HOUSTON (Reuters) - Cartoon Network has announced they will begin broadcasting the hit Japanese animation robot title Gurren Lagann during May in the former One Piece time slot. Representatives from A.D. Vision, Inc. who are producing the English language version of the program have announced they have 2 episodes completed and are now awaiting the final broadcast edits from Cartoon Network producers. Should the pilot prove successful McDonald's USA will become the main sponsor as their Japanese branch did last year during the program's broadcast in Japan. Several merchandising deals have been rumored by industry insiders at trade magazine ICv2 with speculation that this title could be the driving force to bring stability back to ADV which has fallen on hard times since January.
ADV CEO John Ledford spoke regarding the program and its upcoming broadcast via conference call from the Tokyo International Anime Fair in Japan earlier today. "The program is animated by Gainax who have a long track record of proven successes within the USA anime market. Several of those successes were English versions ADV has produced. We have a good working relationship with Gainax and our feeling is this title will become the next Evangelion for us in terms of market longevity."
When questioned further about the broadcast Ledford stated, "I cannot speak specifically regarding the sponsorship and marketing so I will refer comments on those to Cartoon Network. We are very pleased with the minimal edits that were needed to reach broadcast standards. It has been an incredible experience to work with the staff at Cartoon Network."
Ledford did not go into detail regarding the broadcast editing but did confirm the only major edits involved a female character losing scenes due to differing children's broadcast standards between Japan and the USA. Ledford later spoke regarding the voice casting. "We have hired some voice actors outside of our normal contracts to help bring new blood into the anime market. A lot of people are expecting the Cartoon Network audience to latch onto The Camino's trademark 'What's my name?' shout."
ADV Films is the leading producer-distributor of Japanese animation (“anime”) in the western hemisphere, with the firm's holdings including such premier titles as Neon Genesis Evangelion, Samurai X, RahXephon, Hellsing, Full Metal Panic! and Guyver: The Bioboosted Armor. ADV Films also distributes select fine programming in other genres, including live-action science-fiction titles such as the legendary updated Gamera films. Parent company, A.D. Vision, Inc., encompasses a multitude of complementary media divisions, spanning publishing, television, licensing and merchandising and continues to expand into new areas. Its Anime network? is America's first digital television network dedicated to bringing anime and anime-related programming to consumers nationwide via digital cable. A.D. Vision, Inc. maintains world headquarters in Houston, Texas, USA with additional offices in Tokyo and San Francisco. For more information, visit www.advfilms.com
Cartoon Network, currently seen in 87.3 million U.S. homes and 160 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s 24-hour, ad-supported cable service offering the best in animated entertainment. Drawing from the world’s largest cartoon library, Cartoon Network showcases unique original ventures such as Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends, Codename: Kids Next Door, Teen Titans, The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy, The Powerpuff Girls, Samurai Jack, Ed, Edd n Eddy and other Cartoon Cartoons. Cartoon Network also features Adult Swim, its signature late- night block of animation for grown-ups. Since its launch in 1992, Cartoon Network has remained one of ad-supported cable’s highest-rated networks. Cartoon Network’s Web site is located at www.CartoonNetwork.com.
