June 14, 2011
News for AM2 2011:
AM2 welcomes Madhouse's Maruyama and Katabuchi as guests of honor
LOS ANGELES, Calif. (June 14, 2011) - This summer's most anticipated animation, music and manga event's, AM2, proudly welcomes celebrated Madhouse studio producer Masao Maruyama and famed director Sunao Katabuchi (MAI MAI MIRACLE and BLACK LAGOON) as official Guests of Honor at this year's most anticipated anime, music and manga event happening July 1-3, 2011 at the Anaheim Convention Center in sunny Southern California. More info can be found at www.am2con.org
The founder of animation studio Madhouse, Masao Maruyama has had a hand in the Japanese animation industry for almost forty years. Maruyama-san was born in 1941 in the Miyagi Prefecture. After graduation from Hosei University, he went to work for Mushi Production. He later went on to help produce UNICO, based on a story by Osamu Tezuka of fame. In 1972, Maruyama-san had a direct hand in the establishment of the burgeoning new animation studio Madhouse. Currently, he has taken on the role as a creative producer to leads the Japanese animation.
Regardless of the subject matter, Masao Maruyama always brings something new to the table and is internationally known for exceptional animation. Maruyama is also acknowledged for his eye in finding young talent to bring into world of animation; under his creative guidance, talents like (the departed) Satoshi Kon, Tetsuro Araki and Atsuko Ishizuka have flourished.
Maruyama-san has produced an amazing library of animation past and currently aired titles in Japan including BAREFOOT GEN, DAGGER OF KAMUI, RECORD OF LODOSS WAR, VAMPIRE HUNTER D: BLOODLUST, NINJA SCROLL, CARD CAPTOR SAKURA, TRIGUN, PERFECT BLUE, X, BOOGIEPOP PHANTOM, CHOBITS, PITA-TEN, ABENOBASHI MAHO SHOTENGAI, GUNGRAVE, GUNSLINGER GIRL, BLACK LAGOON, KIBA, NANA, TOKYO TRIBE 2, BECK, MONSTER, HIGHLANDER: THE SEARCH FOR VENGEANCE, DEVIL MAY CRY, DEATH NOTE, RAINBOW, TATAMI GALAXY, SUPERNATURAL THE ANIMATION AND KAIJI. Maruyama has also overseen production of critically acclaimed films such as PAPRIKA, SUMMER WARS, THE GIRL WHO LEAPT THROUGH TIME, REDLINE AND MAI MAI SHINKO.
Born in Osaka 1960. Graduated from Nihon University Academy with degree of Motion Film fro Academy of Art, Sunao Katabuchi has worked with Hayao Miyazaki's Japan-Italy collaboration TV series "Sherlock Hound" as a script and assistant director. He also worked with Miyazaki on his 1998 film KIKI'S MAGICAL DELIVERY as assistant director. He has also directed, composed and wrote the hit animation series "Black Lagoon", directed the world classic series "Famous Dog Lassie", directed and wrote "Princes Arete" in 2001 and also participated with the development of the popular video game title "Ace Combat 04: Shattered Sky". His recent works include directing MAI MAI MIRACLE and the OVA series "BLACK LAGOON-Roberta's Blood Trail-". Katabuchi joins AM2 with fan favorite MAI MAI MIRACLE.
"AM2 will be the place to be this summer", states Chase Wang AM2 representative, "Passport holders will not only be able to obtain amazing discounts from Disneyland, Best Buy, Macys and more! They will have exclusive access to screenings that are only accessible to them, like Madhouse's YONA YONA PENGUIN and MAI MAI MIRACLE, and them alone! Get your Passports today and experience the difference!"
Attendees can avoid the anticipated huge lines at autographs, premiere screenings, workshops, main events, concerts and panels by purchasing a Passport fast pass for the event. The Passport fast pass will also provide holders with premier seating options at Main Events and at Concert events as well as major discounts with theme parks (i.e. Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm, etc.), retailers (i.e. Best Buy, Macys, etc.) and local restaurants (i.e. IHOP, Tony Roma's, California Pizza Kitchen, etc.). Bypass the lines and get your Passport today and experience the difference! Passports can be purchased at www.am2con.org
Maruyama-san and Kitabuchi-san join current Guests of Honors include Akihiko Yamashita, Miho Shimagosa, Scandal, Sadie, Kanon Wakeshima, kanon x kanon, heidi., Gashicon, IBI and MINT.
AM2 current activities include Exhibit Hall, AMV's, Arcade, Summer Festival, World Cosplay Summit, Behind the Voice Actors Studio, Rum Party Pirates, Masquerade, Cosplay Chess, Dances, Fashion Shows, Table Top, Console Gaming, AniMaid Café, AniMaid Café Host Club, Workshops, Panels, Concerts and more!
Partnerships include Ani.ME. and Cure Magazine
Prize sponsors include Anime Jungle. Atlas Games, Cosplay Wigs USA, FUNimation, Gaia Online, The Right Stuf and TokyoPop
Follow us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/AM2Con
Follow us on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/AM2Con
Also, 25% of all official Passport sales will be donated directly to Japanese Disaster Relief efforts.
About AM2
Located in Anaheim, California - AM2, established in 2010, is a multi-day (3 days) event with no general attendance/badge purchase requirement and is aspiring to be a key meeting place for fans that share a common interest in Asian music, Animation/Anime, and Comics/Manga. Nominal fees are charged for certain activities that attendees choose to participate in. AM2 will be held on July 1-3, 2011 at the Anaheim Convention Center in sunny Anaheim, California. More information can be found at www.am2con.org
The statements made in this press release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements." These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. The Company cautions readers of this press release that a number of important factors could cause this event's actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in any such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, without limitation, product delays, industry competition, rapid changes in technology and industry standards, protection of proprietary rights, maintenance of relationships with key personnel, vendors and third-party developers, international economic and political conditions. The Company may change its intention, belief or expectation, at any time and without notice, based upon any changes in such factors, in the Company's assumptions or otherwise. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
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