Viz goes Hollywood
INDIE FILM GUIDE: New company to produce live-action films
By Cindy Spielvogel -- Video Business, 8/25/2008
AUG. 25 | INDIE FILM GUIDE: Viz Media is taking a departure from its anime roots by launching a film company in Hollywood that will license and produce live-action films. But the project doesn’t take the company too far astray; the films will be based on Japanese graphic novel properties, otherwise known as manga, as well as anime series.
“Worldwide, the creators of manga are viewed as artists, and the rich story lines are already a hit with the coveted 12-34 demographic,” says Jason Hoffs, head of production for the new Viz Productions.
The company will focus on live-action theatrical film and TV projects based on the properties owned by its Japanese parent companies, Shogakukan and Shueisha, along with publishing house Hakusensha, all of which are among the largest publishing houses in Japan. The new company also will serve as a liaison between Japanese licensors and Hollywood studios.
Viz has no plans to abandon its anime titles, however. Its series, which include Naruto, Bleach and Death Note, are still going strong in such outlets as the Cartoon Network and on DVD.
