At Anime Japan in Tokyo, the Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) media company MBC Group announced the launch of MBC Anime, a new hub dedicated to licensing, promoting, and producing anime content in the region. Stu Levy, the founder and CEO of TOKYOPOP, an international distributor, licensor, and publisher of anime and manga, is helming the project.
Through the new initiative, MBC Anime will commission, produce, and invest in a series of world-class quality anime titles. The group notes that though often aimed at adults, anime includes a range of Japanese animation reflecting multiple genres and featuring a distinctly recognizable visual aesthetic and storytelling approach.
Over the next several years, MBC Group plans additional investments in the venture beyond the initial investment period. During the first investment period, MBC Anime will forge relationships with key anime studios in Japan and support and invest in various 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,” he continued. “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.”
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.”
Source: MBC Group
Debbie Diamond Sarto is news editor at Animation World Network.
