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Been introduced to AnimeLog, a Japan-based, US-funded, Youtube channel planning to offer anime for free.
Some are saying it's the "Death of Crunchyroll/Funimation".
It absolutely isn't. https://variety.com/2020/streaming/asia/japan-animation-unified-youtube-anime-initiative-1234728555/
Some are saying it's the "Death of Crunchyroll/Funimation".
It absolutely isn't. https://variety.com/2020/streaming/asia/japan-animation-unified-youtube-anime-initiative-1234728555/
Right now, it's only available in Japan, with stuff like Future Boy Conan and a bunch of kids anime. But they plan to add subtitles to some of their releases.
But here's the thing: Youtube ad revenue will never make up for the amount lost in licensing.
But here's the thing: Youtube ad revenue will never make up for the amount lost in licensing.
Even the largest Youtube channels would struggle to make as much as Crunchyroll or Funimation through ad revenue. And while a load of outlets are spreading this news with screenshots of One Piece, Dragon Ball Super, and My Hero Academia, there is zero chance those will be on it.
The largest source of revenue for anime today is overseas licensing payments from streaming services. The "dream of anime studios getting together and releasing all their anime for free on Youtube" is a dream that kills at least half of all revenue for the whole industry.
That's Daisuki, an initiative by top anime companies managed by Bandai Namco. It was unable to compete with Crunchyroll and Funimation, even with a load of top shows. It was killed off in 2017. https://twitter.com/REEEroller/status/1295255970357088256
Right now, the American anime industry is one controlled by Sony, AT&T, Netflix. Refusing to license to these companies and releasing it on your own through Youtube is a terrible choice for anything other than a cheap ONA or short film.
This isn't a small industry anymore. If you're gonna make a startup, it's got to fill a niche. Like how RetroCrush is releasing classic anime. And AnimeLog will likely do the same with unlicensed classics.
But it's not going to "take over the industry" like some claim/hope.
But it's not going to "take over the industry" like some claim/hope.
