New Tokyo-based venture seeks new creative projects in Chinese, Japanese animation industries

Anime studio DLE Inc. ( 3-Nen D-Gumi Glass no Kamen , Haiyoru! Nyaru-Ani , Eagle Talon ) announced on Wednesday that it has partnered with Chinese film company Shanghai Griffin Film Corporation to create a 10-billion-yen (about US$100 million) "Chinese-Japanese Anime Fund," and to launch a joint venture named Griffin DLE . The new venture based in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward aims to produce new creative projects in both Japan and China's animation industries, as well as develop and support new content aimed toward the Chinese market.

The venture aims to provide Japanese creative endeavors a pipeline to China's film industry. DLE CEO and founder Ryuta Shiiki is heading the new venture, which also features a "Chinese-Japanese Anime Innovation Fellowship" to discover new talent in both countries' animation industries.

DLE plans to leverage its expertise in recognizing talent and production. The company states that multiple productions are already in the planning phase. The company plans to support hit properties in East Asia for possible global expansion.

DLE previously established an American branch in December 2012, having received funding from Silicon Valley-based Fenox Venture Capital, and established ties with television stations in Taiwan in August of that year.

Source: Fisco