Division will tap Japanese creatives for international shows, while company preps Manga service expansion
Sony Pictures Entertainment’s anime streamer Crunchyroll is expanding with the launch of a division focused on creating new international adaptations.
Crunchyroll Storyworks aims to create both anime and live-action shows for global audiences by bringing together Sony Pictures and subsidiaries - Crunchyroll and Aniplex - with creatives in Japan.
Stories with global appeal will be sought for adaptation into anime and live action by Crunchyroll Storyworks.
The division is being led by Tohru Iokibe, who previously worked on projects between Sony Pictures and Playstation Productions. He reports into Crunchyroll chief content officer Asa Suehira.
The launch was unveiled at the inaugural Crunchyroll Anime Future Forum by Sony Pictures Entertainment chairman and chief exec, Ravi Ahuja.
The Sony boss said: “Anime has become a global cultural force because it has been shaped over decades by the creators, studios and publishers who have nurtured and developed its distinctive storytelling and unforgettable characters.
“As anime grows, we have a responsibility to protect and amplify what makes it special while always keeping creators’ visions at the center. That’s the goal of Storyworks.”
The expansion comes as anime continues to grow in popularity around the world and alongside plans for the Sony-owned streamer to expand its Crunchyroll Manga service into markets including the UK and Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and India.
Crunchyroll Manga is an add-on to the existing streamer offering that provides more than 250 titles additional localised into English, with show such as The Apothecary Diaries, My Dress-Up Darling, Bocchi the Rock! and Bungo Stray Dogs available.
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