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Hakuhodo, Sega Launch Production Firm Aimed at Hollywood
posted on by Crystalyn Hodgkins
The Variety entertainment trade magazine reported on Monday that Hakuhodo DY Holdings, the parent company of the ad firm Hakuhodo, and Sega Inc. have launched a production company whose aim is to work with Hollywood writers, directors, and producers to create films and television programs based on Japanese content that includes "games, books, anime, manga comics, toys, films and TV."
The new company, Stories, has already optioned the rights to a title from Yasutaka Tsutsui (Paprika, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time) and an unnamed Japanese television program. However, options do not necessarily indicate an actual release.
The company's official website notes that Stories will focus on developing and producing English-language content. The website also notes that Stories will "provide consulting services for overseas development strategies and cross-border transactions" for Japanese content.
Hakuhodo's Tomoya Suzuki (producer, Tsuyako) will serve as Stories' president, chief executive officer, and creative producer.
Earlier this year, Hakuhodo DY Holdings and director Kenji Kamiyama (Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, Eden of the East) established Steve N' Steven, a new consulting firm for planning and producing animation in advertising and other areas.
