THE ELEMENT

The above picture is from a soon to be launched franchise called Afro Samurai. It appears to be a collaboration between Gonzo, (Last Exile, Blue Submarine No. 6) creator Takashi Okazaki and actor Samuel L Jackson.

"With Samuel L. Jackson involved with this project combined with the talents of Gonzo, the leader in producing cutting-edge Japanese animation, and featuring a funky, hip-hop soundtrack -- this project was irresistible for us," says Kevin Kay, Executive Vice President of Development and Production for Spike TV. "Afro Samurai is already generating a great buzz for its animation and captivating storyline."

So it is written on Anime News Network. Now take note of the story of this program. "AFRO SAMURAI is the tale of a black samurai futuristic, yet feudal Japan who is on a mission to avenge the wrongful death of his father." Sound like anything special? Well it isn't. What is special is the collaborative team behind this project including A-list Hollywood talent, one of the best anime production studios in Japan and what they bring to the table, including most likely hip hop sounds from known or up and coming artists who have names in their own right.

What we are talking about is names! This is the element the indie does not have and cannot rely on. Names give a property built in demand. Not having that, we as indies have to think differently about how to approach the public with our work and find or build our audience. Now don't get me wrong, Afro Samurai was a little known indie manga years ago, but the attachment of names has vaulted it into a class of franchise big enough to realize an anime series, a live action feature film, a new manga series, a Namco video game and likely hip hop soundtracks to boot!

I, for one, can't wait to see this show, but consider these things as you develop your content. What is the selling point of your project?

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