Decoder with Nilay Patel Crunchyroll President Rahul Purini on how anime took over the world
Feb 26, 2024
Rahul Purini, President of Crunchyroll, shares insights from his extensive anime career, including his time at Funimation. He reveals how Crunchyroll's subscriber base surged during the pandemic, primarily fueled by anime fans switching from piracy to paid subscriptions. The discussion highlights the company's efforts to engage younger viewers and co-produce globally resonant content while navigating complex licensing and intellectual property challenges. Purini also hints at innovations in streaming UX to enhance the anime viewing experience.
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Anime Definition
- Crunchyroll defines anime as animation conceived and/or created in Japan.
- This is important to fans due to its connection to Japanese storytelling and culture.
Japan Connection
- Crunchyroll maintains strong connections with Japan, including a team based there.
- This relationship is crucial for sourcing anime and understanding cultural nuances.
Niche Focus
- Crunchyroll focuses on serving the anime fan specifically rather than a broader audience.
- They see significant growth potential within this niche.