Crunchyroll Hires Head of Original Content

SAN FRANCISCO: Crunchyroll, a global digital platform for anime content, has appointed Branon Coluccio as its new head of original content.

Coluccio previously served as head of development for VIZ Productions, where he handled rights acquisition and creative development. In his new position, he will help expand the appeal of anime worldwide. "The Crunchyroll audience of millions of passionate anime fans is the perfect platform to experiment and innovate," said Coluccio. "We have a unique opportunity to cultivate Japanese IP, incorporating feedback from the Crunchyroll community, and develop it for a worldwide audience. This is the aspiration of all content creators."

Kun Gao, the CEO of Crunchyroll, noted: "Japan produces an incredible amount of IP, many of which are not produced into animation because there isn't enough domestic demand. We think there is an incredible opportunity to tap into this and bring it to a global audience on Crunchyroll. Branon has a unique perspective in terms of bridging Japanese IP to a mainstream global audience. His experience sourcing manga, anime, novel and film-adaptation rights from some of the best media partners in Japan is invaluable to our objectives."