FanCons.ca Press Releases


May 12, 2006

News for Anime Expo 2006:

Anime Expo 2006 announces: AX Idol goes Bang Zoom!

15th Year Anniversary Convention Looks for The Future Voice of Anime and the Next AX Singing Idol

Anaheim, California (May 11, 2006) -- Anime Expo® 2006 (AX2006) and Bang Zoom! Entertainment joins forces to bring the biggest and best AX Idol contest (Sunday; July 2, 2006; 3:00pm) ever, to celebrate the 15th year anniversary convention. This year, the talented and charismatic Johnny Yong Bosch (Best known as one of the Power Rangers from the American Series and Voice Actor star of TRIGUN, AKIRA and many others) will host this exciting event and audience members will select the grand prize winners via text messaging. More information is available at http://www.anime-expo.org.

AX Idol is your opportunity to showcase your talent, AND win some cool prizes! Bang Zoom! Entertainment, (English language Studio for IGPX, SAMURAI CHAMPLOO, RUROUNI KENSHIN and WITCH HUNTER ROBIN, to name a few), is looking for "The Future Voice of Anime" and the next "AX Singing Idol." AX Idol is holding an open call to everyone who would like to try his or her hand at being the next Anime Voice Acting and Singing Superstars. Contestants will audition for industry professionals that will provide valuable critiques. Ten finalists will be selected to perform in front of a live audience of over 5000 people! An audience that will have the power to decide the contestants' fates via text messaging!
Prizes
Best Voice Actor
"The Future Voice of Anime" AX Idol Grand Prize Winner will be invited to Bang Zoom! Studios where they will receive a studio tour, sit in on a recording session, and have the chance to audition for an upcoming Anime title!
Best Singer
"AX Singing Idol" AX Idol Grand Prize winner will also be invited to the studio to where English Language versions of anime songs such as the opening and ending themes from RUROUNI KENSHIN for Cartoon Network were recorded. There you will record a demo produced by Chris Many (esteemed composer and music producer ­ Music for Fox's American Idol, to name one!). The Grand Prize Winner will also be given a chance to audition for future recordings and invited to Bang Zoom! Studios for a tour and a chance to sit in on a recording session.
All finalists will receive AX Idol/Bang Zoom! Studios T-shirts!

Individuals can now register via online (www.anime-expo.org) for Anime Expo® 2006.

About Anime Expo®
Located in Anaheim, California - Anime Expo®, the North America's largest anime/manga convention, serves to foster trade, commerce and the interests of the general public and animation/comics industry. This event serves as a key meeting place for the general public to express their interest and explore various aspects of anime/manga, as well as for members of the industry to conduct business. AX 2006 will be held July 1 ­ 4, 2006 at the Anaheim Convention Center. More information can be found at its official website (www.anime-expo.org).

About SPJA
The Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) is a non-profit organization with a mission to popularize and educate the American public about anime and manga, as well as provide a forum to facilitate communication between professionals and fans. This organization is more popularly known by its entertainment property ­ Anime Expo®. More information can be found at its official website (www.spja.org).

About Bang Zoom! Entertainment
Bang Zoom! is committed to carrying out projects which contribute to the promotion of creative international cultural awareness. They work creatively and diligently in the entertainment industry to develop and produce the highest quality of English language versions of Anime possible. More information can be found at its official website www.bangzoomentertainment.com.

###