Entertainment Legal News

Merger Between Two Japanese Entertainment Giants Complete

Announcing VIZ Media!

San Francisco, CA, APRIL 4, 2005 — VIZ, LLC and ShoPro Entertainment, Inc., two prominent North American based companies specializing in Japanese content, announced the completion of their merger today to form VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), a groundbreaking new entertainment company specializing in the production and licensing of animated content for TV and theatrical distribution, publishing, home video distribution, and consumer products. VIZ Media, based in its new location just two blocks from historical Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, will leverage the unique collaboration, vision and ownership of three global powerhouses in Japanese manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc. and Shogakukan Production Co., Ltd. VIZ Media will be owned 40% by Shogakukan Inc. and Shueisha Inc. respectively, and 20% by Shogakukan Production Co., Ltd.

The merger was a natural progression for VIZ, LLC and ShoPro Entertainment, Inc., who have successively collaborated on many hit properties including the wildly successful INUYASHA and MEGAMAN NT WARRIOR. As one entity, the new company will benefit from shared resources and creative talent, and gain access to Japan's strongest content, enhancing its ability to reach a wider audience.

VIZ Media's mission is to enrich lives worldwide through the highest quality entertainment and unmatched storytelling.

"We are excited to continue expanding our business by developing entertainment content across all available mediums for people of all ages on a worldwide basis," said Hidemi Fukuhara, President and CEO of VIZ Media. "Having the support and leveraging the combined assets of three of Japan's largest and most respected content creators provides VIZ Media with a significant competitive advantage and will create unlimited new opportunities for our company."

Going forward, VIZ Media will grow its business by working with its parent companies to maximize their brands' exposure on an all rights basis. Implementing a comprehensive brand strategy that effectively bridges a range of media, including TV broadcast, publishing, home video, licensing, consumer products and promotions, VIZ Media aims to become an industry leader worldwide for audiences of all ages.

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	Did You Know?
	Production Company is a major factor in entertainment The production company acts as central headquarters for all stages of production. They range in size from a single person to over twenty employees and commit to duties ranging from the inception of an idea to making sure the final print's delivered to the theater on premiere night. They're core functions, however, are to assist the headlining producer in developing scripts, attaching talent, and running the day-to-day production activity. Although a handful of production companies fall under corporate studio umbrellas that cover their overhead, most work on a project-to-project basis much like the artists.