Yes, piracy and the advancement of technology is a competition faced by the industry: electronic reading devices, handheld devices, software and probably many others. “These challenges affect all aspects of entertainment, of course.” In regards to manga and anime from Japan, “there is an inevitable gap between first broadcast or publication in Japan and release of the English language version.” Levy personally believes that the key element to overcoming these challenges is to “embrace the new technology” by experimenting with “potential business models that may work.” However, according to Levy, “there’s no question that the entire industry will need to go through a significant change before overcoming these obstacles.” Another aspect that might be affecting the industry in the United States is the products itself.
I think we’re in a bit of a lull on the Japan side – recent titles haven’t been quite as compelling as in the past. This happened in the video game side of the Japanese entertainment industry as well. As you know, I have a passion for cross-cultural projects so I hope a few successful projects like this will help “change the game.
Ok, so do you fans want to help the industry blossom and keep it alive? I know I would like to see it grow and return to its glory days. Here is one way that one maybe able to help. “I think fans being honest about what they are willing to pay for and what they are not willing to pay for would help.” For example, Levy can “honestly say” that he is not interested in purchasing CDs anymore. “I’d rather download online. But I am more than happy to pay for a live concert.” Levy would like to hear from fans about what they would like for free, but also what they are “comfortable” paying for. However, one will have to be realistic. “If fans say ‘we want everything for free’ then that is not realistic – no one could create anime or manga if there was nothing paid for. So, an honest dialogue between fans and companies would be very valuable.”
© 2010 Linda Thai
Artwork by Linda Thai
Note: The artwork is just for entertainment, cause there is A LOT of text to read.
Stay tune for Part 12 of the Stuart Levy interview!
1 comment:
I'd "honestly" pay for many of the manga and novels Tokyopop canceled like Beyond the Beyond, not the stuff they have now.
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