Variety is reporting that the anime studio Madhouse and the live action studio Nikkatsu, both of which are members of the Index Holdings media group, are combining their U.S. staffs and opening a joint office in Hollywood to coordinate production of films for the world market in tandem with U.S. studios and producers.  The intent is to produce both animated films based on live action properties (such as Madhouse's Highlander Vengeance) and live action projects based on animation--Nikkatsu is currently producing a Yetterman live action film with a Takashi Miike directing that is based on the classic 1970s anime series.  The plan is to produce up six films a year.