Key information
Sony Pictures Entertainment officially unveiled a new division named Crunchyroll Storyworks during the Crunchyroll Anime Future Forum held in New York. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between different storytelling mediums.
Under the leadership of Sony executive Tohru Iokibe, the division will focus on adapting global stories into anime while simultaneously developing live-action productions based on existing anime properties. The team intends to collaborate closely with Japanese creators throughout these processes.
Crunchyroll Storyworks will generate projects for consideration by HAYATE Inc., a joint production venture established by Aniplex and Crunchyroll. HAYATE Inc., which is based in Tokyo, focuses on the planning and development of anime content for the global Crunchyroll streaming platform.
HAYATE Inc. is led by Chairman and CEO Masanori Miyake alongside President and COO Leo Watanabe. The venture further expanded its capabilities in April by acquiring the animation studio Lay-duce as a wholly-owned subsidiary.
