Toonz Media Group and 1st Place Strike Anime Production Pact
The pact positions an Indian studio as a production solution for Japanese anime, a sector facing a labor crunch amid a global streaming boom.
Reporting from 1 sources: Deadline Anime.
Indian animation studio Toonz Media Group has entered a partnership with Japanese IP developer 1st Place to produce anime and 3D CGI projects at reduced costs. The deal aims to address a talent shortage in Japan's anime industry, where studios are struggling to meet rising global demand from platforms like Netflix and Prime Video. Toonz, known for work on Marvel's Wolverine and X-Men films, will expand its role in international anime production. 1st Place founder Kumiko cited a "significant talent shortage" in Japan as a driver for the collaboration. The announcement was part of a broader global briefs roundup that also included 'Hunted' format deals in Sweden, Belgium, and Botswana; ITV renewing 'Ant & Dec's Limitless Win' through late 2027 with two more seasons and Christmas specials; Irish shows 'Birdsong', 'The Cable That Changed the World', and 'Hardy Bucks' selling to European broadcasters including BBC, Arte, and RAI; and David Beckham's Studio 99 hiring Jessica Ludgrove as VP of Production.
The agreement between Toonz Media Group and 1st Place was announced as part of a Deadline roundup on March 19. Toonz brings experience from Marvel film work, while 1st Place provides Japanese IP and industry connections. The partnership targets global entertainment companies seeking cost-effective anime and 3D CGI production outside Japan's strained domestic pipeline. Separately, the roundup noted Banijay's 'Hunted' format expanding to three new territories, ITV ordering two more seasons of 'Ant & Dec's Limitless Win' plus Christmas specials through 2027, and RTÉ Program Sales placing three Irish documentaries and a comedy series with European broadcasters. Studio 99, David Beckham's production company, hired Jessica Ludgrove from Universal Pictures Content Group as VP of Production.
- Toonz Media Group and 1st Place anime partnership: Indian studio and Japanese IP developer to co-produce anime and 3D CGI projects at cost-effective prices, addressing Japan's talent shortage.
- 'Hunted' format deals in Sweden, Belgium, Botswana: Banijay Entertainment licenses the reality series to Kanal 5/Max, RTL-TVI, and Botswana Ignite, expanding global rollout to 12 territories.
- 'Ant & Dec's Limitless Win' renewal: ITV orders two more seasons and two Christmas specials, running through late 2027.
- Fern Britton: Inside the Vet's: Six-part ITV series from Love Monday TV, part advertiser-funded, with All3Media International handling sales.
- 'Birdsong': One-hour RTÉ documentary on ornithologist Seán Ronayne; sold to Arte (France/Germany) and BBC4 (UK).
- 'The Cable That Changed the World': RTÉ documentary about the first transatlantic communications cable; sold to RAI (Italy) and YLE (Finland).
- 'Hardy Bucks': 18-episode RTÉ comedy series; sold to BBC Northern Ireland and iPlayer.
- Studio 99 hires Jessica Ludgrove as VP of Production: David Beckham's production company appoints former Universal Pictures Content Group VP to oversee development slate and production output.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 1 cited source below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.