Gaia Online News

Flower Mound, Texas – March 3, 2009 – FUNimation Entertainment will be bringing many of its top titles to a theatre near you: your home computer. The anime leader has completed an agreement with Gaia Online, the leading online hangout for teens and young adults, for select series to enjoy a virtual theatrical run through Gaia Online Cinema.

The more than 7 million teens and young adults who visit Gaia Online each month will have access to episodes from such series as Black Blood Brothers, MoonPhase, Peach Girl and Suzuka starting today.

Gaian theatre goers can take a virtual seat by visiting http://www.gaiaonline.com/cinema/movies/ and clicking on “What’s New” or “Channels” and selecting FUNimation. New Gaia Online users can join in on the fun by visiting www.gaiaonline.com, creating a custom anime-inspired avatar and visiting the Cinema section of the community.   

“We had worked with Gaia Online on promotions for Peach Girl, Mushi-Shi and School Rumble and were thrilled with the response from the Gaia users,” said Gen Fukunaga, president and CEO of FUNimation Entertainment. "Online communities like Gaia Online are reinventing the way that people experience entertainment. Now you can go to the movies with a friend living across the country!”

“At Gaia Online we are always looking for exciting news ways to bring cool and entertaining elements to our online community,” said Craig Sherman, CEO of Gaia Online.  “Our partnership with FUNimation will give our creative and passionate user base an opportunity to view top-rated anime movies and TV shows while socializing, commentating, and maybe even throwing some popcorn.”

Additional episodes or series from the FUNimation library will be added to the Gaia Online Cinema schedule every Tuesday.

About Gaia Online                                                                                              

Founded in 2003, Gaia Online is the leading online hangout for teens and young adults. More than seven million visitors come to Gaia every month to make friends, play games, watch movies in Gaia Cinemas, Gaia's virtual theaters, and participate in the world's most active online community. Gaia provides a fun, social environment that inspires individuality and creativity. With everything from art contests to discussion forums on poetry, politics, celebrities and more, to fully customizable profiles, digital characters and cars, Gaia is a place where teens can create their own space and express their individual style. For more information, visit www.gaiaonline.com.

About FUNimation Entertainment

FUNimation® Entertainment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Navarre Corporation, is the leading company for Japanese animation in the United States. FUNimation is known for acquiring top-rated anime series from Japan and for being the market share leader for home video sales of anime in the United States. The company has a proven formula for launching and advancing brands, and manages a full spectrum of rights for most of its brands including broadcasting, licensing, production, internet, and home video sales and distribution.