Leading MENA broadcaster MBC Group has partnered with Japanese anime specialist Tokyopop to launch MBC Anime – a new entity dedicated to the licensing, promotion, and production of anime content in the region.
The new venture will be led by 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 anime titles. An MBC spokesperson told Screen that the main focus will be on series but features would also be a consideration.
MBC Group has revealed plans to heavily invest in the venture over the next several years, with an ambition to expand further after this time frame. During the first investment period, MBC Anime aims to forge relationships with key anime studios in Japan, supporting and investing in a multitude of projects.
The venture was announced at tradeshow Anime Japan in Tokyo.
MBC Group CEO Sam Barnett said: “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.”
Headquartered in Riyadh, MBC Group is the largest media company in the Middle East and North Africa region and operates streaming platform Shahid, which can be access in territories including the US, UK and Australia.
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