Sony’s anime service Crunchyroll has launched its new Crunchyroll Storyworks division, which will focus on anime and live-action adaptations made in collaboration with Japan’s creative ecosystem.
Crunchyroll Storyworks, led by Sony’s Tohru Iokibe, who recently oversaw IP acceleration initiatives linking Sony Pictures and PlayStation Productions, is set to bring together creative partners from Crunchyroll, Aniplex, Japan’s creative community and “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” studio Sony Pictures to develop anime stories for audiences around the world.
Crunchyroll Storyworks was announced by Sony Pictures Entertainment chairman and CEO Ravi Ahuja at the launch of Sony’s Crunchyroll Anime Future Forum on Wednesday.
Crunchyroll Storyworks will adapt global stories into anime and Japanese anime into live-action, working closely with Japanese creators to preserve and center the original creative vision, according to Sony. The division will operate within Crunchyroll’s content group and expand the pipeline of high-quality, greenlight-ready projects for HAYATE, Crunchyroll’s joint venture with Aniplex.
Crunchyroll Storyworks boss Iokibe will report to Asa Suehira, Crunchyroll’s chief content officer.
“Anime has become a global cultural force because it has been shaped for decades by creators, studios, and publishers who have nurtured and cultivated its distinctive storytelling and unforgettable characters,” Ahuja said. “As anime grows, we have a responsibility to preserve and enhance what makes it special while always keeping the creators’ visions at the center. That’s what Storyworks is all about.”
“Anime has captured the imagination of fans worldwide thanks to the extraordinary creativity, originality and courage of Japanese storytellers,” added Suehira. “Storyworks will build a creative bridge between Japan and storytellers around the world, creating new possibilities for creators and new ways for fans to experience the stories they love, while preserving what makes these stories different.”
“There is a tremendous opportunity to bring together world-class stories, creators and audiences from different cultures and formats,” Iokibe said. “The best adaptations begin with respect for the original work, and it is a privilege to help bring these extraordinary stories to more fans around the world.”
(Image above: Sony Pictures’ “Demon Hunter: Kimetsu No Yaiba Infinity Fortress”)