Fukuoka-based animated video production company MontBlanc Pictures has been tapped by Fukuoka City to help open up foreign sales channels for other local production companies. Most domestically produced videos are sold overseas via vendors in Tokyo, but Fukuoka hopes to use the know-how MontBlanc has developed from screening its own anime overseas to create a direct link to foreign markets for homegrown anime. After gaining popularity in Japan, MontBlanc released its animated movie After School Midnighters in Korea and Hong Kong in 2012, France in 2013 and Italy in 2014. Producer Takeshi Hirata worked tirelessly to build his personal networks so he could get the film screened overseas. MontBlanc was selected by Fukuoka City as part of a support initiative to help local video production companies break into foreign markets. Source: Nishinippon Shimbun 10/6
