Hi,
I think it would be terrific to combine the great strengths of our location (Silicon Valley) and anime and try to get some major anime distributors together to discuss the impact of the Internet on anime (fan subs, DVD sales drop, new online-only series).
As many of us know, the anime industry is in a major crisis. As I've been told personally by companies based both in the US and Japan, US DVD sales have "Flat-lined." It's a very real concern for the people who create the anime that you love whether or not they will have the money to keep the lights on. We've seen Geneon (a top 3 US distributor) close their US headquarters and all but cease US operations. You want great series, well, some of those are in real danger of never being produced if there isn't enough money to pay the talent.
I'm not suggesting a doom and gloom panel, rather a constructive way for business people involved in the licensing and distribution of anime to discuss the issue in an open forum where fans can ask questions (and, yes, tough questions) about what's happening and what the future may hold.
This is THE issue in anime in 2008. It would be a shame for San Jose (the heart of Silicon Valley) not to take a leadership position in getting people to the table for some panels related to the impact and future of online anime.
For those of you who haven't read the watershed editorial from ANN's founder, Justin Sevakis, I'd highly recommend it.
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/editorial/2007-11-25
Some starter ideas (PLEEEASE ADD TO THIS :))
How have fan-subs affected anime sales in the US?
What are the major licensors l(Toei, ADV, TMS, Bandia, Funimation, Viz, etc.) doing to offer anime online?
Anime life after the DVD. -- What does that look like?
Let's think big San Jose and make an impact on the industry. ;D
I think it would be terrific to combine the great strengths of our location (Silicon Valley) and anime and try to get some major anime distributors together to discuss the impact of the Internet on anime (fan subs, DVD sales drop, new online-only series).
As many of us know, the anime industry is in a major crisis. As I've been told personally by companies based both in the US and Japan, US DVD sales have "Flat-lined." It's a very real concern for the people who create the anime that you love whether or not they will have the money to keep the lights on. We've seen Geneon (a top 3 US distributor) close their US headquarters and all but cease US operations. You want great series, well, some of those are in real danger of never being produced if there isn't enough money to pay the talent.
I'm not suggesting a doom and gloom panel, rather a constructive way for business people involved in the licensing and distribution of anime to discuss the issue in an open forum where fans can ask questions (and, yes, tough questions) about what's happening and what the future may hold.
This is THE issue in anime in 2008. It would be a shame for San Jose (the heart of Silicon Valley) not to take a leadership position in getting people to the table for some panels related to the impact and future of online anime.
For those of you who haven't read the watershed editorial from ANN's founder, Justin Sevakis, I'd highly recommend it.
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/editorial/2007-11-25
Some starter ideas (PLEEEASE ADD TO THIS :))
How have fan-subs affected anime sales in the US?
What are the major licensors l(Toei, ADV, TMS, Bandia, Funimation, Viz, etc.) doing to offer anime online?
Anime life after the DVD. -- What does that look like?
Let's think big San Jose and make an impact on the industry. ;D