Cross Media International to Bring Tezuka Productions' Animated Properties and Characters to North America
TOKYO and SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 16, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --
International production and creative management company Cross Media
International (CMI), headquartered in San Francisco, California,
announced today that it has entered into an agreement with Tezuka
Productions of Japan to develop distribution opportunities for Tezuka's
extensive portfolio of popular properties and characters within North
America.
Known as Japan's "godfather of anime," Osamu Tezuka has created manga
and animation characters, including the iconic hero "Astro Boy," that
have been known and loved by multiple generations in Japan and millions
of fans all over the world. His works span the entire manga and anime
spectrum, ranging from children-oriented and science fiction
productions to serious drama, semi-documentary, and horror-themed
properties.
Tezuka Productions General Manager Yoshihiro Shimizu said, "We are very
happy to be working with another strong partner to help bring Tezuka
content to North America. We believe that CMI's extensive experience
both in creative production as well as originating and closing deals
will be a great benefit to Tezuka Productions as we seek to fulfill our
mission of sending out Tezuka's works to the world. We're very much
looking forward to working with CMI."
CMI Founder and Executive Producer, Christoper Frey, added, "CMI is
thrilled to be able to work with the great team at Tezuka Productions
to bring renewed visibility and increased exposure to their many
well-known properties within the North American market."
About Tezuka Productions
Founded in 1968 by Osamu Tezuka, Tezuka Productions is involved in
republication, character merchandising, animation production, and
live-action films based on Osamu Tezuka's works, as well as development
of new productions, working with other artists that fit with his
vision.
About Cross Media International
Founded in 2003, Cross Media International (CMI) is a production and creative management company focused on projects that cross cultures, geography, and media. Covering the realms of advertising, film, games, music, publishing, and television, CMI operates from offices in San Francisco and Tokyo and serves as a bridge for ideas and opportunities across the Pacific and around the world.
