A.D. Vision
John Ledford, a native of Houston, Texas, started a Japanese video game and video console import business in 1990. He was introduced to anime when he watched My Neighbor Totoro at his friend's suggestion. Matt Greenfield ran a local anime club called Anime NASA with classmate David Williams. The three men officially opened A.D. Vision for business on the 17th of August 1992. Ledford contacted Toho about optioning the rights to license Devil Hunter Yohko. Shozo Watanabe, the general manager of Toho's Los Angeles office, expressed concern that A.D. Vision would not be able to handle the distribution of the film. Unable to find another distributor, Toho convinced A.D. Vision to license the series. That December, Devil Hunter Yohko became the first title to be released by A.D. Vision.
In June 2006, 20% of ADV Films was acquired by the Japanese Sojitz Corporation. This was done as a means of acquiring more titles in the Japanese market. From this point on, virtually all titles that ADV acquired were under Sojitz's ownership. In 2007, Japan's Sojitz announced that Japan Content Investments planned to contribute money to A.D. Vision. Ledford remained the majority shareholder and CEO. JCI subsidiary ARM also planned to contribute money for ADV to use in acquiring new distribution licenses. The investment aimed to raise output of new anime titles back to previous levels or above. In return, ADV planned to assist Sojitz with acquisition of North American and European content for importation into Japan. In August 2007, a notice stated that ADV Films would take over distribution of Geneon properties in the US as of October 1. Dentsu confirmed the deal canceled through a press release on the 21st of September 2007 without reasons given except that both parties could not reach mutual agreement.
On the 1st of September 2009, ADV announced it was ceasing all operations and selling its assets including intellectual properties and Anime Network. These assets transferred to four companies: Seraphim Studios, AEsir Holdings LLC, Valkyrie Media Partners LLC and SXION 23 LLC. The impact of this sale on plans to license new titles remains unknown but the ADV brand name and logo retired. Major retail website Robert's Corner Anime Blog contacted Mike Bailiff who revealed Section 23 had acquired all former licenses and most staff. On the 18th of September 2009, iSugoi.com posted a podcast analyzing shutdown claiming ADV had not shut down but rebranded itself drastically. The report asserted Section 23 effectively functioned as Neo-ADV taking advantage of legal loopholes. On the 7th of July 2009, ADV re-released Grave of the Fireflies after acquiring North American rights following Central Park Media bankruptcy in May 2009. In July 2008, Funimation Entertainment announced acquisition of thirty titles from ADV including home video and broadcast rights.
Sentai Holdings owner of Section23 Films took over the ADV brand name and still uses it on some releases. Most titles formerly licensed by ADV have been re-released by other companies. Sentai was subsequently acquired by AMC Networks in January 2022 while ADV exists as domiciled shell corporation. Seraphim Studios acquired Amusement Park Media which became Seraphim Digital Studios. Valkyrie Media Partners acquired the Anime Network continuing operation as before sale. Section23 Films serves as distributor for Switchblade Pictures, Sentai Filmworks, Maiden Japan, and AEsir Holdings. Ken Hoinsky managing founder of MX Media LLC referred to allied companies split from ADV as Neo-ADV during the 29th of October 2009 podcast appearance. Griffin D. Vance IV registered initially filed corporations Seraphim Studios, Valkyrie Media Partners and SXION 23. The restructuring allowed former executives to preserve intellectual property rights through new corporate structures rather than liquidation.
Titles distributed by company included Neon Genesis Evangelion, Super Dimension Fortress Macross, RahXephon, Full Metal Panic!, Azumanga Daioh, Elfen Lied, Gantz, Red Garden, and Le Chevalier D'Eon. In 1996, UK division opened diversifying into live-action television series and Japanese films. First title licensed and released to video was Devil Hunter Yohko. They began dubbing releases to English using production facility in Houston eventually offering recording services named Amusement Park Media. In 2007, Japan's Sojitz announced investment group planned contribution money to raise output back to previous levels. In June 2006, 20% acquired by Sojitz Corporation enabling acquisition of more titles in Japanese market. From that point virtually all titles acquired were under Sojitz ownership. In 2008, Funimation Entertainment announced acquisition of thirty titles including home video broadcast digital merchandising rights in North America and other regions.
In 2008, A.D. Vision sued ARM Corporation and parent Sojitz for breach in contract made previously. Exact amount paid to license twenty-nine titles disclosed in suit but lawsuit withdrawn with no ruling made. In August 2011, A.D. Vision sued Gainax over refusal to accept option payment for perpetual live-action rights to Neon Genesis Evangelion including planned film. ADV charges breaking contract asking for rights and legal fees. In 2012, Funimation sued A.D. Vision Sentai Filmworks John Ledford and several associated organizations accusing them breaching contract wanting transfer of assets declared void three years earlier. Suit settled out court without terms disclosed. The company maintained offices in North America Europe and Asia distributing home media releases in United Kingdom Italy Germany. Various lawsuits involved other companies though none made it to court.
Up Next
Continue Browsing
Common questions
When did John Ledford officially open A.D. Vision for business?
John Ledford officially opened A.D. Vision for business on the 17th of August 1992.
What was the first title released by A.D. Vision and when was it released?
Devil Hunter Yohko became the first title to be released by A.D. Vision in December 1992.
Which company acquired 20% of ADV Films in June 2006?
The Japanese Sojitz Corporation acquired 20% of ADV Films in June 2006.
On what date did A.D. Vision announce it was ceasing all operations?
A.D. Vision announced it was ceasing all operations and selling its assets on the 1st of September 2009.
Who took over the A.D. Vision brand name after the 2009 shutdown?
Sentai Holdings owner of Section23 Films took over the A.D. Vision brand name and still uses it on some releases.