AnimEigo has released a new episode of its ongoing documentary series The Anime Business, offering a detailed look at the origins of anime distribution in North America. Episode 14, now available on YouTube, features an in-depth interview with company founder Robert Woodhead.
Produced by MediaOCD, the series explores the individuals and decisions that helped establish the modern anime industry outside Japan. This latest installment focuses on Woodhead’s early career and the circumstances that led to the founding of AnimEigo in 1988, widely regarded as one of the first companies dedicated to licensing and distributing anime in the U.S.
AnimeEigo Founder Robert Woodhead
Woodhead’s entry into anime stemmed from his involvement in early computer game development, most notably through his work on the influential video game Wizardry.
His growing interest in Japanese media intensified after meeting Roe Adams III, a fan who introduced him to imported anime titles. Using custom hardware capable of generating subtitles, Woodhead identified a market opportunity to localize and distribute anime for English-speaking audiences.
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AnimEigo’s early releases played a formative role in shaping the industry. The company’s first experimental project was a subtitled version of Vampire Princess Miyu, followed by its first commercial VHS release, Metal Skin Panic MADOX-01, in 1990. These efforts laid the groundwork for broader licensing agreements and helped establish a viable distribution model.
A key turning point came through Woodhead’s connection with Toshio Okada, who later founded Studio Gainax. Okada facilitated introductions to Japanese studios and provided translation support through Natsumi Ueki, who would later become Woodhead’s wife and business partner.
These relationships enabled AnimEigo to expand its catalog with titles such as Bubblegum Crisis, Riding Bean, and Kimagure Orange Road, many of which became foundational works for Western anime audiences.
The episode also examines the transition from VHS to DVD in the 1990s, a period that brought both technical challenges and significant growth opportunities.
AnimEigo continued to expand its offerings during this time, including anime classics like Urusei Yatsura and live-action samurai films such as Lone Wolf and Cub. The company also explored unconventional licensing avenues, including educational content tied to the Hello Kitty franchise.
In a notable moment captured near the end of the interview, Woodhead reflects on the future of AnimEigo, referencing the eventual transfer of leadership to Justin Sevakis, who later acquired the company and integrated it into the MediaOCD portfolio.
About The Anime Business on YouTube
Hosted and produced by Sevakis, The Anime Business is positioned as a documentary series focused on the pioneers of anime and manga distribution in North America. Earlier episodes, along with bonus content, are also available on AnimEigo’s official YouTube channel. The series is presented in English, with Japanese subtitles supported through funding from the Kleckner Foundation.
Additional episodes are currently in development, with MediaOCD inviting fans to support future production through its official crowdfunding platform.
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