Anime Anime Global

Fuji Television’s late-night anime slot “+Ultra” has agreed to a joint production system with Crunchyroll, Inc., one of the world’s largest anime streaming services, as a new partner. In addition, Slow Curve Co.,LTD., a general creative company, will participate in the joint development of the new project, and a new production system will be launched.

Based on the concept of “spreading anime culture overseas,” “+Ultra” is Fuji Television’s anime slot that has been producing high-quality, world-class anime works.
Joining the new production system is Crunchyroll, which was added to the Sony Pictures Group’s Funimation Global Group in August 2021.

Crunchyroll is one of the world’s largest animation streaming platforms with 120 million free members and 5 million paid members, distributing content in over 200 countries and regions worldwide. Crunchyroll is one of the largest animation streaming services in the world, with 20 million users and 5 million paid subscribers.
In addition, Crunchyroll will further develop its animation business, including marketing, exclusive streaming, and merchandising of “+Ultra” content in North America, Europe, and the rest of the world.

Furthermore, Slow Curve, which is involved in the planning, production, and promotion of various entertainment content, especially animation, has decided to participate in the planning and development of animation for the world in addition to the marketing and production that it has been involved in for the “+Ultra”.

With these new partners, the joint development from April 2022 onward will include the original animation project “Establife,” directed by Taniguchi Goro from “Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion,” the new project by Nihei Tsutomu, a manga artist known for “Knights of Sidonia” and “BLAME!” Polygon Pictures’ new project, and Crunchyroll’s participation in collaborative projects with overseas talents and creators.

With these new partners, joint development after April 2022 will include “Establife,” an original animation project directed by Taniguchi Goro from “Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion,” and a new project by manga artist Nihei Tsutomu and Polygon Pictures, known for “Knights of Sidonia” and “BLAME!”.
In addition, Crunchyroll will also participate in the project to collaborate with overseas talents and creators. The company plans to develop original projects and discover original works with an eye to the overseas market.

Prior to the joint development, “Muv-Luv Alternative,” which will be broadcast on “+Ultra” from October 2021, will be marketed and streamed exclusively by “+Ultra” and Crunchyroll. Exclusive streaming has been decided for the whole world except Asia, mainly North America and Europe.
In addition, “Muv-Luv Alternative” will be produced for the first time by FLAGSHIP LINE, which was established by Avex Pictures and Graphinica.

＜The full text of the comments is as follows＞
Producer of “+Ultra”: Mori Akitoshi (Fuji Television Network, Animation Production Department)

“The “+Ultra” program, which started in October 2018, is now in its fourth year and we are pleased to welcome Crunchyroll as a new business partner. Japanese anime is a visual content that attracts attention not only in Japan, but also from overseas users. Crunchyroll’s streaming platform has a great influence on overseas anime fans, especially in Europe and the United States, and we expect it to be a powerful driving force for “+Ultra” to reach the world. In addition, Slow Curve, which has been marketing “+Ultra” up until now, will be participating in the planning and development of the project in a more full-fledged manner, adding Crunchyroll’s knowledge and know-how of anime fans in North America and Europe. In addition, Crunchyroll’s knowledge and expertise of anime fans in North America and Europe will enable us to plan and develop animation. After completing Phase 1 in 2018, “+Ultra”, which was launched with the goal of creating content for the world, will now begin Phase 2. Please look forward to an attractive lineup in the future!”

[Anime! Anime! Biz / Article reprinted from animeanime.biz]