Exclusive Interview with Anime Network Vice President

Anime Network has been active in its expansion in the last few months. Recently they launched a new expanded, subscription Online Streaming service with HD content. Right before the recent press release with the HD/Monthly service plans announcement, I was fortunate enough to be able to get in touch with them to discuss a few of the developments. The result is a rare and exclusive interview with Anime Network's Vice President, Stacy Dodson. (Click "Read Full Story..." below to read the full interview)

1) In the last 6 months it seems like there has been a lot of momentum at Anime Network with many recent deals and expansion with various partners on Video On Demand of course, through Xbox, Playstation, Apple iTunes, Warner Brothers, YouTube, but also content-providing partners. Recently, Anime Network launched the new Anime Network Online Player with a tiered system that includes exclusive content via subscription. Can you tell the readers, fans and your customers about the new system and why the progression towards a subscription system?

Anime Network:
Anime Network wants to make content easily accessible to the viewers. And partnering with the larger content providing partners makes it easy to expand our reach. The new online service is geared to those who may not have cable service available in their area. Once a subscriber you will unlock a substantial of content that is commercial free. If a user does not want to subscribe they can register and watch a large amount of ad-supported content for free.

2) The current price plan is $6.95 (plus tax) a month -- Is Anime Network considering multiple price plans for multiple months (3,6,12 months or the like at reduced prices)?

Anime Network:
The current plans we offer are $6.95 monthly, $18.98 quarterly and $69.98 annually. Since Anime Network is based in Texas and has offices here we are required to charge our Texas subscribers sales tax. All others outside the state of Texas will not have to pay sales tax.

3) The competition and offerings out there lately is fierce - whether it be free, illegal or subscription - Right now the big buzz is worldwide simulcasts of new shows or similar, like what Gonzo did last year. Are these other options something Anime Network plans to join the fray in to expand the user-base or is it a totally different market for Anime Network? How does Anime Network differentiate itself in the marketplace?

Anime Network:
We’re a cable network for one thing. Our online service is an extension of our cable offerings. Anime Network is the most widely reached Anime Channel in North America and the online service just adds to our reach. As far as acquiring new series from Japan we are constantly in discussions with licensors.

4) Anime Network has made a lot of exciting deals lately on the content front with partnerships with RightStuf/Nozomi (Aria, Maria Watches Over Us, Toward the Terra), Enoki Films (Revolutionary Girl Utena, Gakuen Alice (Alice Academy), SuperGals, Lost Universe, Koi Koi 7, Izumo: Flash of a Brave Sword, El Hazard: The Wanderers, Soul Hunter, Gun Frontier, and Cosmo Warrior Zero.) Anime Network recently confirmed on the homepage that Appleseed (Movie), Lost Universe and Soul Hunter will be coming soon on the Online Player. Will any of your other new VOD offerings for Spring and Summer be coming, most notably Aria or Revolutionary Girl Utena?

Anime Network:
You can expect to see many of our new series on the online player coming soon.

5) ADV's new distributed releases like Clannad and Princess Resurrection, as well as the rescues of Central Park Media titles (Now and Then, Here and There, Grave of the Fireflies, Narue) have generated a lot of excitement. Does Anime Network plan to tap into this by offering sneak peak episodes or weekly updates of episodes of future DVD releases/new shows on Anime Network Online Player ahead of either SVOD or DVD release?

Anime Network:
Yes sneak peaks are in the future but the SVOD service will air the series first.

6) ADV's cofounder, Matt Greenfield, has been recently talking in greater detail of more re-releases of classic, Out-Of-Print and VHS only titles. Now with Anime Network recently providing access to Orphen Season 1 and Sakura Wars (both previously Out-Of-Print for years) -- Does Anime Network Online Player's new launch now offer the platform to release a lot of these ADV classics which might be too niche for viable DVD release as potential exclusive content?

Anime Network:
Yes the online player will cater to all anime fans. With the large catalog of content at your fingertips we can offer fan favorite programming as well as the top sellers.

7) What is Anime Network's stance on providing HD content to the Online Player?

Anime Network:
Not a lot of the classic shows are available in HD but as new shows become available we intend to air them in the best quality as possible.

8) Finally, is there anything you all want to say to your viewers, customers and fans?

Anime Network:
Anime Network is very excited to offer this new service to our viewers and intends to constantly improve the viewing experience. We know we have a lot of room to grow and we want to hear your suggestions. Please join our forum groups. You have a voice and it is time for it to be heard.