And then I'll wiggle my butt around, see, but it's funny because I've drawn eyes on it, so--
In addition to their recent licenses,
FUNimation had a new surprise for us today: they're moving into original content. But we're not talking original manga, we're talking original anime.
It's not at all uncommon nowadays for an American company to involve itself in the production of a Japanese anime-- whether it's the
Animatrix and similar collections,
Manga Entertainment's somewhat ill-fated
Highlander anime, or FUNimation's much more successful Afro Samurai, American money is just as good as any for getting a production done.
FUNi is taking this to the next level by hiring a new Director of Original Entertainment, Chris Moujaes, who will work on "the acquisition and development of a slate of original anime titles based on major intellectual properties." I'm guessing that this means making anime based on, for example, popular novels, comics, and other such things...and I can't wait to see what their first project is. Here's the full press release for your reading pleasure!
FUNimation Hires Director of Original Entertainment
Flower Mound, Texas - November 23, 2009 - FUNimation Entertainment has appointed animation industry executive Chris Moujaes to the position of Director of Original Entertainment.
Chris comes to FUNimation with extensive experience in developing international co-productions, managing overseas animation production teams and creating and marketing original entertainment properties. Most recently, Moujaes was with the Austin, Texas-based animation studio Boomstar Inc., where he was President and Chief Creative Officer.
Under FUNimation’s important new co-production initiative, Moujaes will focus his efforts on the acquisition and development of a slate of original anime titles based on major intellectual properties.
Moujaes is a native of Beaumont, Texas, and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor’s degree in Radio-Television-Film. He found his niche in animation and storytelling early on as an independent producer specializing in property development for AOL Kids and as President of branding agency, Spoonbend. Later, Moujaes co-founded Boomstar to negotiate international television co-productions and to provide animation services through Boomstar’s studio facilities in the United States and India.
Moujaes begins his role at FUNimation immediately.
| 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. |
Death Note: The Movie: The Anime. Taking the concept of forcing Zak Effron onto your screens to a whole new level.
i'm not too excited about this, but we'll see where it goes