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VIZ Media Signs with The Gotham Group to Expand VIZ Originals and RWBY for Film and Television Development

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VIZ Media has signed a strategic partnership with The Gotham Group to develop film and television adaptations based on its growing portfolio of original intellectual property, including its acclaimed VIZ Originals graphic novel line and the globally recognized RWBY franchise.

The collaboration marks a significant expansion of VIZ Media’s entertainment business, bringing its creator-driven stories to the screen through one of Hollywood’s leading production and management companies. VIZ is the #1 destination for manga in America and home to some of the most prestigious anime brands driving the industry, including One Piece, Demon Slayer, Naruto, and Jujutsu Kaisen.

Under the agreement, The Gotham Group—whose credits include Percy Jackson and the Olympians, The Search for WondLa, Washington Black, the Maze Runner franchise and the Bruce Springsteen feature Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere—will identify and package projects drawn from VIZ Media’s expanding library of original IP.

At the heart of the collaboration is RWBY, the landmark animated franchise created by the late Monty Oum. Since its debut in 2013, RWBY has become one of the world’s most successful independently created animation properties, amassing more than 350 million views globally while expanding into publishing, video games, consumer products and multiple spinoffs, including RWBY: Ice Queendom and two Justice League x RWBY animated crossover films.

Widely recognized as the first anime series produced in the United States—and the first Western-produced anime to be dubbed and distributed in Japan—RWBY helped pave the way for a new generation of globally developed anime-inspired storytelling.

The deal also includes VIZ Originals, VIZ Media’s original manga imprint. Featuring works from acclaimed creators Rem and Bikkuri (Devil’s Candy), bestselling author Rainbow Rowell (Fangirl), best-selling Eisner nominee Sam Sattin (Lynx), and globally renowned artist Acky Bright (Galaxic Baseball League) among many others, VIZ Originals continues to champion the next generation of international storytellers shaping the future of manga

VIZ Media Opens Portfolio Reviews For New VIZ Originals Imprint

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VIZ Originals

VIZ Media reaches the next stage in the development of its VIZ Originals imprint! Aspiring artists and writers are invited to apply for portfolio reviews taking place at some of North America’s biggest pop culture shows. The VIZ Originals imprint will develop innovative, English-language creator-owned graphic novel content for a global market, and is committed to supporting independent artists and helping them execute their creative visions.

VIZ Originals portfolio review sessions will be led by Executive Editor, Fawn Lau, and will occur during the following 2019 shows:

  • Toronto Comics and Arts Festival – May 11-12
  • Anime Central – May 17-19
  • Anime Expo – July 4-7
  • Comic-Con – July 17-21
  • New York Comic Con – October 3-6
  • Anime NYC – November 15-17

Individuals MUST be at least 18 years old and already a registered/ticketed attendee. A VIZ Originals portfolio review appointment does not include show admittance. To be considered, complete the online form.

To give VIZ Originals the best idea of your talents and the scope of your work, please provide a portfolio that demonstrates:

Artists:

  • Samples of sequential works that best highlight your art style and storytelling
  • Best works that showcase composition, character expressions, and scene details
  • Include finished pieces, not only sketch or concept work
  • Include original character art pieces – some fan work is acceptable

Writers:

  • Samples of sequential works that highlight writing and story development
  • Samples and lists of creative writing work – prose and fan work is acceptable

VIZ Originals looks to collaborate with talented independent artists, creators and writers to develop original stories that ignite the imagination. Its titles will showcase dynamic paneling, skillful black and white artwork and compelling, diverse stories for both young adult and adult readers.