http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/20 ... asses-away
Carl Macek, best known for producing Robotech, the adaptation and English dub of three Japanese animated series into a colossal science fiction epic, passed away Sunday after a heart attack.
Criticized by many fans over situations he often had no control over, he was a pioneering figure in the establishment of the domestic American market for the marketing of anime films (his former company Streamline Pictures distributed Akira in theaters and later on VHS tape) and VHS sales to video store outlets.
Later, after Streamline Pictures folded, Macek returned to writing and producing English adaptations of anime for ADV Films and other companies.
He was 59 years old. He's survived by his wife, Svea.
*********
I met Macek once 16 years ago at Anime Expo. Seemed like an okay guy to me.
I was very, very disturbed by the elitism I witnessed in many anime fans then and to this day wonder if half these jerks are aware of the fact that their precious anime (in the US and Canada) wouldn't be where it is without the Maceks in the industry whether they like it or not...
I just know the comments by some are going to be nasty and I've already seen 1-2 borderline comments by people who just don't understand the history of anime distribution in the US.
RIP, Carl...