The panel started out with host introductions and an explanation of the ADVocates program for anime clubs. Then David, the primary host, opened the floor to questions. The following information was given in response to the many, many questions asked.
The Anime Network is in the middle of talks with Direct TV and the Dish Network to become part of their lineup.
During AWA, Elfen Lied was available on LodgeNet in the overflow hotels.
Lots of box sets are coming up soon, including King of Bandits Jing, Abenobashi, Chrono Crusade, and Kaleidostar. There will also be a box set containing Robotech Remastered along with the extras from the first release. A thinpak box set of DNAngel will come out in December.
Right now ADV is wrapping up work on Fumoffu, GetBackers, Sakura Diaries, Yumeria, Mythical Detective Loki Ragnarok, Godanner, and Shadow Skill. Princess Tutu #2 will be out in November. Madlax and Gantz will not wrap up in 2005 but will do so soon into the 2006 year.
Mythical Detective Loki Ragnarok will be on 7 discs. The last 2 discs will contain 3 episodes apiece.
Next year ADV will be releasing the second season of Kaleidostar and the Fuccons (Oh! Mikey).
ADV is now using BitTorrent to distribute packages with promos, trailers, desktop backgrounds, biographies, character designs, bloopers, and other extras. David is working on getting approval to distribute complete episodes as well, to promote the shows. The BitTorrent files currently range in size – Madlax was 22 MB, Godanner was 100 MB, and Gilgamesh was 70 MB.
ADV has not looked at getting the rights to the Yumeria PS2 game. The company has looked into doing games in the past but didn’t have the resources at the time. Perhaps they will look into doing games again in the future.
ADV has discussed the possibility of selling DVDs in thinpaks, but the lack of promotional real estate is a hard issue to overcome. ADV has also looked at the possibility of providing thinpaks in art boxes.
David would like ADV to do the Dirty Pair TV series, but it would be hard to get the license away from Sunrise and Bandai.
The Gantz episode count experiment didn’t seem to make any difference in sales. Gantz sold very well even with fewer episodes per disc, but since it made little difference to the bottom line, they decided to drop the experiment.
Elfen Lied’s release will not include the OVA episode.
David would neither confirm nor deny the licensing of the Happy Lesson OVAs. Likewise, David would neither confirm nor deny if ADV had the rights to Full Metal Panic: The Second Raid or the second season of SuperGals.
ADV may release the Elfen Lied soundtrack, but as it was only available as a special pack-in in Japan, it may be hard to get the rights to it. ADV may also release the Elfen Lied manga.
The Macross dub is in production but no more information about it could be given.
The live-action Eva project is still going on. Currently they are trying to sign a director. The companies involved in the project are ADV, Gainax, and WETA.
Evangelion’s showing on Adult Swim will not contain many edits. David has heard that the first few episodes will have no edits at all. The version being shown is the original release version. ADV and Adult Swim are both very happy about the way the series will be aired. The Adult Swim folks are very big Eva fans.
Questions about the manga release schedule could not be answered, as David and Mariela did not have a manga schedule on hand. However, David said that a stable release schedule would be established soon.
The panel was asked how to get an original manga or anime published. David and Mariela said that an agent and publisher are needed – or the author could self-publish. For those who want to try producing their own anime series, open source production was recommended.
David clarified that ADV does not have a problem “giving” shows to channels other than the Anime Network. Some ADV shows, such as Chrono Crusade, have already aired on other channels.
Tiffany Grant apparently begs for Evangelion merchandise from Matt Greenfield by calling him “Matt-chan.”
When asked about the possibility of selling anime episodes online, like iTunes does with music, David said that it may be possible in the future, but right now the Japanese licensors are uncomfortable with the idea.
Someone asked if Elfen Lied could be shown on HBO or Showtime. David said it was possible. If it was to be shown on a non-cable channel, however, it would have to be edited to the point that it would only last 2 seconds. Someone suggested putting Gantz on the Cartoon Network, which brought much laughter.
If you really want to traumatize someone, show them Hello Kitty #3. In the last episode on the disc, Hello Kitty dies. Yes, really. She freezes to death as the Little Match Girl.
David said that ADV does have the 52nd episode of Kaleidostar, but as for extras for the second season – David would neither confirm nor deny.
A student at a small school ran a junior class vice-presidential campaign with signs featuring Chrono -- and won. David showed one of the signs to the audience and everyone reveled in the glory of Rico. (Rico would later come up as an in-joke at both AMV Iron Chef and the Closing Ceremonies.)
Throughout the panels, DVDs were given away to those who asked questions. At the end of the panel, Lauren and Jessica tossed Menchi dolls, hats, and other odds and ends into the audience. The members of the panel thanked the audience and closed things out after an hour and a half.
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