ADV Films has experienced a 400 percent growth in the last three years, according to an article on MSNBC.com.  C.O.O. Kevin Corcoran was quoted as saying that revenues for 2003 were between $70 and $150 million, a nice compact range.  The company currently employs 187 in the United States, in addition to hiring 200-250 actors, actresses, directors and other private contractors.  ADV now has six studios in Houston and two in Austin, with offices in London and Tokyo.

 

Although ADV's primary business is licensing Japanese anime for home video release in the U.S. (for example, see 'Major Push For Knights of the Zodiac,'  'Robotech Saga Completely Remastered' and 'Fist of the North Star Returns'), in the last year it has embarked on an aggressive program of  diversification. 

 

Last year, ADV launched its monthly anime magazine, NewType USA, to a favorable reception, with sales increasing rapidly (see 'NewType USA Quadruples in First Year'), settling in over six figures.  Then, midyear, ADV Manga got off to a good start (see 'ADV's First Manga Debuts at #7').

 

Beyond those two launches, ADV has been working on expanding the availability of its Anime Network, and planning a toy line.