In 2022- 2024, I managed the consumer arm of Crunchyroll (the “Netflix of anime”) at Way to Blue. Our brief was to make anime more relevant to mainstream audiences. I led the team through the launch of several IPs, delivered a talent partnership with British rapper Che Lingo that secured coverage in NME, Radio Times, and Vice, and organised press trips to international events including Japan Expo. Alongside this, I also managed the B2B side of the business, drafting thought-leadership and opinion pieces for trade media.
Day to day including managing a small team, IP pitching, media lists, media monitoring for reactive storytelling and CEO opportunities for commentary
As a result, UK coverage for Crunchyroll tripled, with features and commentary pieces landing across national and mainstream press. Key coverage listed here…
B2B Communications
Developed and executed a targeted trade PR strategy, delivering thought leadership commentary, industry insights, and brand news in collaboration with senior stakeholders. Secured high-quality coverage and expert features across key trade publications, including the titles below.
MediaCat Q&A: Crunchyroll's Markus Gerdemann discusses anime - MediaCat UK.
Anime News Network Crunchyroll Expo 2022 - Interview with CoverCorp CEO Motoaki Tanigo - Anime News Network
.Best anime of 2023 - from Attack on Titan to Jujutsu Kaisen | Radio Times
What's New On Crunchyroll In Fall 2023
Why London Rapper Che Lingo Is The Soundtrack to Jujutsu Kaisen and Crunchyroll’s Fall 2023
Best TV shows of 2023 so far – from Beef to The Bear
Q&A: Crunchyroll's Markus Gerdemann discusses anime - MediaCat UK
