Viz Media Announces Deal For Live Action Programming

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, has partnered with the premier global talent and literary agency, United Talent Agency (UTA), to develop a diverse range of live-action programming based on titles from VIZ Media’s extensive catalog of manga and anime properties.

The partnership will create significant new opportunities to further capitalize on the strong interest in Japanese pop culture and entertainment brands expressed by the Hollywood and international film studio communities, the broadcast industry, and a burgeoning range of emerging multimedia and online content producers.

“We are excited to start this partnership to push the boundaries of storytelling, innovation and character through VIZ Media’s prolific portfolio,” said UTA’s Howie Sanders, Co-Head, Book Department.

“The UTA partnership represents an important new direction for VIZ Media and our colleagues in Japan,” says Brad Woods, Chief Marketing Officer of VIZ Media. “Bringing the rich stories of manga and anime to life in new ways is an exciting opportunity with tremendous potential. UTA is an innovator that shares our vision, and their proven track record and strong relationships throughout the domestic and international entertainment sectors will be important factors as we move forward.”

VIZ Media is the industry leader in international manga and anime publishing, distribution and licensing. The company’s substantial roster includes massively popular titles such as BLEACH, DEATH NOTE, NARUTO, ONE-PUNCH MAN, ONE PIECE and TOKYO GHOUL, which are routinely featured on the BookScan Top 50 and New York Times bestseller lists. VIZ Media is the top manga publisher in the U.S. and one of the top three graphic novel publishers overall. Founded in San Francisco in 1986, VIZ Media marks its 30^th Anniversary this summer.

For more information on anime and manga titles from VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com.