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'Dragon Age' full-length anime film due in 2011

By The Editor
August 31, 2010 - 02:41

A joint Japan-U.S. production of a full-length feature animated film based on the "Dragon Age" videogame is due out in 2011. The game title has sold about four million copies worldwide.

Japanese film production company T.O Entertainment Inc. and CG production house Oxybot have inked a deal with U.S.-based anime distributor FUNimation Entertainment Inc. Fumihiko Sori, who directed the live-action film "Ping Pong" and produced "Appleseed," will take the helm as director.

Production has already begun. A theatrical release is set for next year in Japan, with a DVD release due in North America and elsewhere. FUNimation will distribute the DVD outside Japan.The role-playing game "Dragon Age: Origins" was developed by BioWare Corp., a subsidiary of leading U.S. game company Electronic Arts Inc. The game was released in November 2009 in North America and Europe.

Now available for the Xbox 360, PlayStation3 and PC, the game is popular in those regions for its unique world view, rich imagery and depth of story.A game sequel is due out in 2011, and a novel adaptation is already available. The production companies and creators have all been involved in many international projects.

T.O Entertainment develops TV animation, theatrical animation features, feature films, books and other content. The company is stepping up its efforts outside Japan, establishing hubs in countries such as Britain, South Korea, Singapore and Russia.Oxybot is best known for producing the CG anime film "Vexille." Directed by Sori, the 2007 movie gained worldwide popularity, which is apparently one reason he was chosen to direct "Dragon Age."

FUNimation is the largest distributor of Japanese anime in North America, where it has successfully developed a licensing business for titles such as the "Dragon Ball" series. The company acquires licenses for Japanese anime and live-action films to distribute in North America.

This is the first time, however, the company has become directly involved with producing an anime feature film. The step could expand horizons for FUNimation.
Among the many Japan-U.S. joint projects under way, "Dragon Age" is likely to attract significant attention thanks to the major involvement of FUNimation, with its edge in distribution of Japanese anime.

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12