Next in Media spoke with Rob Sands, Crunchyroll’s Senior Vice President of Business Development, about how the anime-centric media company became an under the radar juggernaut in streaming, gaming and events. Sands talked about why anime has had such a massive breakout in the US, and what brands need to know about this growing audience.
Next in Media spoke with Rob Sands, Crunchyroll’s Senior Vice President of Business Development, about how the anime-centric media company became an under the radar juggernaut in streaming, gaming and events. Sands talked about why anime has had such a massive breakout in the US, and what brands need to know about this growing audience.
Takeaways:
• Crunchyroll's Growth and Business Model: Crunchyroll has evolved from a user-generated video site to a global anime streaming platform with over 15 million paying subscribers.
• Sony Ownership and Strategic Fit: Crunchyroll is owned by Sony, which aligns well with its Japanese background and expertise in storytelling, innovation, and technology.
• Anime's Global Popularity: Anime is not a niche genre but a storytelling medium that transcends genres. Its global influence is seen across industries like sports, music, and fashion.
• Audience Demographics: Crunchyroll's audience is diverse, with 42% of Gen Z watching anime weekly.
• Diverse Content Offerings: Crunchyroll offers a wide range of content, from action and drama to comedy and female-driven stories.
• Business Development and Partnerships: Rob Sands leads global business development, focusing on areas like streaming services, theatrical releases, gaming, e-commerce, and live events.
• Live Events and Brand Collaborations: Crunchyroll hosts over 200 live events annually, including major conventions like New York Comic Con.
• Gaming Synergies: Anime and gaming have a strong affinity, with Crunchyroll offering free-to-play mobile games for subscribers.
Guest: Rob Sands
Host: Mike Shields
Sponsored by: Precise TV
Produced by: FEL Creative