The anime industry is a global phenomenon, and although it has deep roots in Japan, it has expanded worldwide. A host of companies in the United States have harnessed the popularity of anime, creating their own original series or distributing anime from other countries. This article offers a comprehensive look at these U.S. anime production companies, their locations, recent credits, and how voice actors can pursue opportunities for paid work with them.
FUNimation Productions, LLC
Headquartered in Flower Mound, Texas, FUNimation is one of the largest distributors and producers of anime in North America. They're known for their work in dubbing popular anime series into English, offering voice actors numerous opportunities.
Their recent notable works include "My Hero Academia", "Attack on Titan", and "One Piece". To seek work with FUNimation, regularly check their official website and social media platforms for audition calls. They often provide instructions for submitting an audition, including character lines to read.
VIZ Media, LLC
Located in San Francisco, California, VIZ Media is a prominent name in the anime and manga industry. They are responsible for publishing, distributing, and licensing some of the most popular anime in the world.
Their recent productions include "Boruto: Naruto Next Generations" and "One-Punch Man". Voice actors interested in working with VIZ Media should keep an eye on their website's careers page, as they occasionally post openings for voiceover work.
Crunchyroll Studios
A subsidiary of the popular anime streaming service Crunchyroll, Crunchyroll Studios has its headquarters in Burbank, California, and is one of the newer entrants in anime production in the U.S. They're actively producing original content, with a long list of credits.
Voice actors can explore opportunities with Crunchyroll Studios by visiting the parent company's careers page. Keep an eye out for any casting calls or voiceover roles.
Netflix Animation
While Netflix is a streaming giant with a global presence, its animation studio, based in Los Angeles, California, has been steadily contributing to the anime world. Their notable recent credits include original anime series like "Castlevania" and "Yasuke".
Netflix Animation periodically posts job openings and casting calls on its official LinkedIn page and Netflix Jobs site. Interested voice actors should monitor these platforms to catch upcoming opportunities.
Adult Swim
Adult Swim, a nighttime programming block on Cartoon Network, which has played a pivotal role in popularizing anime in the U.S. with its Toonami block. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, they've co-produced several anime series like "FLCL Progressive" and "The Promised Neverland".
They don't regularly post casting calls, so aspiring voice actors may need to connect with casting agencies Adult Swim works with or try reaching out directly via their website's contact form.
Aniplex of America
A subsidiary of the Japanese anime and music production company Aniplex, Aniplex of America is based in Santa Monica, California. They focus on the distribution and localization of their parent company's anime titles like "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba" and "Fate/Grand Order - Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia".
Aniplex of America occasionally holds open auditions for new projects. Monitor their official website and social media platforms for such announcements.
For voice actors seeking to establish a career in the anime industry, these companies represent some of the most significant opportunities in the United States. Although these companies may not always have open calls for auditions, by being proactive, networking, and regularly monitoring their platforms, you can increase your chances of finding paid work.
Voice acting in anime is a unique and rewarding path. With the right skills, persistence, and an eye on the right platforms, the vibrant world of anime in the United States is an exciting frontier waiting to be explored.
Anime Production Companies USA by Alan Shires