Funimation Entertainment Acquires International Rights to 'Drifters' From NBCUniversal Entertainment Japan

LOS ANGELES, CA July 3, 2016. Moments ago, at its annual Industry Panel at Anime Expo 2016, FUNimation Entertainment revealed to the capacity audience its acquisition of “Drifters” – the eagerly anticipated new anime series from “Hellsing” creator Kouta Hirano. Funimation has secured international rights to home entertainment, video on demand and broadcast distribution of the title from NBCUniversal Entertainment Japan. “Drifters” is set to premiere this October on the company's subscription streaming service, FunimationNow, in the U.S., Canada, U.K., and Ireland.

“We're excited to expand our partnership with NBCUniversal Entertainment Japan following last year's acquisition of 'Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign,'” said Gen Fukunaga, CEO and founder of Funimation. “We are anticipating a great response from fans for Kouta Hirano's ‘Drifters’ – given the tremendous popularity of his ‘Hellsing’ series.”

“Drifters” is based on the immensely popular, 5-volume manga series of the same name. Writer Kouta Hirano, best known for his highly successful “Hellsing” series, leads the creative team for the series. He is joined by fellow “Hellsing” alums Kenichi Suzuki (director) and Ryoji Nakamori (character designer) among others.

“With the addition of 'Drifters,' Funimation can already assure fans of an exciting fall simulcast season, both for subtitled shows and Broadcast Dubs (near-simulcast English dubbed shows),” said Mike DuBoise, EVP and COO of Funimation.

For information on Funimation's current summer simulcast & broadcast dub season, visit funimation.com/summer

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About FUNimation Entertainment
Funimation is the go-to destination for extraordinary anime. By combining its integrated in-house studios along with its technology and distribution partnerships, Funimation leads the industry with its omnichannel approach to offering anime to fans – from streaming and home entertainment to theatrical distribution and broadcast television. The company's next generation streaming service, FunimationNow, provides subscribers with instant access to their favorite sub and dub shows in ad-free HD on the widest array of devices and platforms – from smartphones and tablets to TV's and gaming consoles. For more information, visit funimation.com.