MBC Group launches anime initiative with Tokyopop for Middle East, North Africa

MBC Group’s Sam Barnett and Tokyopop’s Stu Levy

MBC Group in the Middle East and North Africa has formed MBC Anime, a hub dedicated to the licensing, promotion and production of anime content in the region.

MBC Anime is being led by founder and CEO of anime and manga distributor, licensor and publisher Tokyopop, Stu Levy. The venture will commission, produce and invest in a series of anime projects.

MBC Group has introduced an investment fund for the initiative and will heavily invest over the next several years, with an ambition to expand further after this timeframe.

During the first investment period, MBC Anime aims to forge substantive relationships with key anime studios in Japan, supporting and investing in a multitude of projects.

Sam Barnett, CEO of MBC Group, said: “Anime and manga are incredibly popular in the Middle East and North Africa, with Saudi Arabia being the leader in terms of viewership in the region. In recent years, there has been a huge increase in events and activities related to this art form.”