Partners plan to develop animated children’s properties with global appeal.
TORONTO -- Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana and Sumitomo Corp. announced a partnership to develop and co-produce innovative anime properties with international appeal.
To support the project, Sumitomo has acquired the services of Tokyo’s prominent content creation company, Zeroichi, to help produce an original anime and toy concept. Zeroichi President Shigeki Fujiwara is a well-respected figure in the Japanese anime and toy industry for his involvement in the creation of the Beyblade, B-daman, Aikatsu and Majinbone brands.
Nelvana and Sumitomo will work together with Fujiwara and Zeroichi to create a wholly original anime property for the North American market. Sumitomo has also enlisted the help of Stuart Snyder, former president and COO of Time Warner’s Cartoon Network, who brought the parties together, spearheaded negotiations, and will consult on the venture going forward.
“We look forward to working with Stu and the talented team and creative individuals of Sumitomo through this strategic partnership,” said Scott Dyer, president, Nelvana. “As we continue to expand our presence globally and invest in international talent, we cannot wait to share the fresh ideas and engaging content coming out of Japan.”
“We are thrilled to partner with Nelvana to create world-class anime and exceptional children’s content,” said Iehisa Nakamura, executive officer, general manager of media division in Sumitomo Corp. “This is a great opportunity to invest in and showcase our country’s outstanding talent and resources to the global kids’ entertainment market.”
Source: Nelvana
Tom McLean has been writing for years about animation from a secret base in Los Angeles.
