix is the worlds most popular sport. Its so big that an entire city was built for the racing industry, where competitions take place on a huge, 60-mile track. Each race features two teams of three mechs, high-tech fighting machines driven by humans, which race at speeds greater than 350 mph.
Team Satomi, a crew of amateur pilots, has just won a minor-league championship, advancing them into the sports highest level, the IG-1. In the big leagues they must beat the worlds most skilled and ruthless pilots in the planets biggest event. The untested rookies have a lot to learn about becoming champs, as well as struggling with egos, love-hate relationships and sponsor troubles.
IGPX (www.theigpx.com) is an eye-catching mix of both traditional and CGI animation styles. The characters and mechs a rather flat, in bold primary colors against a rich 3D background with swift, cg moves accompanied with good sound. Cartoon Network gave and sneak preview at a packed convention hall during the Comic-Con Intl last July.
Production I.G. renowned for its productions GHOST IN THE SHELL, NEON GENESIS EVANGELION, FLCL and the anime sequences in KILL BILL VOL.1 brings its stylish vision to IGPX. Cartoon Network partnered with Production I.G in 2003 to produce five 5-minute episodes of IGPX for an on-air Toonami event in 2003.
It stars Haley Joel Osment (FORREST GUMP, SIXTH SENSE) as the voice of leading character, Takeshi Jin. Michelle Rodriguez (THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS) provides the voice of Liz Ricarro, a pilot for Team Satomi. Mark Hamill and Lance Henriksen also lend voices to the series key characters.
Toonami brought Japanese animation to a new generation of fans in the U.S., showcasing popular anime series like DRAGONBALL Z, THE BIG O and YU YU HAKUSHO, said Jim Samples, evp/gm of Cartoon Network. Now, Toonami is the first to team up with one of the most respected and well-known animation studios in Japan, Production I.G, setting the stage for future co-productions.
I am very honored for Production I.G to collaborate with Cartoon Network, and for our show to be broadcast on the worlds largest animation network, said Mitsuhisa Ishikawa, president of Production I.G. This co-production relationship with Cartoon Network is what truly motivated our staff to create such an amazing piece of work. Mitsuru Hongo, director of IGPX said, I have never been involved in anything in the past where I wished for everyone to watch it so badly. We are all trying very hard to make this the most entertaining animation ever. We will let the audience make the judgment on how different this is from anything else. The story gets more interesting as the season progresses, so I hope everyone stays tuned in to watch more IGPX!
This exciting collaboration between Cartoon Network and Production I.G. features an awesome array of Hollywood voice talent and stylized music from Ninja Tune, said Ken Iyadomi, evp of Bandai Ent. Im truly excited that Bandai Entertainment can play a role in what is sure to be an Anime Dream Team. Co-producer Bandai Ent. also serves as the licensing partner for IGPX.
Production I.G Inc. (www.productionIG.com) is one of the largest and most successful Japanese animation studios. Established in 1987 by Mitsuhisa Ishikawa, the company has produced a variety of cutting-edge animation titles, including GHOST IN THE SHELL, JIN-ROH, BLOOD: THE LAST VAMPIRE, KILL BILL Vol. 1 (animation scenes), GHOST IN THE SHELL 2: INNOCENCE, GHOST IN THE SHELL: STAND ALONE COMPLEX and GHOST IN THE SHELL: SAC 2ND GIG. An overseas subsidiary and a full-time staff of over 200 animators and producers meet the international creative communitys demands.
Bandai Ent. (www.bandai-ent.com) is the premier distributor of Japanese animation on DVD home video and leading Japanese animated licensed programming for television broadcast distribution in North America. Bandai Ent. is a subsidiary of Bandai America Inc. In addition to toys and children's entertainment, Bandai Co.'s global interests include videogame software, multimedia, music and full-length feature films, vending machines, trading cards, candies, and licensed apparel.
Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com), currently seen in more than 88 million U.S. homes and 160 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System Inc.s ad-supported cable service offering original, acquired and classic animated entertainment for kids and families. Overnight from 11:00 pm-6:00 am, Cartoon Network shares its channel space with Adult Swim, a late-night destination showcasing original and acquired animation for young adults 18-34.
