IFC Adds New Anime Series to Slate

NEW YORK, December 11: IFC has picked up three new Japanese
anime series from FUNimation Entertainment for its 2008 programming slate: Witchblade, Speed Grapher and Hell Girl.

Premiering in January, Witchblade, based on the popular comic book series, tells the
saga of a woman who bears the burden of a force of destruction known as the
Witchblade and the conspiracy surrounding it. The 24 episodes were produced in
collaboration with anime studio GONZO and comic book publisher Top Cow Productions.

Twenty-four episodes of Speed Grapher are set to roll out in March 2008. The futuristic
action series follows a tabloid photographer who is sent to infiltrate the
underground elite, and stumbles upon a tragic young girl.

Later in 2008, IFC will debut Hell Girl, a
26-episode supernatural thriller from Aniplex. The story centers on an urban
myth about a website, accessible only at midnight, where you can post the name
of someone you hold a grudge against, and Hell Girl will carry out your revenge.
But accepting a contract with Hell Girl has a price, when you die, you must be
ferried to hell as well.

These acquired series build on IFC’s prior success with
anime programming, including the 2007 hit series Samurai 7, Basilisk and Gunslinger Girl.

“Over the past two years, our partnership with FUNimation
has given IFC the best anime on television,” said Evan Shapiro, the general
manager of IFC. “This new lineup of bold, original anime programming takes us
to a whole new level. These three new series add to an already incredible slate
of premieres for 2008—from our powerful original non-fiction projects to
our innovative, uncut comedy series—and continues our focus on the unique
content that makes IFC the voice of independent culture.”

—By Kristin Brzoznowski