In the past six months, we’ve seen various anime companies fold under the weight of an economic recession as well as a decrease in demand from anime and manga consumers. This week we will discuss what role digital distribution has played in the success and failure of anime sales and print media. Will we witness a mainstreaming of anime in America, or will we see a decrease in hardcore anime fandom? Additionally, well forecast the future of the anime industry. Our panel this week includes Patrick Macias, Justin Sevakis and Michael Pinto.
A3K PANEL
Episode Title: “State of the Industry 2009”
Episode Count: 14
Run Time: 01:00:00
Host(s): Sean Russell
Guest(s): Patrick Macias, Justin Sevakis, Michael Pinto
Download: Click Here
Introduction
We were really excited to have all three panelists on the show. This is actually the second recording of the show. We did a recording with just Michael, Patrick and myself that lasted around 55 minutes. This will see the light of day later this season and not as filler content. So needless to say, I was in listening mode when it came down to our recording with Justin. It was hard to wrap my head around what topics were discussed in which podcast. I did manage to get a word in edgewise, but I figured you’re not listening to this episode to hear my thoughts on the anime industry.
Break
Anime World Order – Until I can admit to having a better podcast than these guys, I will pimp them like Jane Adams on Hung. Check out their podcast and website. http://animeworldorder.com
Fightbait Anime Podcast – I highly encourage you to check out this podcast. It’s nothing like Anime World Order or even our show. It’s just really laid back, much like the host and entertaining as hell. I’ve heard entire episodes where he goes back and forth between liking and disliking a show, ending with an indifferent opinion. In many circles that would be a giant waste of listening time, but on his show, it’s brilliant! http://www.fightbait.com
Questions for the Show
1. What role has digital distribution played in the success and failure of anime sales?
2. How does print media compete with the immediacy of blogs and news websites?
3. With the closing of several magazines, manga and anime distributors, what do you see looming in both the American and Japanese anime market? Is the forecast optimistic or primed for failure?
Closing Thoughts
Patrick Macias divides his time between San Francisco and Tokyo. Currently the Editor-in-Chief of OTAKU USA magazine, he also runs the publishing and consulting company japress, which can be found at www.japress.com. You can read Patrick’s blog, An Eternal Thought in the Mind of Godzilla at http://www.patrickmacias.blogs.com
In addition to running fanboy.com, Michael Pinto is also the publisher of anime.com. You can visit his design company, Very Memorable Design at www.vm.com.
In addition to daily news, you can watch streaming anime on Animenewsnetwork.com where Justin Sevakis serves as the New Media Director. Some of their feature shows include Naruto Shippudden, Gintama and Eureka 7.
Sites of Interest
Patrick Macias:
Japress
Otaku USA
An Eternal Thought in the Mind of Godzilla
Michael Pinto
Fanboy.com
Anime.com
Very Memorable Design
Justin Sevakis
Anime News Network
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