In our annual State of the Industry Panel, we’re joined by Anime News Network CEO, Christopher MacDonald, FUNimation Marketing Director, Lance Heiskell and manga blogger, Ed Sizemore. We look at the growth of streaming media, DVD trends and attracting new anime fans.
A3K PANEL
Episode Title: “State of the Industry 2011”
Episode Count: 33
Run Time: 01:08:04
Host(s): Sean Russell
Guest(s): Christopher MacDonald, Lance Heiskell, Ed Sizemore
Download: Click Here
Song Credit: Breakfast in America by Super Tramp
[0:00:00] Introduction
After several months of hiding underneath a rock and waiting for the demise of another prominent director, we’re back! This time we are launching our first podcast of the New Year as our State of the Industry Panel. This is our third State of the Industry Panel and this time we’re joined by Christopher MacDonald who is the CEO of Anime News Network. From FUNimation, we have their marketing directory, Lance Heiskell. Finally we have an individual who we’ve wanted to have on for a long time. Ed Sizemore can be found at Comics Worth Reading as well as other prominent blogs. Ironically enough, this recording was done before the passing of Dwayne McDuffie, a tragic loss to the creative community at large.
Christopher MacDonald – Animenewsnetwork.com
Lance Heiskell – FUNimation.com
Ed Sizemore – comicsworthreading.com
[0:07:16] The Growth of Anime Streaming
Ed Sizemore explains why as a consumer, streaming has altered his viewing habits, exposing him to different genres. Chris and Lance debate the economics of DVD pricing in relation to streaming. Ed is forced to give on the spot market research to FUNimation and Anime News Network by the show’s moderator.
- Tatami Galaxy
- Rio – Rainbow Gate
- Level E
- Wandering Son
- Princess Jellyfish
- Summer Wars
[0:31:46] Promotional Break
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- The Speakeasy
- Method to Madness
[0:33:39] How Are Anime Companies Bringing in New Fans?
Lance explains the terminology, signal to noise and addresses the Sean’s concern of their being too many options and not enough demand for quality content. Chris and Lance also give our listeners a beginners course in Marketing 101. Twilight and Dragon Age are brought up as examples of entry points for anime adaptations to bring in new viewers.
[1:06:04] Closing Remarks
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