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http://deadline.com/2017/07/sony-pi...y-stake-funimation-japanese-anime-1202139652/

Sony Pictures Television Networks is increasing its footprint in the anime space, with a deal to pay $143 million for 95% of Japanese anime distributor Funimation Productions. Its catalog includes such popular titles as Dragon Ball Z, Cowboy Bebop, One Piece, My Hero Academia and Attack on Titan.

The agreement that values the company at about $150 million is subject to regulatory approvals and other closing conditions. Funimation CEO Gen Fukunaga will retain a minority stake in the business and remain in his post.

Funimation licenses and distributes Japanese anime content in the U.S., and operates the subscription streaming service FunimationNow. The company also sells merchandise and DVDs through its website.

“Around the world, Sony’s networks have been major players in the anime space for nearly two decades, and in more recent years we have rapidly increased our networks’ over-the-top and digital offerings to consumers. With the acquisition of Funimation, the combined IP of Animax, Kids Station and Funimation allows us to deliver the best anime to fans across all screens and platforms,” said Andy Kaplan, President of Worldwide Networks at Sony Pictures Television.

Added Fukunaga: “With Funimation’s long-established leadership position in anime and Sony’s direct access to the creative pipeline in Japan, it will be a great partnership to take Funimation to the next level.”

 

[KZXcellent]

Should I be concerned? I hope not.

 

[Shaanyboi]

Did they have a stake in Funimation before?

 

[7Th]

How close is Sony Picture's relationship with Aniplex?

 

[Shard]

How close is Sony Picture's relationship with Aniplex?

Non-existent, Aniplex is under the umbrella of Sony Music.

 

[ultracal31]

I do not know if this is good or bad

 

[darkside31337]

Can't wait for some DBZ ads to be plastered onto my PS4 I guess

 

[Imperial Bishop]

This sounds worrisome.

 

[bigkrev]

Does this mean Rick Santorum is technically with Sony now?

 

[FiggyCal]

Can't wait for the Emoji movie to get an anime adaption.

Non-existent, Aniplex is under the umbrella of Sony Music.

??? That sounds like a pretty close relationship.

 

[SRG01]

This seems like an odd acquisition. Sony was dipping their toes into CG Anime, so maybe this is an extension of it?

 

[Lambtron]

I do not like this.

 

[Nanashrew]

I don't like this or want this.

 

[Calm Mind]

lame

 

[Master Of Illusion]

So Attack On Titan and DBZ ads on the Homecoming blu-ray?

 

[UberTag]

I expect some downright atrocious live-action movies to emerge from the wake of this deal.

 

[A-V-B]

Funimation no

 

[Fj0823]

I hope you're ready for the Dragon Ball Cinematic Universe!!

First we start off with Dragon Ball Z, because that's the cool one, fuck DB, then we have Dragon Ball Super as the Sequel, we then create a Chiaotzu Spinoff,a Puar Spinoff and a Chi-Chi spin-off.

We will also have a Hit "Hitman"-style movie and "The Pride Troopers" to compete with Guardians of the Galaxy

Then we bring back the cast of evolution for Dragon Ball Z vs Dragon Ball Evolution, estimated revenue: 2 Billion

Spoiler

I know it's TV but that was fun to write

 

[patrickthehedgehog]

I predict that this will be bad for fans.

 

[A-V-B]

I hope you're ready for the Dragon Ball Cinematic Universe!!

First we start off with Dragon Ball Z, because that's the movie, then we have Dragon Ball Super as the Sequel, we then create a Chiaotzu Spinoff,a Puar Spinoff and a Chi-Chi spin-off.

Then we bring back the cast of evolution for Dragon Ball Z vs Dragon Ball Evolution, estimated revenue: 2 Billion

Honestly I would love an original Dragon Ball movie directed by Edgar Wright lol

 

[Desperado]

DBZ

Spoiler

Abridged

Cinematic Universe incoming

 

[Shard]

Can't wait for the Emoji movie to get an anime adaption.



??? That sounds like a pretty close relationship.

You would think that but corporate structures are a funny thing.

 

[Admiral Woofington]

sony studios clearly realizes they haven't had enough in ruining the western film industry, they now aim their sights for the western anime distribution industry.

 

[AyaisMUsikWhore]

Wow......I'm shook for all the wrong reasons

 

[FStubbs]

So Funimation streaming is exclusive to Playstation now?

 

[Ray Down]

Guess this means I will get more work them.

 

[Calm Mind]

inb4 Crunchyroll

 

[bobbychalkers]

....this has the potential to go bad.

 

[jbug617]

Funimation licenses these shows. Sony would have to go back to the owners if the wanted to do more with the shows.

 

[CO_Andy]

anime is dead

 

[Magwik]

Sony will probably try to position Funimation as a competitor to Crunchyroll if they have their way.

 

[Turbo Killer]

So anime channel on PS Vue?

 

[Busaiku]

Yes, Aniplex stuff.

Non-existent, Aniplex is under the umbrella of Sony Music.

Noooooo

 

[Shard]

Sony will probably try to position Funimation as a competitor to Crunchyroll if they have their way.

Hard to say on that avenue given that Funimation and Crunchyroll are already locked into an alliance for the time being.

 

[Rentahamster]

I have no idea if this is good or bad.

 

[5taquitos]

So Funimation streaming is exclusive to Playstation now?

Why would this be the case? You can buy Sony Pictures movies on an Xbox.

 

[Ridley327]

I wonder what this means for VRV, since the biggest thing they've advertised for their service is being able to browse the Funimation and Crunchyroll libraries at the same time.

 

[Kthulhu]

Really hoping this won't negatively affect Funimation's partnership with Crunchyroll or their Blu-ray and DVD sales.

 

[PhantomKnight]

Hopefully Sony can use its influence to bring One Piece to Europe. It's ridiculous that there is no legal way to stream that show here.

 

[MikeHattsu]

I have no idea if this is good or bad.

If Rick Santorum is out, that's possibly good?

 

[M.D]

Wait, Sony now owns Dragon Ball?

 

[orochi91]

This is amazing news, Funimation will have access to so many yet-to-be licensed shows.

Its catalog includes such popular titles as Dragon Ball Z, Cowboy Bebop, One Piece, My Hero Academia and Attack on Titan.

Those are some seriously popular licenses Sony has just picked up.

 

[FiggyCal]

This is amazing news, Funimation will have access to so many yet-to-be licensed shows.


Those are some seriously popular licenses Sony has just picked up.

I didn't even think about it. Those are pretty major franchises.

 

[BY2K]

Oh God, they ARE making an Emoji anime...

 

[MikeHattsu]

Wait, Sony now owns Dragon Ball?

No. They own the rights to distribute it in the US.

 

[Glass Rebel]

Wish someone who knows what this means for the life-action future of those franchises would chime in. Probably nothing, I assume?

 

[Ridley327]

Wait, Sony now owns Dragon Ball?

They would own the US distribution rights, not the IP outright, since that's co-owned between Bird Studio (Toriyama's company), Shueisha (the company that owns Shonen Jump) and Toei Animation.

There's nothing to be that worried about at this point in terms of what Funimation will be picking up, but I won't be shocked if Sony does try to cut some contracts short to be able to have them all to themselves, especially if it can help boost Vue subscriptions.

 

[Shard]

Wait, Sony now owns Dragon Ball?

No, FUNimation licensees anime out.

 

[BronsonLee]

Finally, Sony will be able to kill anime just like I told them to back in the 80s

 

[Aaronrules380]

Honestly, as long as funi-crunchy alliance remains in tact I don't really mind