VIZ Media has partnered with the global talent and literary agency, United Talent Agency (UTA), to develop a diverse range of live-action programming based on titles from VIZ Media’s extensive catalog of manga and anime properties. The partnership will create significant new opportunities to further capitalize on the strong interest in Japanese pop culture and entertainment brands expressed by the Hollywood and international film studio communities, the broadcast industry, and a burgeoning range of emerging multimedia and online content producers.

“We are excited to start this partnership to push the boundaries of storytelling, innovation and character through VIZ Media’s prolific portfolio,” said UTA’s Howie Sanders, Co-Head, Book Department.

“The UTA partnership represents an important new direction for VIZ Media and our colleagues in Japan,” says Brad Woods, Chief Marketing Officer of VIZ Media. “Bringing the rich stories of manga and anime to life in new ways is an exciting opportunity with tremendous potential. UTA is an innovator that shares our vision, and their proven track record and strong relationships throughout the domestic and international entertainment sectors will be important factors as we move forward.”

VIZ Media’s roster includes Bleach, Death Note, Naruto, One-Punch Man, One Piece, and Tokyo Ghoul.