Westbrook and Studio Azuki Join Forces to Define Anime 2.0
Calabasas, CA — Westbrook Inc., the multimedia studio founded by Will Smith, Jada Pinkett Smith, Miguel Melendez, and Ko Yada, today announced a strategic partnership with newly formed Studio Azuki to develop next-generation anime content aimed at global audiences.
Strategic Alliance
This collaboration merges Westbrook’s Hollywood expertise and international distribution network with Studio Azuki’s digital-native approach. The joint venture brings together Azuki (an NFT-rooted brand), manga publisher Comisma Inc. (operator of Ganma! and Qzil.la studio), and animation house Xenotoon (2D/3D hybrid workflows).
Anime 2.0 Vision
Studio Azuki represents a new paradigm: anime created with fans, not just for them. It will introduce participatory financing, blockchain-driven engagement, and community-led creative input—signaling a democratized and transparent production model.
Initial Slate
The studio’s debut slate includes Enter the Garden, a short-form animated anthology, and the launch of Anime.com, a dedicated anime cultural hub. In addition, the Animecoin Foundation will be launched to explore innovative funding, IP ownership rights, and monetization strategies.
Leadership Perspectives
Westbrook CEO Ko Yada stated the partnership aligns with their mission “to tell stories that connect, inspire, and transcend borders.” Feb Tea of Azuki Labs added, “Studio Azuki is our bold step toward building the next generation of anime…we can redefine how anime is developed, financed, and experienced.”
Westbrook’s Expansion
For Westbrook—which produced award-winning titles like King Richard and Emancipation—this marks a strategic expansion into the booming global anime market. Studio Azuki will be positioned as its creative conduit, delivering quality content to streaming platforms worldwide.
About Studio Azuki
Studio Azuki is a collaborative venture uniting NFT brand Azuki, Comisma Inc., and Xenotoon. It pioneers an immersive, fan-driven approach to anime creation, combining cutting-edge blockchain tools and hybrid animation production.
About Westbrook Inc.
Westbrook Inc. is a California-based multimedia company founded in 2019 by Will Smith, Jada Pinkett Smith, Miguel Melendez, and Ko Yada. It produces film, television, and digital content, including King Richard and Emancipation.
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