Crunchyroll Seeks Oscar Respect for Anime Masterpiece 'Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle'
The global phenomenon that is anime is poised to take its place among the world's most revered cinematic art forms, thanks in large part to Crunchyroll's latest blockbuster hit, "Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle". The film, which shattered records as the highest-grossing Japanese film of all time, has now set its sights on the coveted Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
At a recent Variety Screening Series event, Crunchyroll's President, Rahul Purini, and Executive Vice President of Global Commerce, Mitchel Berger, spoke candidly about their plans to bring anime - an art form that has captivated fans worldwide with its unique blend of stunning visuals, memorable characters, and captivating storytelling - to the mainstream.
"We needed to be authentically Crunchyroll in marketing," Purini explained. "We have a great deep connection with our fan base and a wonderful relationship with them, and we needed to create moments for them to unveil pieces of the movie." The company's efforts paid off, as fans were able to experience the film through immersive events like VR experiences at San Diego Comic-Con.
Berger added that the key to the film's success lies in its ability to tap into the passions of anime enthusiasts. "Anime is one of those ways of telling a story," he said. "It's a beautiful piece of artwork. The craftsmanship, the care, and the love that goes into this... is a wonderful thing."
Crunchyroll aims to elevate the art form not only among fans but also among guild and Academy voters. The company recognizes the legacy of anime pioneers like Hayao Miyazaki and Makoto Shinkai, who have paved the way for modern anime classics like "Demon Slayer".
"We are working on making sure that this new audience that we are talking to with the FYC [Focus Yearly Campaign] are part of it," Purini said. "It's important for them to pay attention to and be part of and consider it seriously."
The success of "Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle" has sparked a renewed conversation about anime's place in the world of cinema. Berger argued that the film's cinematic qualities, coupled with its emotional resonance, make it a natural fit for the Oscars.
As the first installment of a planned trilogy, "Infinity Castle" is expected to delight fans and newcomers alike. With no release dates set for the next two films, Crunchyroll is poised to take the world by storm once again.
For Berger, the experience of bringing this beloved anime series to life on the big screen has been nothing short of rewarding. "It sounds a little cliché, but it was really a privilege to be a part of this," he said. "We were able to play a part in bringing something to a global audience that really resonated with a fan base in an incredible way... and the box office shows."
As anime continues to gain mainstream recognition, fans can expect even more breathtaking films from Crunchyroll in the years to come.
The global phenomenon that is anime is poised to take its place among the world's most revered cinematic art forms, thanks in large part to Crunchyroll's latest blockbuster hit, "Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle". The film, which shattered records as the highest-grossing Japanese film of all time, has now set its sights on the coveted Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
At a recent Variety Screening Series event, Crunchyroll's President, Rahul Purini, and Executive Vice President of Global Commerce, Mitchel Berger, spoke candidly about their plans to bring anime - an art form that has captivated fans worldwide with its unique blend of stunning visuals, memorable characters, and captivating storytelling - to the mainstream.
"We needed to be authentically Crunchyroll in marketing," Purini explained. "We have a great deep connection with our fan base and a wonderful relationship with them, and we needed to create moments for them to unveil pieces of the movie." The company's efforts paid off, as fans were able to experience the film through immersive events like VR experiences at San Diego Comic-Con.
Berger added that the key to the film's success lies in its ability to tap into the passions of anime enthusiasts. "Anime is one of those ways of telling a story," he said. "It's a beautiful piece of artwork. The craftsmanship, the care, and the love that goes into this... is a wonderful thing."
Crunchyroll aims to elevate the art form not only among fans but also among guild and Academy voters. The company recognizes the legacy of anime pioneers like Hayao Miyazaki and Makoto Shinkai, who have paved the way for modern anime classics like "Demon Slayer".
"We are working on making sure that this new audience that we are talking to with the FYC [Focus Yearly Campaign] are part of it," Purini said. "It's important for them to pay attention to and be part of and consider it seriously."
The success of "Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle" has sparked a renewed conversation about anime's place in the world of cinema. Berger argued that the film's cinematic qualities, coupled with its emotional resonance, make it a natural fit for the Oscars.
As the first installment of a planned trilogy, "Infinity Castle" is expected to delight fans and newcomers alike. With no release dates set for the next two films, Crunchyroll is poised to take the world by storm once again.
For Berger, the experience of bringing this beloved anime series to life on the big screen has been nothing short of rewarding. "It sounds a little cliché, but it was really a privilege to be a part of this," he said. "We were able to play a part in bringing something to a global audience that really resonated with a fan base in an incredible way... and the box office shows."
As anime continues to gain mainstream recognition, fans can expect even more breathtaking films from Crunchyroll in the years to come.