Nelvana & Sumitomo Partner on Anime Content

Nelvana and Sumitomo Corporation have agreed to a partnership to develop and co-produce innovative anime properties for the international marketplace.

Sumitomo acquired the services of Tokyo-based content creation company Zeroichi to help produce an original anime and toy concept. Nelvana and Sumitomo will work together with Shigeki Fujiwara, the president of Zeroichi, to create an original anime property for the North American market.

Sumitomo also enlisted the help of former president/COO of Cartoon Network, Stuart Snyder, who brought the parties together, spearheaded negotiations and will consult on the venture going forward.

“We look forward to working with Stu and the talented team and creative individuals of Sumitomo through this strategic partnership,” said Scott Dyer, the president of Nelvana. “As we continue to expand our presence globally and invest in international talent, we cannot wait to share the fresh ideas and engaging content coming out of Japan.”

“We are thrilled to partner with Nelvana to create world-class anime and exceptional children’s content,” commented Iehisa Nakamura, the executive officer and general manager of the media division at Sumitomo Corporation. “This is a great opportunity to invest in and showcase our country’s outstanding talent and resources to the global kids’ entertainment market.”