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Toonami Infolink :: View topic - Animation News II
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(Hollywood Reporter) - 4Kids Entertainment has made quite a business out of taking Japanese anime programming like Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh! and dubbing it into English for the pleasure of U.S. children. Just how lucrative? The Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise, including a popular TV show and various merchandising, is said to have earned 4Kids over $152 million in income between 2001 and 2009.
But now, the Japanese animation studio that first created the anime hits is attacking, claiming that 4Kids owes it millions of dollars for making secret agreements with TV networks and home video distributors as well as making improper royalty deductions, including for the cost of the actual dubbing. As the result of alleged contractual breaches, the Japanese companies behind the show reveal they have just terminated their licensing agreements with 4Kids. They now want past money owed too.
TV Tokyo Corporation and Nihon Ad Systems filed the lawsuit last week in New York federal court.
According to the complaint, the plaintiffs exercised their right to audit 4Kids' financial books in 2010 to see whether they were getting paid 50% of gross income, minus pre-defined expenses, as agreed upon in the original licensing agreement.
The auditor allegedly turned up some questionable accounting concerning deals made by 4Kids with the Cartoon Network and other parties.
For example, 4Kids is said to have made an agreement with Funimation Productions, giving it the right to exploit the YGO series on home video. "4Kids conspired with Funimation to fraudulently hide from Plaintiffs more than 45% of the total income Funimation paid to 4Kids from the sale of the home videos," the complaint states.
Allegedly, 4Kids not only licensed YGO, but also several other Japanese animation series it didn't own. Under the terms of this supposedly secret deal, which allegedly included a strict confidentiality clause, 4Kids didn't have to do much besides perform certain marketing services. It was Funimation's job to produce and distribute the series, and for this right, Funimation paid a $1.3 million advance and gave over nearly $4 million in a service fee, which was allegedly then hidden from the plaintiffs.
4Kids is said to have made a similar "strictly confidential" deal with Majesco Sales Inc. to produce and distribute videos of the YGO episodes on Nintendo's Gameboy Advanced game system, and allegedly never turned over any royalties.
The complaint also details some improper deductions, including more than $2.5 million worth of international withholding taxes, bank charges, insurance coverage, YGO style guide art, the cost of the audit itself, and even the cost of the dubbing. TV Tokyo says 4Kids "expressly agreed to bear [such costs] under the agreement."
After the auditor's report, the parties met in February to discuss the situation. The plaintiffs are said to have made an offer, which was rejected. After further discussions, on March 17, 4Kids wired $1 million as a "good faith" initial payment. The next day, reps for the Japanese companies flew to the U.S. for a final meeting to see if they could resolve the mess.
"4Kids abruptly terminated this meeting without a resolution to any of the outstanding issues," says the complaint.
In response, TV Tokyo Corporation and Nihon Ad Systems have cancelled the agreement and filed a lawsuit, seeking more than $4 million in damages and other relief for breach of contract and fraud. The legal dispute also leaves the future of some of the most popular Japanese programming on U.S. television in some doubt.
Attempts to reach 4Kids for comment were unsuccessful. _________________ "When I became a man, I put away childish things, including the fear of childishness and the desire to be very grown up."- C.S. Lewis
"Superman can't be emo. He can't cut himself."-CP
Tue Mar 29, 2011 6:35 pm
Nobuyuki
Joined: Nov 07, 2002
Post subject:
Nobuyuki wrote:
Attempts to reach 4Kids for comment were unsuccessful.
"On March 27, 2011, the Company, responding to the letter from the Licensors, completely rejected the purported termination of the Yu-Gi-Oh! Agreement by the Licensors as wrongful and devoid of any factual and legal basis. On March 30, 2011, the Company received a letter from counsel to the Licensors reiterating the Licensors’ position with respect to the termination of the Yu-Gi-Oh! Agreement. The Company intends to vigorously oppose the purported termination of the Yu-Gi-Oh! Agreement and to defend itself against the claims brought in the lawsuit. Also, notwithstanding the lawsuit and the other actions taken by the Licensors, the Company continues its efforts to resolve the dispute with the Licensors.
While the Company believes that the Licensors’ purported termination of the Yu-Gi-Oh! Agreement is invalid and ineffective, a finding that such purported termination is valid would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations and would likely significantly impede the Company’s ability to continue its operations. If the Company’s continued attempts to resolve the dispute with the Licensors are unsuccessful, the Company intends to take all actions it deems necessary to preserve its business and assets, including the potential filing of a petition under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. In addition, the Company will seek to recover for all damages sustained by the Company and its business arising from the recent actions of the Licensors." _________________ "When I became a man, I put away childish things, including the fear of childishness and the desire to be very grown up."- C.S. Lewis
"Superman can't be emo. He can't cut himself."-CP
Sun Apr 03, 2011 6:26 am
Nobuyuki
Joined: Nov 07, 2002
Post subject:
^ You have to admit they follow through...
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- 4Kids Entertainment, Inc., the global children’s entertainment and merchandise licensing company, announced today that it has filed a petition in bankruptcy for relief under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. The bankruptcy filing in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York also covers all of the domestic wholly-owned 4Kids subsidiaries. 4Kids Entertainment International, Ltd., the Company’s subsidiary based in London England, is not part of the bankruptcy filing.
In conjunction with the Chapter 11 filing, 4Kids also filed a variety of first day motions that will allow the Company to continue to manage operations in the ordinary course.
"We want to assure our clients, business partners and licensees that during the pendency of the bankruptcy, 4Kids will continue to provide the same level of service and dedication that it has in the past," said Michael Goldstein, interim Chairman of 4Kids Entertainment, Inc. "The Company will also continue to explore its strategic alternatives, including, the possible sale of the business or reorganization as a stronger and more focused company,".
The 4Kids bankruptcy filing automatically “stays” the lawsuit filed by the licensors of the Yu-Gi-Oh! property, Asatsu-DK Inc (“ADK”) and TV Tokyo Corporation, (collectively, the “Licensors”) on March 24, 2011 against 4Kids, until such time as the Court may order otherwise.
"We have made every effort to reach agreement with the Licensors," said Goldstein. "When the Company did not receive a positive response from Licensors to its settlement proposal, the Board of Directors was left with little choice but to authorize the filing of a bankruptcy petition under Chapter 11 in order to best preserve the business and assets of 4Kids Entertainment. We continue to believe that the purported termination of the Yu-Gi-Oh! Agreement was wrongful and that 4Kids’ assessment of the audit claims will be vindicated in court. If the Court rules in favor of the Company, 4Kids will pursue the full measure of damages for the significant injury the Licensors have caused to the business of 4Kids," concluded Goldstein. _________________ "When I became a man, I put away childish things, including the fear of childishness and the desire to be very grown up."- C.S. Lewis
"Superman can't be emo. He can't cut himself."-CP
Wed Apr 06, 2011 11:53 pm
Nobuyuki
Joined: Nov 07, 2002
Post subject:
*lights the JJc14 signal*
The production company Aniplex of America announced at its FanimeCon panel on Saturday that it will release the 1997-2001 Rurouni Kenshin original video anime (OVA) projects and 1997 Rurouni Kenshin film on Blu-ray Disc in North America — on the same days that they ship on Blu-ray in Japan. The Rurouni Kenshin: Trust & Betrayal (Rurouni Kenshin: Tsuioku Hen) prequel OVA will ship from Right Stuf and Bandai Entertainment's online stores on August 24, and the Rurouni Kenshin: Reflection (Rurouni Kenshin: Seiso Hen) sequel OVA will ship on September 21. Finally, Rurouni Kenshin The Movie will come out on October 26.
Aniplex of America will directly import the Japanese Blu-ray Disc edition for each anime, but the company will add an English-translated booklet. In both Japan and North America, these releases will have new exclusive cover illustrations by animation director/animator Atsuko Nakajima (Trinity Blood, Ranma ½, You're Under Arrest!). Aniplex already confirmed last month that the Blu-ray Discs will have both Japanese and English subtitles. They will also have the English dub that ADV Films made.
Rurouni Kenshin: Trust & Betrayal will cost US$64.98, while the other two Blu-ray releases will each cost US$54.98.
Pre-orders for the new Blu-ray Discs releases will start on June 1.
P.S.- During its panel, Aniplex acknowledged that negotiations are ongoing for licensing both Puella Magi Madoka Magica and Bakemonogatari. Aniplex added, "Stay tuned." _________________ "When I became a man, I put away childish things, including the fear of childishness and the desire to be very grown up."- C.S. Lewis
"Superman can't be emo. He can't cut himself."-CP
Sun May 29, 2011 2:02 am
JJc14
Joined: Nov 07, 2002
Post subject:
Nobuyuki wrote:
*lights the JJc14 signal*
So between the Blu-ray reissues and the PSP game released earlier this year, could they possibly be testing the market for some sort of new project?
::crosses fingers:: _________________ "Life's a journey, not a destination..." -Aerosmith ('Amazing')
Current RPG(s): (None)
Mon May 30, 2011 2:46 pm
JKyle
Joined: Jan 21, 2003
Post subject:
According to AICN Anime, there's a new Kenshin adaptation coming, probably staying closer to the manga ala Brotherhood to the original FMA. _________________ JKyle.com (Because bad things happen to good people) Cast in the Name of God
Ye Not Guilty
The North American video distributor Discotek Media revealed on Monday (03/12/2012) that it will be releasing the entire Samurai Pizza Cats (Kyattou Ninden Teyandee) anime series on home video. According to the post, the company will be selling separate subtitled and dubbed releases of the series via box sets — 52 episodes total for the dubbed release and 54 for the subtitled edition — with pricing and number of box sets yet to be determined. _________________ "When I became a man, I put away childish things, including the fear of childishness and the desire to be very grown up."- C.S. Lewis
"Superman can't be emo. He can't cut himself."-CP
"Hotel Transylvania" helmer Genndy Tartakovsky is attached to develop and direct "Popeye," Sony Pictures Animation's 3D take on the familiar sailor man.
Avi and Ari Arad will produce under their Arad Productions banner with Sony Pictures Animation. As of November, scribes David Ronn and Jay Scherick were attached to pen the script.
Popeye, the spinach-loving seaman who first appeared in the "Thimble Theater" comicstrip in 1929, spawned numerous spin-offs, including one of the longest-running series of animated shorts and Robert Altman's 1980 film starring Robin Williams.
SPA production prexy Michelle Raimo-Kouyate and production SVP Michael Lachance will oversee the project for the studio, which was keen to put Tartakovsky on another project soon after "Transylvania" wrapped. Sony will release "Transylvania" in September.
Tartakovsky is currently attached to direct a feature version of Cartoon Network's "Samurai Jack," which he also created.
Sony's toon arm has found success with "The Smurfs" and "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs," which grossed $559 million and $243 million worldwide, respectively. Both pics currently have sequels in the works.
Studio's most recent release,"Pirates! Band of Misfits" performed more modestly -- budgeted at $55 million, pic earned $104 globally.
WME reps Tartakovsky. Sony Pictures Animation declined to comment. _________________ Toonami visual schedule - UPDATED AUGUST 2, 2015
Sat Jun 30, 2012 8:19 pm
Nobuyuki
Joined: Nov 07, 2002
Post subject:
Viz Media announced at its Neon Alley panel at Comic-Con International on Friday that its recently announced Neon Alley service will run on the Sony PlayStation 3 console. Viz said it does not have any news right now regarding an Xbox 360 version. The company also revealed that new users will get a free one-week trial.
Neon Alley is a 24-hour service that will show anime uncut, dubbed in English, and in high-definition when available. It will host the English dub premieres of Blue Exorcist, Tiger & Bunny, Inuyasha: The Final Act, Zetman, Lagrange - The Flower of Rin-ne, and new episodes of Naruto Shippūden. It will also show films such as the Berserk: The Golden Age Arc film trilogy. The service will run original content with news and behind-the-scenes information on anime and manga.
Neon Alley's subscription will cost US$6.99 per month and will have "limited commercial advertising." _________________ "When I became a man, I put away childish things, including the fear of childishness and the desire to be very grown up."- C.S. Lewis
"Superman can't be emo. He can't cut himself."-CP
Wed Jul 18, 2012 2:24 am
Nobuyuki
Joined: Nov 07, 2002
Post subject:
Bandai Entertainment, the subsidiary of Namco Bandai Holdings (USA) that handles anime and manga in North America, announced on Friday that the company will discontinue sales of its Blu-ray Discs, DVDs, manga, and novels. The company noted that it will make its final shipment of manga and novels to retailers by the end of October. Additionally, the company will make its final shipment of home video products to wholesale customers on November 30.
Bandai Entertainment had announced in January that it would stop offering new DVD, Blu-ray Disc, and manga releases in February. Since February, the company had continued to produce and distribute its existing catalog lineup, but it no longer produced and distributed new releases.
Bandai Entertainment had closed its own online store last December.
Update: The Robert's Corner Anime Store retailer noted in its weekly newsletter on Friday that Bandai Entertainment contacted the retailer to announce that it will be "discontinuing its home video publishing and distribution business effective March 1, 2013." Bandai Entertainment also added that the last day it will accept purchase orders is November 15.
Props to ANN. _________________ "When I became a man, I put away childish things, including the fear of childishness and the desire to be very grown up."- C.S. Lewis
"Superman can't be emo. He can't cut himself."-CP
Fri Aug 31, 2012 4:51 pm
Nobuyuki
Joined: Nov 07, 2002
Post subject:
JJc14 wrote:
Nobuyuki wrote:
*lights the JJc14 signal*
So between the Blu-ray reissues and the PSP game released earlier this year, could they possibly be testing the market for some sort of new project?
::crosses fingers::
JKyle wrote:
According to AICN Anime, there's a new Kenshin adaptation coming, probably staying closer to the manga ala Brotherhood to the original FMA.
The North American anime licensing company Sentai Filmworks announced on Wednesday that it has licensed the Rurouni Kenshin ~ New Kyoto Arc (Rurouni Kenshin: Shin Kyoto-Hen) video anime project. The company will release the two-episode series digitally, and then on bilingual DVD and Blu-ray Disc next year.
The new anime series remakes the Kyoto story arc of Nobuhiro Watsuki's original manga and the previous anime adaptation. In particular, it depicts the battle of Kenshin Himura and Makoto Shishio and is told from the point of view of the Oniwabanshū ninja Misao Makimachi.
Director Kazuhiro Furuhashi and Studio DEEN returned after nine years to animate the new series along with musical composer Noriyuki Asakura. Mari Okada (AnoHana, Wandering Son) wrote the scripts this time. Hiromitsu Hagiwara (Saint Beast ~Ikusen no Hiru to Yoru Hen~) is the new character designer, and Hiro Kaburaki (Kimi ni Todoke) took over as the episode director. The cast remains the same except for the role of Hajime Saitō, who is played by Ken Narita.
The first half of the series opened in two Japanese theaters in December 2011 and then shipped in Japan on DVD and Blu-ray Disc in March. The second half of the project screened in 10 Japanese theaters in June, and then shipped on Blu-ray Disc and DVD in August.
_________________ "When I became a man, I put away childish things, including the fear of childishness and the desire to be very grown up."- C.S. Lewis
"Superman can't be emo. He can't cut himself."-CP
Wed Dec 05, 2012 2:44 pm
JJc14
Joined: Nov 07, 2002
Post subject:
Quote:
The North American anime licensing company Sentai Filmworks announced on Wednesday that it has licensed the Rurouni Kenshin ~ New Kyoto Arc (Rurouni Kenshin: Shin Kyoto-Hen) video anime project. The company will release the two-episode series digitally, and then on bilingual DVD and Blu-ray Disc next year.
The new anime series remakes the Kyoto story arc of Nobuhiro Watsuki's original manga and the previous anime adaptation. In particular, it depicts the battle of Kenshin Himura and Makoto Shishio and is told from the point of view of the Oniwabanshū ninja Misao Makimachi.
Director Kazuhiro Furuhashi and Studio DEEN returned after nine years to animate the new series along with musical composer Noriyuki Asakura. Mari Okada (AnoHana, Wandering Son) wrote the scripts this time. Hiromitsu Hagiwara (Saint Beast ~Ikusen no Hiru to Yoru Hen~) is the new character designer, and Hiro Kaburaki (Kimi ni Todoke) took over as the episode director. The cast remains the same except for the role of Hajime Saitō, who is played by Ken Narita.
The first half of the series opened in two Japanese theaters in December 2011 and then shipped in Japan on DVD and Blu-ray Disc in March. The second half of the project screened in 10 Japanese theaters in June, and then shipped on Blu-ray Disc and DVD in August.
I haven't heard many positive impressions concerning the Kyoto-redux, but if they get the Anime Works/Media Blasters VAs back, they can gladly take my money...
Wait, does anyone still dub anime over here? _________________ "Life's a journey, not a destination..." -Aerosmith ('Amazing')
Current RPG(s): (None)
Mon Dec 24, 2012 7:25 am
Nobuyuki
Joined: Nov 07, 2002
Post subject:
JJc14 wrote:
I haven't heard many positive impressions concerning the Kyoto-redux, but if they get the Anime Works/Media Blasters VAs back, they can gladly take my money...
Oh, boy _________________ "When I became a man, I put away childish things, including the fear of childishness and the desire to be very grown up."- C.S. Lewis
"Superman can't be emo. He can't cut himself."-CP
Mon Dec 24, 2012 7:40 am
Daikun
Joined: Nov 02, 2002
Post subject:
And when you thought it wouldn't happen in our lifetimes...
Oh joy. Now I can expect to see it and family guy on any given channel after 5pm. Well, whatever works. _________________ I'm getting too old for this. :SNAP: OH GOD, MY HIP!
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Well, whatever works.