KADOKAWA and Aniplex have officially joined forces, announcing on March 2nd the establishment of a brand-new film distribution company: "ANIMEC" (株式会社アニメック).
This fresh venture is set to specialize in the distribution and promotion of anime films, essentially creating a bespoke, expert team dedicated to bringing animated features to the big screen. Their goal? To supercharge the theatrical presence and impact of anime titles.
The name "ANIMEC" (アニメック) is a clever portmanteau of "Anime" and "Cinema," symbolizing its mission to share the magic of anime films with a wider audience while contributing to the industry's overall growth.
Interestingly, "ANIMEC" isn't a completely new name; it was also the title of an anime magazine published back in the 1980s. Before settling on the name, the companies made sure to consult with Shinichiro Inoue, who served as the magazine's former deputy editor-in-chief and later as KADOKAWA's Representative Director, Executive Officer, and Chief Anime Officer. Only after gaining his approval was the name officially greenlit.
▼ The ANIMEC anime magazine from the past, also a KADOKAWA publication.
ANIMEC states its ambition to become a platform that "co-creates value" with everyone involved with a project—from fans and rights holders to cinema operators. Whether it's a nationwide theatrical release or a special screening event for a TV anime, the company promises to craft bespoke distribution strategies for each title, maximizing its appeal and reach.
Moving forward, ANIMEC will collaborate closely with both the KADOKAWA Group and the Sony Group, aiming to deliver even more captivating anime film experiences to audiences worldwide.
As Japanese anime films continue their global expansion, it's clear that specialized teams and increased investment are crucial. This partnership between KADOKAWA and Aniplex signals a closer collaboration ahead, with both companies pouring more resources and energy into conquering the film market.
via： ANIMEC官網