First AnimEigo interview?
Posted: Tue Apr 02, 2013 2:02 pm
Possibly the first AnimEigo interview. Going through my BBS files and having to rename text files to .txt...
<[Masaki]> Richard> ... AnimEigo is currently in production of Metal Skin Panic
MADOX-01. Shipping is supposed to take
<[Masaki]> Richard> ... place "real soon now".
<[Masaki]> Richard> Other projects that may (or may not be) in the
works (adding more ...
<[Masaki]> Richard> ... fuel to the fire) are possibly the A-ko films
and Ranma.
<T.KARAHASHI> US Renditions has already shipped GunBuster and Dangaio...
<T.KARAHASHI> How's this going to affect AnimEigo?
<[Masaki]> Taka> Not at all. We haven't seen the US Renditions product
yet but ...
<[Masaki]> Taka> ... we think that our product will stand up to or
exceed their ...
<[Masaki]> Taka> ... standards of quality.
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> What can you tell us about the process you went through
to acquire the rights to these films?
<[Masaki]> The process involved was rather laborious. We originally
went to talk to ...
<[Masaki]> ... Pony Canyon's offices in NYC (dealing mostly with toys,
I believe) to advance ...
<[Masaki]> ... a deal. We had at that time already done a test tape of
Vampire Princess Miyu ...
<[Masaki]> .. part 1 with subtitles to show them the kind of work that
we could do. Apparently, ...
<[Masaki]> ... they were impressed. (this is second-hand info since I
wasn't able to attend ...
<[Masaki]> ... (school and all)). They recommended us back to the home
company in Japan ...
<[Masaki]> ... and Robert went over to talk to them. The reception
there was a bit ...
<[Masaki]> ... cool but with much persuasion from varied sources and
with the promise of a hefty ...
<[Masaki]> ... advance, we were able to obtain the rights.
<[Masaki]> (whew)
<T.KARAHASHI> So, I take it Pony Canyon is your main channel now?
<[Masaki]> That is true though we have opened talks with other
companies as well. The president ...
<[Masaki]> ... of Gainax has expressed interest in our company and will
possibly be assisting us ...
<[Masaki]> ... in our further search for rights.
<T.KARAHASHI> Gainax? I guess General Products USA won't be selling English
videos, then?
<[Masaki]> I have no knowledge on that so I won't attempt to speculate
on that matter.
<T.KARAHASHI> GP USA seems to be vapor anyway. <grin>
<[Masaki]> Possibly. Has anyone actually ordered from them?
<T.KARAHASHI> I haven't heard anything from or about GP USA. Business must be
so good for them they can afford to ignore us. <grin>
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> What kind of advertising are you doing?
<[Masaki]> Advertising? The ad in Animag #9 ... lessee, word of mouth.
Other than that, we ...
<[Masaki]> ... also distribute fliers at cons and encourage clubs to
sell our product on their own.
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> How often do you expect videos to be released?
<[Masaki]> It depends heavily on how the first video does.
If we're successful in this venture,
<[Masaki]> you can expect to see videos being released at the rate of
perhaps one every two or ...
<[Masaki]> ... three months.
<T.KARAHASHI> How is business going for Madox?
<[Masaki]> So far, decent but nothing spectacular. We have quite a
ways to go before we break even.
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> Why was MADOX-01 chosen for the first effort?
<[Masaki]> Robert chose it because its plot was easily understandable
and we could obtain it.
<[Masaki]> he thought more of an action plot might do well to start off
with.
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> ok ... What kind of production facilities did you use?
<[Masaki]> Production facilities? As in?
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> How'd ya do it??
<T.KARAHASHI> Studios, duplication plants, tape suppliers, I take it?
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> right ...
<[Masaki]> The actual subtitling is done at Robert's place.
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> Did you supply the translation?
<[Masaki]> We create a script in a text file. The script then is
merged with a custom subtitling ...
<[Masaki]> program that Robert wrote in MPW for a Mac II using a Mass
Micro genlock board.
<[Masaki]> We then supply timing by clicking the mouse at appropriate
times.
<[Masaki]> When everything comes out right, we then take the whole
setup to a ...
<[Masaki]> video studio and master the whole thing to 1" tape.
<[Masaki]> The master is then sent out to a duplicator that handles all
the rest.
<T.KARAHASHI> Pony Canyon didn't supply you with a timing sheet, then?
<[Masaki]> Pony supplied us with a script including a timing sheet.
But we decided since that ...
<[Masaki]> ... subtitling timing is different than speech timing, we
would be better off if we ...
<[Masaki]> ... did our own timing.
<[Masaki]> The script itself was translated by a team of two
translators and gone over again by me.
<T.KARAHASHI> Glad to know Pony Canyon was cooperative....
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> So you're guaranteeing that we're getting the "correct"
translation?
<[Masaki]> Richard> As accurate as we can make it and still be readable.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> So what is AnimEigo?
<[Masaki]> AnimEigo is a company that is and hopefully will be
supplying the US with ...
<[Masaki]> quality translations of Japanese animated videos.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> I've seen ads from a number of different companies.
Which titles are you doing?
<[Masaki]> We're doing MADOX-01. As far as I know, our only
compeititor in the market is ...
<[Masaki]> US Renditions with Gunbuster and Dangaio.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Oh, you are the folks from usenet!
<[Masaki]> Brian> Yeah, Robert is on there a lot.
<[Masaki]> Hey, Taka ... have you seen any of the US REnditions stuff
yet?
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> I have! Gunbuster is great!
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> Dangio needs a little more more work though...
"Side-kick wave" he he!
<[Masaki]> Sidekick?? Ugh ...
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> Its SUPPOSED be Psychic-wave!
<T.KARAHASHI> Masaki: Well, I've seen the case and tape, but not the content.
<girn>
<T.KARAHASHI> Masaki: The case says: "Not Rate, Parental Guidance Suggested"...
<[Masaki]> Taka> Hmmmm ... was just wondering what you thought of their
translation since ...
<[Masaki]> ... I haven't seen it yet.
<T.KARAHASHI> Masaki: Are you going to put in similiar "disclaimers"?
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> But $40 for a video tape - bleah!
<[Masaki]> Brian> If you want official tapes done with quality and
care, you have to accept ...
<[Masaki]> Brian> ... those kind of prices. Translators, rights, and
video studio time is not cheap!
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> Masaki-> How are the Madox-01 tapes selling?
<[Masaki]> They are doing fairly well but not outstanding. We still
have a way to go before we ...
<[Masaki]> break even. And if we don't break even, that's it ... no
more stuff from us.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> I'd pay more for a LD, but $40 for a tape. Masaki just
curious ....
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> would you be willing to tell us the break-even quantity?
<[Masaki]> Brian> It would depend on the quantity of tapes sold.
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> If you bought the original(no subtitles) tape from
Japan it run you at least $65 or so.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> I understand that there is retail, dealer, and wholesale,
I just wanted a ball-park number....
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> more or less to see what size you felt the market was.
(Curious how many of us there are :-} )
<[Masaki]> Brian> We have to sell approximately 2000 copies or so to
break even.
<[Masaki]> That's an approximate number ... and my memory is kind of
fuzzy right now so I can't ...
<[Masaki]> ... guarantee that figure but it's around there.
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> We here in Hawaii are still waiting for our shipment.
<[Masaki]> DH> Oh, you're from Hawaii? Hi .... so am I. What store ...
jelly's?
<[PETE LEE] HARLOCK> Star Castle
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> No, Space Castle!
<[PETE LEE] HARLOCK> Oops...Sorry...slip of a finger.
<[Masaki]> DH> Gotcha ... say hi to Ed for me.
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> sure!
<[PETE LEE] HARLOCK> So how much have you folks sold so far?
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> How many sold now? 100?
<[Masaki]> And sorry, can't say how many we've sold so far but we have
a ways to go.
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> Any thoughts of releasing on LD?
<[Masaki]> Richard> We have thought about it but the quantity necessary
to break even on THAT ...
<[Masaki]> RIchard> ... is rather staggering ...
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> and the market is smaller too
<[Masaki]> Richard> yup.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Thanks, are you still saying you would need 200+
pre-orders to do a LD? (I ....
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> got this from Richard i believe, hope saying so isn't a
no-no)
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> I never said that ... musta gotten it somewhere else.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Wasn't meaning to put words in mouth, no malice
inntended.....
<[Masaki]> Brian> I believe it's more than that. But, again, i'm not
sure.
<[Masaki]> The mastering cost is enormous but unit price for LDs is
very cheap so ... it balances ...
<[Masaki]> out somewhere.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> I remember talking to someone, said 200+ pre-orders and
$10 more per copy ....
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> and they would be willing to risk a small LD pressing.
It wasn't you ? Oops!
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> not me.
<[Masaki]> Brian> Might have been Robert on Usenet then.
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> The US Renditions tapes we have at Space Castle are
almost sold out! Can't wait for the Madox-01...!
<[Masaki]> DH> Hope it meets your expectations.
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> Masaki->I saw the original, it can only get better from
here!
<[Masaki]> DH> Great!
<T.KARAHASHI> The folks at Animag are out. Must be at Chinatown to see Peacock
King II + dinner.
<[Masaki]> Animag> Out, eh?
<[PETE LEE] HARLOCK> Gee...Peacock King II is out?
<[Animag] T.KARAHASHI> It's the live action Hong Kong production production.
<[Animag] T.KARAHASHI> Heck, I'll be the lower echelon rep.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Although this may sound strange, I'd be willing to pay
$50 right now for a LD, but ....
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> I really can't convince myself to pay $40 for a tape.
<[Masaki]> Brian> That's strange ... why not?
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> I'VE paid $50(and up) for LD's...
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Masaki > Do you have a LD player?
<[Masaki]> Brian> Yes ... a collection of over 80 anime LDs.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> OK then, don't you find the picture much, much nicer?
Don't you have problems ....
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> with tape wearing out?
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> Tape wearing out? That is why you make back up copies!
<[Masaki]> Brian> The picture is much nicer, yes, but I've seldom had
much problems with tapes ...
<[Masaki]> Brian> ... wearing out. But since in this case, you can't
get it on LD, I would be ...
<[Masaki]> Brian> ... willing to pay for it on tape. 'Course, my view
is slightly biased.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> I don't have two HI-FI Stereo VHS decks, so backups
loose the surround sound Boo
<[Animag] T.KARAHASHI> Masaki: Can you afford something like a US subscription
release of UY-50 at this time of the game?...
<[Animag] T.KARAHASHI> Masaki: Maybe on tape, maybe subtitled? ga
<[Masaki]> Animag> Hahahaha!
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Masaki, let me list the reasons to buy a tape (MY
REASONS)
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> 1) I help you guys, yours is truly a noble effort.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> 2) Maybe, just maybe, if this one succeeds, the next may
be on LD.
<[Masaki]> Brian> Always possible.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Now the reasons not to:
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> 1) Its tape not LD
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> 2) Its a title I know nothing about.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> 3) Although support you guys is nice, I rewarding wrong
(to me, no LD) behavior.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> So you understand my problem?
<[Masaki]> Brian> I think, though, that expecting LD release of this
material at this stage ...
<[Masaki]> Brian> ... of the game is slightly unrealistic. The
monetary support for such a move ...
<[Masaki]> Brian> .. is just not there yet. We may not even be able to
support a release on tape ...
<[Masaki]> Brian> ... much less LD at this stage.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Masaki, I really understand the financial risk of the
venture. My pro#1 (support) is important to me.
<[Animag] T.KARAHASHI> Masaki: Does a LD release have a higher overhead for
small runs? (I would think so) ga
<[Masaki]> Animag> Definitely so. LD release involves a lot of
financial support. Without ...
<[Masaki]> Animag> ... much more possibility of returns, it is
impossible to go to LD at our stage.
<[Masaki]> Brian> So my advice is this. Write to AnimEigo. Organize
your friends who want ...
<[Masaki]> Brian> ... it released on LD so that they'll write too. If
we can see that there's ...
<[Masaki]> Brian> ... enough demand for it that'll justify our
investment, we'll do it.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> CD (data not music) can be mastered for about $700 +
$6-7,000 in computer equipment....
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> and a data CD and a computer are two very, very related
media. I assume a LD is much more expensive!
<[Masaki]> Probably.
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> Once again, considering how much tape releases in Japan
costs. $40 for something that is also subtitled is a bargain.
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> I agree that $40 is a very reasonable price for a tape.
You can't even buy a domestic Hollywood release for much less than that.
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> much less a japanese release!
<[Masaki]> Rich> 'Course, Batman came out for $19.
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> Batman was the exception
<[Masaki]> Rich> (grin)
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Richard, most of the Paramont, MCI and UA releases are
29.95 or less!
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> Not much difference between $29.95 and $39.95.
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> (roughly $10!)
<[PETE LEE] HARLOCK> Movies have a larger market, therefore they can be sold in
larger volumes at lower prices.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Only new releases in the first 6 months (so video stores
pay $$$) are 89.95
<[Masaki]> They also accept advertising in their videos.
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> I hate advertising!
[Richard] R.COPELAND> You can always buy the LD version in Japanese for $92.95
or so...
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> Personally, I'd rather have a subtitled version for half
the price.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> I repeat: 1-I would love to support them 2-I have no
idea what the %&%^#( Madox-01 is!...
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> 3-So why should I support a video tape company 4-And why
do I feel bad about NOT buying one?
<[Masaki]> Brian> Your indubitable good nature?
<[Masaki]> Brian> Do you have Animag #9?
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Is animag the english one which just had an issue with
a calendar?
<[Masaki]> Yeah.
<T.KARAHASHI> Brian: Yes.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Yes, I do and ???
<[Masaki]> Brian> Check inside front of issue #9 (one with calendar).
Ad there from AnimEigo.
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> Any other ads planned?
<[Masaki]> Richard> Probably. though I don't think we have any more
planned in Animag.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Masaki, please don't insult me! 5 sentences of add hype
do not tell me what it is.....
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> even a Siskel/Ebert review tells me more (please do not
get mad, I just don't like buying blind)
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> How long is it, is it in stereo, digital stereo,
surround sound....
<[Masaki]> Brian> No problem .. I understand the problem of buying
blind.
<[Masaki]> Brian> The tape is about 45 minutes long with some added
live-action footage ...
<[Masaki]> Brian> ... on the end. It is in VHS Hi-Fi (no surround
because it was never a movie).
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> Stereo?
<[Masaki]> Richard> of course. You didn't think that we'd cut the
stereo track, did you?
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> no ... but not all films are in stereo.
<[Masaki]> Richard> All recent ones are ... except UY which is a
strange exception.
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> Urusei Yatsura isn't in Stereo because wasn't made in
stereo.
<[Masaki]> DH> Yeah ... I meant the OAVs.
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> Brian> Why don't you get the synopsis from someone then?
I think I saw one going around the fan clubs...
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Do you begin to understand my reluctance. W.Hong>Unless
you are volunteering....
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> Brian> I'll look for the synopsis and upload it here if
I find it.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> I live in the middle of nowhere, no clubs
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> I don't even know how recent MADOX is.
<[Masaki]> Richard> I believe Madox was originally released in Japan
around ... ummmm ... 1986 or so?
<T.KARAHASHI> AnimEigo: Is there a publicly disclosable story behind the art
used for the art?...
<[Masaki]> Taka> Frankly, I don't know where the art came from. Been
meaning to ask Robert about ...
<[Masaki]> Taka> .. that and keep forgetting.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Masaki> Is madox an OVA/OAV or TV show?
<[Masaki]> Brian> It was an one-shot OAV.
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> Madox-01 is an OAV that came out just 2 years ago...
<[Masaki]> Brian> Done by Artmic, Soeishinsha and Pony.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Because if OAV/OVA, then surround sound is definate
possibility, check out BGC!
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> I especially like BGC4!
<[PETE LEE] HARLOCK> Who are the artists? Or author?
<[Masaki]> Brian> BGC does not have surround. Unless you don't mean
Dolby.
<[Masaki]> Brian> Almost any surround decoder can extract matrix
information out of a soundtrack ...
<[Masaki]> Brian> ... if it was not a movie or meant to have Dolby, it
is not true surround sound.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Masaki > BGC4 decodes though my prologic just fine? I
feel confused.
<[Masaki]> Brian> You'd be surprised how easy it is to fool pro-logic
decoders. I have a Pioneer ...
<[Masaki]> Brian> ... 9300S receiver with Dolby Pro-Logic and it picks
up pseudo-Dolby surround in ..
<[Masaki]> Brian> .. the strangest places! Though there are OAVs that
are designed to have ...
<[Masaki]> Brian> ... true Dolby Surround. Like Rhea Gall Force, for
instance.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Oh, OK I thought pro-logic was supposed to be smart, I
guess not!
<[Masaki]> Brian> Pro-logic is better than normal Dolby in directing
the sound to the right channel.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> So if I call (919)799-1501 now can I buy one?
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> What hours is/are you number manned?
<[Masaki]> Brian> Not sure what hours the number is manned. It's our
distribution house ...
<[Masaki]> Brian> ... not where the production staff is so ... (grin)
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> OK, OK, I'll buy one of these stupid things, BUT...
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> I reseve to attach a brick and return it through your
window if I don't like it
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> BIG GRIN!!!
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> now, now ...
<[Masaki]> Oh, we're not coercing you to buy one ... now, are we?
(whispering tone)
<[Masaki]> (grin)
<T.KARAHASHI> Now, now, leave that brick for a certain manager at Streamline.
<grin>
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> Masaki> What color are the subtitles?
<[Masaki]> DH> Yellow. We researched this a lot.
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> Just yellow?
<[Masaki]> DH> We tried text with a lot of different colors.
<[Masaki]> DH> We finally ended up with yellow characters that have a
grey border to them.
<[Masaki]> DH> We found it the easiest to read from a distance.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> What about something fancy, like white with a black
border?
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> White? Yuk!
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> yellow/grey sounds good
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Grey, not black? Seems odd
<[Masaki]> Rich, Brian> Surprisingly enough, the grey was easier to
pick out than the black was.
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> Black would blend in with to many things.
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> Especially with this OAV
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> Did you give any thought to dubbing rather than
subtitling?
<[Masaki]> Rich> Not on your life. (girlfriend's comment). Too much
trouble.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Sorry, if they dubbed it i would not buy it, LD or not!
<[Masaki]> Brian> Definitely.
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> Oh no! not dubbing! I'm still smarting from ! "Attack
of the Bionoids"!
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> (Macross movie dubbing by FHE)
<[Masaki]> It's so hard to find good people to match the characters and
the language used.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> (Still looking for a copy of Das Boot!)
<[Masaki]> You also miss out on a lot of the nuances that can be picked
up from voice nuances.
<[Masaki]> Brian> Original german?
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Yes, I'd kill for a copy of Das Boot, saw the theatrical
release in German/subtitles...
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Rented tape - DUBBED!!!!
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> The standard US release tape is dubbed. I've ordered and
had a ...
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> hell of a time returning it. I refused to buy the dubbed
version!
<[Masaki]> Brian> Heather here..good for you...the only thing worse
than dubbing (in my opinion)..
<[Masaki]> Brian> ...is colorizing!!!
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> agghh!!
<T.KARAHASHI> What's the opinion on Marvel colorizing Akira?
<T.KARAHASHI> Masaki: How many generantions of pirating would the subtitles
survive? <evil grin>
<[Masaki]> Taka> Sorewa kikanai yakusoku desho ... (grin)
<T.KARAHASHI> Masa: Ryokai (^_^)
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Masaki> About animag #9
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> What do you think of the US Renditions add?
<[Masaki]> Brian> Ummmm .... hard to say.
<[Masaki]> Brian> As a fan, I'm glad to see more companies entering the
field and releasing more ...
<[Masaki]> Brian> ... material but as a compeititor, I wish they had
waited another year before ...
<[Masaki]> Brian> ... they had entered.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Masaki> re: animag - No what do you personally think of
their add...
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> As a consumer and vs your add?
<[Masaki]> Ummmmmmm ..... frankly, as a fan, I prefer US Renditions's
ad.
<[Masaki]> (nobody tell Robert I said this)
<T.KARAHASHI> The above comment must have been done off record. <grin>
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> I must admit the 'see noriko run' bit was quite an
eye-catcher!
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> But I really like the artwork for you add
<[Masaki]> Definitely.
<[Masaki]> Brian> I'm glad you like it. Maybe it'll prove more popular
than it has been so far.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> But both your adds suffer from the same problems!
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Length/Stereo/HiFi/Supplemental material/etc...
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Neither mentioned anything useful!
<[Masaki]> What would supplemental material be?
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Oh something like (really only for movies but) 'with the
"making of" film'
<[Masaki]> Brian> MADOX does include something similar. It includes a
section called ...
<[Masaki]> Brian> ... "The Weapons of MADOX" and it uses the
Self-Defense Forces training as a ...
<[Masaki]> Brian> ... background, explaining the various weapons that
appear in MADOX.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> I got all that from you, but it's not in your add...
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> It isn't you guys something just pushed my 'adds never
have anything useful' ..
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> button - gets me going every time!
<[Masaki]> Brian> True ... (wryful smile) maybe it's something we have
to work on.
<[Masaki]> Brian> Remember, none of us have a degree in advertising!
(grin)
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> See now that makes me more interested in buying it (I AM
serious)
<T.KARAHASHI> How did Wizardry sell then. <evil grin>
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> What's Wizardy?
<[Masaki]> Taka> We wonder ... of course, Robert didn't do his own
advertising.
<T.KARAHASHI> Brian: Oh just a shareware game that never got bigtime
distribution.
<[Masaki]> Taka> (grin)
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Shareware on what system? Mac? Amiga? Atari? IBM?
<T.KARAHASHI> Brian: Just kidding. It's a classic game for the Apple/Mac/IBM/C6
4/etc.
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> AnimEigo is composed of Masaki and Robert Woodhead.
Woodhead codesigned "Wizardry", a D&D style game for several computers.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Thanks all for the answer, now I feel enlightened!
<[Masaki]> Richard> Don't forget Roe Adams either. He's our editor.
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> I didn't know Roe Adams was involved ... thanks
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Although I like animation and own about 10 titles and
have seen another 10.....
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Almost none have had robots in them...
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Would I still appreciate the parody?
<[Masaki]> Brian> I think so ... :0
<[Masaki]> Just as an aside, what would all of you like to see
subtitled and brought to the States?
<T.KARAHASHI> AnimEigo: Can you get the video rights for the Miyazaki movies?
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> Or Project A-KO?
<T.KARAHASHI> AnimEigo: I hear "Carl Macek" Streamline only has the theatrical
rights.
<[Masaki]> Animag> Muahahahaha ... doesn't Streamline own them already?
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> I'd like to see the Miyazaki movies subtitled myself.
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> Or the Dream Hunter Rem OAV series...?
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Ive seen Grey(no), BGC(yes), Dirty Pair(very much yes),
Laputa(no), Crusher Joe(maybe), Vampire Princess(no)...
<[2tom] H.TSUTOMU> I have some
<[Masaki]> DH> Project A-ko is already a possibility.
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> yay!
<[Masaki]> Animag> Hmmmm ... would be nice if we could get video
distribution rights.
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> Vampire Princess Miyu, yes!
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Borgman(no), Akira(no), Votoms(yes), MegaZone(no),
Gundam/Char's(maybe)
<[Masaki]> Animag> Be kind of confusing though ... have the movie
distributed dubbed and the ...
<[Masaki]> Animag> ... video subtitled!
<[Masaki]> Brian> Akira no? You're the first person I've talked to who
said that.
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> I wish they would release the dubbed version of Akira.
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> Any Urusei Yatsura OAV...
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Well, actually its a maybe. Looks nice, story so-so. I
felt it dragged.
<T.KARAHASHI> AnimEigo: Hey, Disney movies get distributed both ways in Japan!
<[Masaki]> Animag> True ... but that's there, not here.
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> ESPECIALLY URUSEI YATSURA '87!
<[Masaki]> Brian> Hmmmmm ... it helps if you understand the story.
<[Masaki]> Brian> Did you see the Streamline version yet?
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG>
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> Or Gall Force...
<[Masaki]> DH> UY '87 ... if we did UY, we'd probably start off with
the first couple of TV ...
<[Masaki]> DH> ... eps to introduce the characters and then go wild
through the OAVs.
<[Masaki]> DH> Gall Force is probably a no.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> If you noticed my list. Action films basically rated yes,
dramas a no
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> Or Ranma 1/2!
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> I can read a printed script fast enough to follow dramas!
<[Masaki]> DH> (Heather) ranma would be a lot of fun.
<T.KARAHASHI> AnimEigo: Would there be problems with the US rights for the
Steffanie songs and such?
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> Masaki> Gall Force no? why?
<[Masaki]> Animag> Wouldn't show any episodes or OAVs that had her
songs in 'em.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> I live in Albany, New York. The Streamline version is
never going to be near here ...
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> I refuse to drive into NEW York City!
<[Masaki]> DH> Probably wouldn't appeal to the general populace.
<[Masaki]> DH> Plus, the quality went down as the series went on.
<[Masaki]> Brian> you never know ... might be playing in Ithaca some
time soon (NY).
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> Masaki> It did have a depressing ending...
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> What you got inside info? Besides 4 hours away ain't
exactly close!
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> But Ithaca is much more pleasant than NYC.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> RIchard > Boy, you got me there!
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> Masaki> What about Rhea Gall Force?
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> If I had to pick one title to be subtitled I'd pick the
DP 'movie' don't know its name
<T.KARAHASHI> I don't think it has an official title.
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> DP Movie: Project Eden.
<T.KARAHASHI> Project Eden is actually the name of the Nintendo game that was
based on the movie.
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> Really? So was there an offical title to the DP movie?
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Back to main thread. I said my choice, if only allowed
one title, was the DP movie (Project Eden?)
<[Masaki]> Anyways .... DP Movie would be a hard one to subtitle.
<[Masaki]> I know that for a fact because I worked on a script for it
way back when and ...
<[Masaki]> Watsman's ravings provide for endless hours of entertainment,
finding something ...
<[Masaki]> suitable in English to translate them into.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Oh, now not only must I choose a title, but it has to be
an EASY ONE!
<[Masaki]> Brian> Hey, nobody said that this was going to be easy.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> But I'm not getting paid!
<[Masaki]> (Heather) Isn't life rough for poor Masaki and Co?
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> hehe!
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> Well, it's getting kind of late here on the east coast.
Let's start wrapping this up.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Masaki> One question. As a person who has translated a
script....
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> What was the hardest part, the most time consuming?
<[Masaki]> I'm not quite sure what you mean by the hardest part.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> What was the part that took the most effort to overcome
personal inerta to do?
<[Masaki]> Brian> Getting started.
<[Masaki]> Brian> And once stopped, getting back to it.
[[[part of transcript missing here]]]
<[Masaki]> Brian> The transcribing part isn't hard. the point is that
most translations are not ...
<[Masaki]> Brian> ... done well on the fly. It takes time and
patience to wrestle with a phrase ...
<[Masaki]> Brian> ... and try to obtain something that captures some
of the original flavor and ...
<[Masaki]> Brian ... meaning of the sentence.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Masaki> I understand, just trying to increase the
number of scripts available. Oh well, i tried.
<T.KARAHASHI> Masaki: After which you develop a healthy respect for
translators and even more so for simulteneous interpreters?
<[Masaki]> Animag> Definitely. Whew ... simultaneous translation must
be tough!
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Masaki> Judging from some of the scripts that are
available, English is not a native tongue.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> I ain't all done with mirrors.
<[Masaki]> Brian> Thanks for the offer, though.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> No, I wasn't for you, I just thought, since I am
corresponding with a couple of folks in Japan...
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Of making the offer, but...
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> I guess the offer isn't much though.
<[Masaki]> Brian> It requires Japanese who speak English and Americans
who speak Japanese.
<T.KARAHASHI> Is AnimEigo going to have a BBS up for customer support/etc?
<[Masaki]> Animag> Hahaha ... are you kidding? If Robert feels like it,
who knows?
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> Well, I would like to thank all of you for attending,
and especially to Masaki for taking the time to be with us.
<[Masaki]> Richard> It's too bad that Robert didn't show up. Probably
not in the state.
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> Masaki: Maybe next time.
<[Masaki]> RIchard> Maybe next time.
<[Masaki]> Okeydoke. I've gotta see about making it back to lab.
Night everybody!
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> Good night all!
<T.KARAHASHI> Goodnight and thank you, Masaki.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Bye all. Thanks for coming Masaki
<[Masaki]> Animag> Iiiye. Dooitashimashite.
<[Masaki]> Good night all!
<[Masaki]> Oyasuminasai....
<[Masaki]> Richard> ... AnimEigo is currently in production of Metal Skin Panic
MADOX-01. Shipping is supposed to take
<[Masaki]> Richard> ... place "real soon now".
<[Masaki]> Richard> Other projects that may (or may not be) in the
works (adding more ...
<[Masaki]> Richard> ... fuel to the fire) are possibly the A-ko films
and Ranma.
<T.KARAHASHI> US Renditions has already shipped GunBuster and Dangaio...
<T.KARAHASHI> How's this going to affect AnimEigo?
<[Masaki]> Taka> Not at all. We haven't seen the US Renditions product
yet but ...
<[Masaki]> Taka> ... we think that our product will stand up to or
exceed their ...
<[Masaki]> Taka> ... standards of quality.
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> What can you tell us about the process you went through
to acquire the rights to these films?
<[Masaki]> The process involved was rather laborious. We originally
went to talk to ...
<[Masaki]> ... Pony Canyon's offices in NYC (dealing mostly with toys,
I believe) to advance ...
<[Masaki]> ... a deal. We had at that time already done a test tape of
Vampire Princess Miyu ...
<[Masaki]> .. part 1 with subtitles to show them the kind of work that
we could do. Apparently, ...
<[Masaki]> ... they were impressed. (this is second-hand info since I
wasn't able to attend ...
<[Masaki]> ... (school and all)). They recommended us back to the home
company in Japan ...
<[Masaki]> ... and Robert went over to talk to them. The reception
there was a bit ...
<[Masaki]> ... cool but with much persuasion from varied sources and
with the promise of a hefty ...
<[Masaki]> ... advance, we were able to obtain the rights.
<[Masaki]> (whew)
<T.KARAHASHI> So, I take it Pony Canyon is your main channel now?
<[Masaki]> That is true though we have opened talks with other
companies as well. The president ...
<[Masaki]> ... of Gainax has expressed interest in our company and will
possibly be assisting us ...
<[Masaki]> ... in our further search for rights.
<T.KARAHASHI> Gainax? I guess General Products USA won't be selling English
videos, then?
<[Masaki]> I have no knowledge on that so I won't attempt to speculate
on that matter.
<T.KARAHASHI> GP USA seems to be vapor anyway. <grin>
<[Masaki]> Possibly.
Has anyone actually ordered from them?<T.KARAHASHI> I haven't heard anything from or about GP USA. Business must be
so good for them they can afford to ignore us. <grin>
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> What kind of advertising are you doing?
<[Masaki]> Advertising? The ad in Animag #9 ... lessee, word of mouth.
Other than that, we ...
<[Masaki]> ... also distribute fliers at cons and encourage clubs to
sell our product on their own.
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> How often do you expect videos to be released?
<[Masaki]> It depends heavily on how the first video does.
If we're successful in this venture,
<[Masaki]> you can expect to see videos being released at the rate of
perhaps one every two or ...
<[Masaki]> ... three months.
<T.KARAHASHI> How is business going for Madox?
<[Masaki]> So far, decent but nothing spectacular. We have quite a
ways to go before we break even.
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> Why was MADOX-01 chosen for the first effort?
<[Masaki]> Robert chose it because its plot was easily understandable
and we could obtain it.
<[Masaki]> he thought more of an action plot might do well to start off
with.
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> ok ... What kind of production facilities did you use?
<[Masaki]> Production facilities? As in?
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> How'd ya do it??
<T.KARAHASHI> Studios, duplication plants, tape suppliers, I take it?
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> right ...
<[Masaki]> The actual subtitling is done at Robert's place.
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> Did you supply the translation?
<[Masaki]> We create a script in a text file. The script then is
merged with a custom subtitling ...
<[Masaki]> program that Robert wrote in MPW for a Mac II using a Mass
Micro genlock board.
<[Masaki]> We then supply timing by clicking the mouse at appropriate
times.
<[Masaki]> When everything comes out right, we then take the whole
setup to a ...
<[Masaki]> video studio and master the whole thing to 1" tape.
<[Masaki]> The master is then sent out to a duplicator that handles all
the rest.
<T.KARAHASHI> Pony Canyon didn't supply you with a timing sheet, then?
<[Masaki]> Pony supplied us with a script including a timing sheet.
But we decided since that ...
<[Masaki]> ... subtitling timing is different than speech timing, we
would be better off if we ...
<[Masaki]> ... did our own timing.
<[Masaki]> The script itself was translated by a team of two
translators and gone over again by me.
<T.KARAHASHI> Glad to know Pony Canyon was cooperative.
...<[Richard] R.COPELAND> So you're guaranteeing that we're getting the "correct"
translation?
<[Masaki]> Richard> As accurate as we can make it and still be readable.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> So what is AnimEigo?
<[Masaki]> AnimEigo is a company that is and hopefully will be
supplying the US with ...
<[Masaki]> quality translations of Japanese animated videos.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> I've seen ads from a number of different companies.
Which titles are you doing?
<[Masaki]> We're doing MADOX-01. As far as I know, our only
compeititor in the market is ...
<[Masaki]> US Renditions with Gunbuster and Dangaio.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Oh, you are the folks from usenet!
<[Masaki]> Brian> Yeah, Robert is on there a lot.
<[Masaki]> Hey, Taka ... have you seen any of the US REnditions stuff
yet?
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> I have! Gunbuster is great!
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> Dangio needs a little more more work though...
"Side-kick wave" he he!
<[Masaki]> Sidekick?? Ugh ...
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> Its SUPPOSED be Psychic-wave!
<T.KARAHASHI> Masaki: Well, I've seen the case and tape, but not the content.
<girn>
<T.KARAHASHI> Masaki: The case says: "Not Rate, Parental Guidance Suggested"...
<[Masaki]> Taka> Hmmmm ... was just wondering what you thought of their
translation since ...
<[Masaki]> ... I haven't seen it yet.
<T.KARAHASHI> Masaki: Are you going to put in similiar "disclaimers"?
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> But $40 for a video tape - bleah!
<[Masaki]> Brian> If you want official tapes done with quality and
care, you have to accept ...
<[Masaki]> Brian> ... those kind of prices. Translators, rights, and
video studio time is not cheap!
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> Masaki-> How are the Madox-01 tapes selling?
<[Masaki]> They are doing fairly well but not outstanding. We still
have a way to go before we ...
<[Masaki]> break even. And if we don't break even, that's it ... no
more stuff from us.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> I'd pay more for a LD, but $40 for a tape. Masaki just
curious ....
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> would you be willing to tell us the break-even quantity?
<[Masaki]> Brian> It would depend on the quantity of tapes sold.
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> If you bought the original(no subtitles) tape from
Japan it run you at least $65 or so.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> I understand that there is retail, dealer, and wholesale,
I just wanted a ball-park number....
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> more or less to see what size you felt the market was.
(Curious how many of us there are :-} )
<[Masaki]> Brian> We have to sell approximately 2000 copies or so to
break even.
<[Masaki]> That's an approximate number ... and my memory is kind of
fuzzy right now so I can't ...
<[Masaki]> ... guarantee that figure but it's around there.
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> We here in Hawaii are still waiting for our shipment.
<[Masaki]> DH> Oh, you're from Hawaii? Hi .... so am I. What store ...
jelly's?
<[PETE LEE] HARLOCK> Star Castle
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> No, Space Castle!
<[PETE LEE] HARLOCK> Oops...Sorry...slip of a finger.
<[Masaki]> DH> Gotcha ... say hi to Ed for me.
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> sure!
<[PETE LEE] HARLOCK> So how much have you folks sold so far?
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> How many sold now? 100?
<[Masaki]> And sorry, can't say how many we've sold so far but we have
a ways to go.
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> Any thoughts of releasing on LD?
<[Masaki]> Richard> We have thought about it but the quantity necessary
to break even on THAT ...
<[Masaki]> RIchard> ... is rather staggering ...
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> and the market is smaller too
<[Masaki]> Richard> yup.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Thanks, are you still saying you would need 200+
pre-orders to do a LD? (I ....
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> got this from Richard i believe, hope saying so isn't a
no-no)
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> I never said that ... musta gotten it somewhere else.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Wasn't meaning to put words in mouth, no malice
inntended.....
<[Masaki]> Brian> I believe it's more than that. But, again, i'm not
sure.
<[Masaki]> The mastering cost is enormous but unit price for LDs is
very cheap so ... it balances ...
<[Masaki]> out somewhere.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> I remember talking to someone, said 200+ pre-orders and
$10 more per copy ....
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> and they would be willing to risk a small LD pressing.
It wasn't you ? Oops!
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> not me.
<[Masaki]> Brian> Might have been Robert on Usenet then.
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> The US Renditions tapes we have at Space Castle are
almost sold out! Can't wait for the Madox-01...!
<[Masaki]> DH> Hope it meets your expectations.
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> Masaki->I saw the original, it can only get better from
here!
<[Masaki]> DH> Great!
<T.KARAHASHI> The folks at Animag are out. Must be at Chinatown to see Peacock
King II + dinner.
<[Masaki]> Animag> Out, eh?
<[PETE LEE] HARLOCK> Gee...Peacock King II is out?
<[Animag] T.KARAHASHI> It's the live action Hong Kong production production.
<[Animag] T.KARAHASHI> Heck, I'll be the lower echelon rep.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Although this may sound strange, I'd be willing to pay
$50 right now for a LD, but ....
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> I really can't convince myself to pay $40 for a tape.
<[Masaki]> Brian> That's strange ... why not?
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> I'VE paid $50(and up) for LD's...
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Masaki > Do you have a LD player?
<[Masaki]> Brian> Yes ... a collection of over 80 anime LDs.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> OK then, don't you find the picture much, much nicer?
Don't you have problems ....
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> with tape wearing out?
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> Tape wearing out? That is why you make back up copies!
<[Masaki]> Brian> The picture is much nicer, yes, but I've seldom had
much problems with tapes ...
<[Masaki]> Brian> ... wearing out. But since in this case, you can't
get it on LD, I would be ...
<[Masaki]> Brian> ... willing to pay for it on tape. 'Course, my view
is slightly biased.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> I don't have two HI-FI Stereo VHS decks, so backups
loose the surround sound Boo
<[Animag] T.KARAHASHI> Masaki: Can you afford something like a US subscription
release of UY-50 at this time of the game?...
<[Animag] T.KARAHASHI> Masaki: Maybe on tape, maybe subtitled? ga
<[Masaki]> Animag> Hahahaha!
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Masaki, let me list the reasons to buy a tape (MY
REASONS)
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> 1) I help you guys, yours is truly a noble effort.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> 2) Maybe, just maybe, if this one succeeds, the next may
be on LD.
<[Masaki]> Brian> Always possible.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Now the reasons not to:
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> 1) Its tape not LD
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> 2) Its a title I know nothing about.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> 3) Although support you guys is nice, I rewarding wrong
(to me, no LD) behavior.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> So you understand my problem?
<[Masaki]> Brian> I think, though, that expecting LD release of this
material at this stage ...
<[Masaki]> Brian> ... of the game is slightly unrealistic. The
monetary support for such a move ...
<[Masaki]> Brian> .. is just not there yet. We may not even be able to
support a release on tape ...
<[Masaki]> Brian> ... much less LD at this stage.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Masaki, I really understand the financial risk of the
venture. My pro#1 (support) is important to me.
<[Animag] T.KARAHASHI> Masaki: Does a LD release have a higher overhead for
small runs? (I would think so) ga
<[Masaki]> Animag> Definitely so. LD release involves a lot of
financial support. Without ...
<[Masaki]> Animag> ... much more possibility of returns, it is
impossible to go to LD at our stage.
<[Masaki]> Brian> So my advice is this. Write to AnimEigo. Organize
your friends who want ...
<[Masaki]> Brian> ... it released on LD so that they'll write too. If
we can see that there's ...
<[Masaki]> Brian> ... enough demand for it that'll justify our
investment, we'll do it.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> CD (data not music) can be mastered for about $700 +
$6-7,000 in computer equipment....
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> and a data CD and a computer are two very, very related
media. I assume a LD is much more expensive!
<[Masaki]> Probably.
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> Once again, considering how much tape releases in Japan
costs. $40 for something that is also subtitled is a bargain.
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> I agree that $40 is a very reasonable price for a tape.
You can't even buy a domestic Hollywood release for much less than that.
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> much less a japanese release!
<[Masaki]> Rich> 'Course, Batman came out for $19.
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> Batman was the exception
<[Masaki]> Rich> (grin)
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Richard, most of the Paramont, MCI and UA releases are
29.95 or less!
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> Not much difference between $29.95 and $39.95.
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> (roughly $10!)
<[PETE LEE] HARLOCK> Movies have a larger market, therefore they can be sold in
larger volumes at lower prices.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Only new releases in the first 6 months (so video stores
pay $$$) are 89.95
<[Masaki]> They also accept advertising in their videos.
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> I hate advertising!
[Richard] R.COPELAND> You can always buy the LD version in Japanese for $92.95
or so...
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> Personally, I'd rather have a subtitled version for half
the price.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> I repeat: 1-I would love to support them 2-I have no
idea what the %&%^#( Madox-01 is!...
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> 3-So why should I support a video tape company 4-And why
do I feel bad about NOT buying one?
<[Masaki]> Brian> Your indubitable good nature?
<[Masaki]> Brian> Do you have Animag #9?
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Is animag the english one which just had an issue with
a calendar?
<[Masaki]> Yeah.
<T.KARAHASHI> Brian: Yes.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Yes, I do and ???
<[Masaki]> Brian> Check inside front of issue #9 (one with calendar).
Ad there from AnimEigo.
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> Any other ads planned?
<[Masaki]> Richard> Probably. though I don't think we have any more
planned in Animag.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Masaki, please don't insult me! 5 sentences of add hype
do not tell me what it is.....
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> even a Siskel/Ebert review tells me more (please do not
get mad, I just don't like buying blind)
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> How long is it, is it in stereo, digital stereo,
surround sound....
<[Masaki]> Brian> No problem .. I understand the problem of buying
blind.
<[Masaki]> Brian> The tape is about 45 minutes long with some added
live-action footage ...
<[Masaki]> Brian> ... on the end. It is in VHS Hi-Fi (no surround
because it was never a movie).
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> Stereo?
<[Masaki]> Richard> of course. You didn't think that we'd cut the
stereo track, did you?
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> no ... but not all films are in stereo.
<[Masaki]> Richard> All recent ones are ... except UY which is a
strange exception.
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> Urusei Yatsura isn't in Stereo because wasn't made in
stereo.
<[Masaki]> DH> Yeah ... I meant the OAVs.
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> Brian> Why don't you get the synopsis from someone then?
I think I saw one going around the fan clubs...
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Do you begin to understand my reluctance. W.Hong>Unless
you are volunteering....
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> Brian> I'll look for the synopsis and upload it here if
I find it.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> I live in the middle of nowhere, no clubs
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> I don't even know how recent MADOX is.
<[Masaki]> Richard> I believe Madox was originally released in Japan
around ... ummmm ... 1986 or so?
<T.KARAHASHI> AnimEigo: Is there a publicly disclosable story behind the art
used for the art?...
<[Masaki]> Taka> Frankly, I don't know where the art came from. Been
meaning to ask Robert about ...
<[Masaki]> Taka> .. that and keep forgetting.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Masaki> Is madox an OVA/OAV or TV show?
<[Masaki]> Brian> It was an one-shot OAV.
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> Madox-01 is an OAV that came out just 2 years ago...
<[Masaki]> Brian> Done by Artmic, Soeishinsha and Pony.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Because if OAV/OVA, then surround sound is definate
possibility, check out BGC!
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> I especially like BGC4!
<[PETE LEE] HARLOCK> Who are the artists? Or author?
<[Masaki]> Brian> BGC does not have surround. Unless you don't mean
Dolby.
<[Masaki]> Brian> Almost any surround decoder can extract matrix
information out of a soundtrack ...
<[Masaki]> Brian> ... if it was not a movie or meant to have Dolby, it
is not true surround sound.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Masaki > BGC4 decodes though my prologic just fine? I
feel confused.
<[Masaki]> Brian> You'd be surprised how easy it is to fool pro-logic
decoders. I have a Pioneer ...
<[Masaki]> Brian> ... 9300S receiver with Dolby Pro-Logic and it picks
up pseudo-Dolby surround in ..
<[Masaki]> Brian> .. the strangest places! Though there are OAVs that
are designed to have ...
<[Masaki]> Brian> ... true Dolby Surround. Like Rhea Gall Force, for
instance.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Oh, OK I thought pro-logic was supposed to be smart, I
guess not!
<[Masaki]> Brian> Pro-logic is better than normal Dolby in directing
the sound to the right channel.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> So if I call (919)799-1501 now can I buy one?
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> What hours is/are you number manned?
<[Masaki]> Brian> Not sure what hours the number is manned. It's our
distribution house ...
<[Masaki]> Brian> ... not where the production staff is so ... (grin)
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> OK, OK, I'll buy one of these stupid things, BUT...
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> I reseve to attach a brick and return it through your
window if I don't like it
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> BIG GRIN!!!
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> now, now ...
<[Masaki]> Oh, we're not coercing you to buy one ... now, are we?
(whispering tone)
<[Masaki]> (grin)
<T.KARAHASHI> Now, now, leave that brick for a certain manager at Streamline.
<grin>
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> Masaki> What color are the subtitles?
<[Masaki]> DH> Yellow. We researched this a lot.
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> Just yellow?
<[Masaki]> DH> We tried text with a lot of different colors.
<[Masaki]> DH> We finally ended up with yellow characters that have a
grey border to them.
<[Masaki]> DH> We found it the easiest to read from a distance.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> What about something fancy, like white with a black
border?
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> White? Yuk!
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> yellow/grey sounds good
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Grey, not black? Seems odd
<[Masaki]> Rich, Brian> Surprisingly enough, the grey was easier to
pick out than the black was.
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> Black would blend in with to many things.
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> Especially with this OAV
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> Did you give any thought to dubbing rather than
subtitling?
<[Masaki]> Rich> Not on your life. (girlfriend's comment). Too much
trouble.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Sorry, if they dubbed it i would not buy it, LD or not!
<[Masaki]> Brian> Definitely.
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> Oh no! not dubbing! I'm still smarting from ! "Attack
of the Bionoids"!
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> (Macross movie dubbing by FHE)
<[Masaki]> It's so hard to find good people to match the characters and
the language used.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> (Still looking for a copy of Das Boot!)
<[Masaki]> You also miss out on a lot of the nuances that can be picked
up from voice nuances.
<[Masaki]> Brian> Original german?
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Yes, I'd kill for a copy of Das Boot, saw the theatrical
release in German/subtitles...
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Rented tape - DUBBED!!!!
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> The standard US release tape is dubbed. I've ordered and
had a ...
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> hell of a time returning it. I refused to buy the dubbed
version!
<[Masaki]> Brian> Heather here..good for you...the only thing worse
than dubbing (in my opinion)..
<[Masaki]> Brian> ...is colorizing!!!
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> agghh!!
<T.KARAHASHI> What's the opinion on Marvel colorizing Akira?
<T.KARAHASHI> Masaki: How many generantions of pirating would the subtitles
survive? <evil grin>
<[Masaki]> Taka> Sorewa kikanai yakusoku desho ... (grin)
<T.KARAHASHI> Masa: Ryokai (^_^)
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Masaki> About animag #9
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> What do you think of the US Renditions add?
<[Masaki]> Brian> Ummmm .... hard to say.
<[Masaki]> Brian> As a fan, I'm glad to see more companies entering the
field and releasing more ...
<[Masaki]> Brian> ... material but as a compeititor, I wish they had
waited another year before ...
<[Masaki]> Brian> ... they had entered.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Masaki> re: animag - No what do you personally think of
their add...
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> As a consumer and vs your add?
<[Masaki]> Ummmmmmm ..... frankly, as a fan, I prefer US Renditions's
ad.
<[Masaki]> (nobody tell Robert I said this)
<T.KARAHASHI> The above comment must have been done off record. <grin>
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> I must admit the 'see noriko run' bit was quite an
eye-catcher!
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> But I really like the artwork for you add
<[Masaki]> Definitely.
<[Masaki]> Brian> I'm glad you like it. Maybe it'll prove more popular
than it has been so far.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> But both your adds suffer from the same problems!
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Length/Stereo/HiFi/Supplemental material/etc...
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Neither mentioned anything useful!
<[Masaki]> What would supplemental material be?
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Oh something like (really only for movies but) 'with the
"making of" film'
<[Masaki]> Brian> MADOX does include something similar. It includes a
section called ...
<[Masaki]> Brian> ... "The Weapons of MADOX" and it uses the
Self-Defense Forces training as a ...
<[Masaki]> Brian> ... background, explaining the various weapons that
appear in MADOX.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> I got all that from you, but it's not in your add...
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> It isn't you guys something just pushed my 'adds never
have anything useful' ..
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> button - gets me going every time!
<[Masaki]> Brian> True ... (wryful smile) maybe it's something we have
to work on.
<[Masaki]> Brian> Remember, none of us have a degree in advertising!
(grin)
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> See now that makes me more interested in buying it (I AM
serious)
<T.KARAHASHI> How did Wizardry sell then. <evil grin>
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> What's Wizardy?
<[Masaki]> Taka> We wonder ... of course, Robert didn't do his own
advertising.
<T.KARAHASHI> Brian: Oh just a shareware game that never got bigtime
distribution.
<[Masaki]> Taka> (grin)
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Shareware on what system? Mac? Amiga? Atari? IBM?
<T.KARAHASHI> Brian: Just kidding. It's a classic game for the Apple/Mac/IBM/C6
4/etc.
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> AnimEigo is composed of Masaki and Robert Woodhead.
Woodhead codesigned "Wizardry", a D&D style game for several computers.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Thanks all for the answer, now I feel enlightened
!<[Masaki]> Richard> Don't forget Roe Adams either. He's our editor.
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> I didn't know Roe Adams was involved ... thanks
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Although I like animation and own about 10 titles and
have seen another 10.....
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Almost none have had robots in them...
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Would I still appreciate the parody?
<[Masaki]> Brian> I think so ... :0
<[Masaki]> Just as an aside, what would all of you like to see
subtitled and brought to the States?
<T.KARAHASHI> AnimEigo: Can you get the video rights for the Miyazaki movies?
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> Or Project A-KO?
<T.KARAHASHI> AnimEigo: I hear "Carl Macek" Streamline only has the theatrical
rights.
<[Masaki]> Animag> Muahahahaha ... doesn't Streamline own them already?
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> I'd like to see the Miyazaki movies subtitled myself.
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> Or the Dream Hunter Rem OAV series...?
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Ive seen Grey(no), BGC(yes), Dirty Pair(very much yes),
Laputa(no), Crusher Joe(maybe), Vampire Princess(no)...
<[2tom] H.TSUTOMU> I have some
<[Masaki]> DH> Project A-ko is already a possibility.
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> yay!
<[Masaki]> Animag> Hmmmm ... would be nice if we could get video
distribution rights.
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> Vampire Princess Miyu, yes!
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Borgman(no), Akira(no), Votoms(yes), MegaZone(no),
Gundam/Char's(maybe)
<[Masaki]> Animag> Be kind of confusing though ... have the movie
distributed dubbed and the ...
<[Masaki]> Animag> ... video subtitled!
<[Masaki]> Brian> Akira no? You're the first person I've talked to who
said that.
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> I wish they would release the dubbed version of Akira.
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> Any Urusei Yatsura OAV...
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Well, actually its a maybe. Looks nice, story so-so. I
felt it dragged.
<T.KARAHASHI> AnimEigo: Hey, Disney movies get distributed both ways in Japan!
<[Masaki]> Animag> True ... but that's there, not here.
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> ESPECIALLY URUSEI YATSURA '87!
<[Masaki]> Brian> Hmmmmm ... it helps if you understand the story.
<[Masaki]> Brian> Did you see the Streamline version yet?
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG>
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> Or Gall Force...
<[Masaki]> DH> UY '87 ... if we did UY, we'd probably start off with
the first couple of TV ...
<[Masaki]> DH> ... eps to introduce the characters and then go wild
through the OAVs.
<[Masaki]> DH> Gall Force is probably a no.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> If you noticed my list. Action films basically rated yes,
dramas a no
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> Or Ranma 1/2!
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> I can read a printed script fast enough to follow dramas!
<[Masaki]> DH> (Heather) ranma would be a lot of fun.
<T.KARAHASHI> AnimEigo: Would there be problems with the US rights for the
Steffanie songs and such?
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> Masaki> Gall Force no? why?
<[Masaki]> Animag> Wouldn't show any episodes or OAVs that had her
songs in 'em.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> I live in Albany, New York. The Streamline version is
never going to be near here ...
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> I refuse to drive into NEW York City!
<[Masaki]> DH> Probably wouldn't appeal to the general populace.
<[Masaki]> DH> Plus, the quality went down as the series went on.
<[Masaki]> Brian> you never know ... might be playing in Ithaca some
time soon (NY).
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> Masaki> It did have a depressing ending...
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> What you got inside info? Besides 4 hours away ain't
exactly close!
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> But Ithaca is much more pleasant than NYC.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> RIchard > Boy, you got me there!
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> Masaki> What about Rhea Gall Force?
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> If I had to pick one title to be subtitled I'd pick the
DP 'movie' don't know its name
<T.KARAHASHI> I don't think it has an official title.
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> DP Movie: Project Eden.
<T.KARAHASHI> Project Eden is actually the name of the Nintendo game that was
based on the movie.
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> Really? So was there an offical title to the DP movie?
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Back to main thread. I said my choice, if only allowed
one title, was the DP movie (Project Eden?)
<[Masaki]> Anyways .... DP Movie would be a hard one to subtitle.
<[Masaki]> I know that for a fact because I worked on a script for it
way back when and ...
<[Masaki]> Watsman's ravings provide for endless hours of entertainment,
finding something ...
<[Masaki]> suitable in English to translate them into.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Oh, now not only must I choose a title, but it has to be
an EASY ONE!
<[Masaki]> Brian> Hey, nobody said that this was going to be easy.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> But I'm not getting paid!
<[Masaki]> (Heather) Isn't life rough for poor Masaki and Co?
<[Dream Hunter] W.HONG> hehe!
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> Well, it's getting kind of late here on the east coast.
Let's start wrapping this up.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Masaki> One question. As a person who has translated a
script....
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> What was the hardest part, the most time consuming?
<[Masaki]> I'm not quite sure what you mean by the hardest part.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> What was the part that took the most effort to overcome
personal inerta to do?
<[Masaki]> Brian> Getting started.
<[Masaki]> Brian> And once stopped, getting back to it.
[[[part of transcript missing here]]]
<[Masaki]> Brian> The transcribing part isn't hard. the point is that
most translations are not ...
<[Masaki]> Brian> ... done well on the fly. It takes time and
patience to wrestle with a phrase ...
<[Masaki]> Brian> ... and try to obtain something that captures some
of the original flavor and ...
<[Masaki]> Brian ... meaning of the sentence.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Masaki> I understand, just trying to increase the
number of scripts available. Oh well, i tried.
<T.KARAHASHI> Masaki: After which you develop a healthy respect for
translators and even more so for simulteneous interpreters?
<[Masaki]> Animag> Definitely. Whew ... simultaneous translation must
be tough!
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Masaki> Judging from some of the scripts that are
available, English is not a native tongue.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> I ain't all done with mirrors.
<[Masaki]> Brian> Thanks for the offer, though.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> No, I wasn't for you, I just thought, since I am
corresponding with a couple of folks in Japan...
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Of making the offer, but...
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> I guess the offer isn't much though.
<[Masaki]> Brian> It requires Japanese who speak English and Americans
who speak Japanese.
<T.KARAHASHI> Is AnimEigo going to have a BBS up for customer support/etc?
<[Masaki]> Animag> Hahaha ... are you kidding? If Robert feels like it,
who knows?
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> Well, I would like to thank all of you for attending,
and especially to Masaki for taking the time to be with us.
<[Masaki]> Richard> It's too bad that Robert didn't show up. Probably
not in the state.
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> Masaki: Maybe next time.
<[Masaki]> RIchard> Maybe next time.
<[Masaki]> Okeydoke. I've gotta see about making it back to lab.
Night everybody!
<[Richard] R.COPELAND> Good night all!
<T.KARAHASHI> Goodnight and thank you, Masaki.
<[Brian] B.S.OPLINGER> Bye all. Thanks for coming Masaki
<[Masaki]> Animag> Iiiye. Dooitashimashite.
<[Masaki]> Good night all!
<[Masaki]> Oyasuminasai....
