14 DAY TRIAL // Sony Pictures Television International announced the launch of Animax Mobile, a mobile version of its popular Japanese anime TV channel. The mobile channel will make its debut in Canada and Australia, as part of a global roll-out strategy.
Targeting people with ages between 14 and 34, Animax Mobile will offer a two-hour loop of four full-length anime series: Blood+, Last Exile, ROD the TV, and The Count of Monte Cristo. The mobile channel will be packaged with additional related content, such as made-for-mobile trivia elements, cult animation series such as Petey and Jadey, regional products such as TechnoMax and ImagineNation from Animax Asia showcasing the latest gadgets and the creative masterminds behind anime, movie special effects and videogames, and bonus features such as program guides, customized music and graphics.
"Animax Mobile is the ideal launch pad for Sony Pictures Television International's multi-platform network strategy. Tailor-made for today's young adult mobile consumer, Animax Mobile builds on the brand loyalty of Animax and extends the consumer experience to a vast and loyal fanbase seeking anytime anim? content and culture in current and emerging markets," said Marie Jacobson, Sony Pictures Television International's executive vice president, programming and production, international networks.
Animax is the first TV channel dedicated to providing Japanese animation 24 hours a day, currently available via cable and satellite in Japan, South and Southeast Asia, Latin America, Korea, Central Europe and Germany. Animax Mobile is a dedicated channel for 3G handsets with mobile video capabilities, and is not a stripped-down version of the original. "It's not about the big screen vs. the little screen. Often, it's a choice of small screen vs. no screen at all, and with Animax Mobile, we're able to bring some of Animax's most valuable programs to fans new and old at times and in places where they couldn't see them before," said Bill Sanders, vice president, mobile network programming.
Animax Mobile is currently available in Australia via mobile operator 3, and will be launched in Canada on Bell Mobility in July.