The agreement further encompasses event rights and merchandise licensing.
Manga Productions, a subsidiary of the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation “Misk,” has inked a strategic agreement with the Japanese production company and studio, Production I.G, in a significant move towards expanding its distribution and licensing portfolio. The collaboration focuses on the licensing of the animated series Great Pretender razbliuto, slated for release in 2024. As part of this partnership, Manga Productions gains exclusive rights for distribution, licensing, and marketing of the third season of the acclaimed animated series Great Pretender across the Middle East and North Africa region.
Commenting on the deal, Dr Essam Bukhary, CEO of Manga Productions, said: “We are witnessing significant expansion in the field of distribution and licensing at Manga Productions, and this success is attributed to the trust of our partners around the world and the special efforts of our team in their continuous pursuit of success and leadership in the creative industry. Our partnership with Production I.G and through Great Pretender razbliuto will play a crucial role in promoting the growth of the local and Middle Eastern market, as it represents a significant milestone in the licensing world within our Arab community.”
George Wada, President and CEO at Production I.G, added: “Great Pretender razbliuto is an anime that Production I.G takes full responsibility for, and we have officially entrusted its rights to Manga Productions in the Middle East and North Africa. We are confident that our partnership with Manga Productions will allow the audience in the Arab world to closely enjoy the Great Pretender razbliuto series and other upcoming anime works.”
Eng. Abdulaziz Alnaghmoosh, Director of Marketing, Distribution, and Business Development at Manga Productions, stated: “The partnership with Production I.G. in distributing and licensing Great Pretender razbliuto is an important step in their strategy to enhance their presence in the animation industry. They are excited to bring this unique show to audiences in the Middle East and North Africa.”
The animated series Great Pretender, directed by Yuuichiro Hayashi and written by Ryota Kosawa, originally premiered on Netflix in Japan in June 2020 before its global release on the platform. The series has garnered positive reviews, boasting an IMDB rating of 7.0 and an 8.2 rating on My Anime List.
