new favorite track...

Anime Music Videos

Interesting article in Financial Times about the use of Anime Music Videos (AMV) for promotion. While AMVs have been around for awhile, YouTube now allows partners to claim audio and video separately allowing for a monetizable and provides a legal outlet for AMV creators.

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/d55dfe52-77d2-11da-9670-0000779e2340.html

Wolverine workprint leaks online

In a show of solidarity with AintItCool.com, I posted this on manga.com. While the allure of illicit downloads is hard to resist, it destroys the business that created these titles in the first place. When all is said and done, it's not a victimless crime. Artists, illustrators, producers, directors, et al, get laid off because of this kind of thing. That said, here's the post from Hitfix:...

http://www.manga.com/news/wolverine-workprint-leaks-online

Complex's Interview with Steve Sargent Of Manga.com

Today we examine how anime has injected itself into the veins of popular culture with this week's special guest, Manga.com digital programming manager Steve Sargent. Check out the interview below…
Complex's Interview with Steve Sargent Of Manga.com

Worldwide Anime Market Shrinking

An older article, but worth posting. I'm not sure if I entirely agree with what they're asserting. Certainly, it's tough to get people to purchase content they've been illegally downloading. Tough, but not impossible. It's really the same thing that happened to music labels back in the day (and when I say day I mean 10 years ago).

What's especially tricky is that these illicit torrents often come in HD with subtitles. Something that you're only just starting to see through legal channels. The good news for distributors is that piracy tools are getting smarter. For example, YouTube has done a great job with their content management system and claim/content blocking. Hopefully, this will stem the tide enough to pave the way for the legal option.
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Iwata noted that due to market saturation, illegal downloading, the worldwide recession, and the rising yen, “It is easy to imagine the global marketplace shrinking from 2010 onward."

http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/14201.html

Apocalypse Meow

New series from Studio Anima in Japan. Called Cat Shit One in Japan, it's being released here as Apocalypse Meow. From what I understand, they're looking for funding. Check out this trailer. Hyper-realistic and well done. http://www.catshitone.jp/