Friday, March 22, 2019

The End of Anime Nite Orlando. What's Next?


This month marked six years of showing anime at Bikkuri Lounge, and Propeller Anime has showed fans great anime of different genres and eras for over 12 years.

Last night, we showed Akira, an essential anime classic that takes place in 2019, and Redline, a film that many consider to be the turning point from anime would exit the dark ages. This massive double-feature was not just a way to celebrate six years with Bikkuri Lounge, but a way to end Anime Nite Orlando.

After our 10 year anniversary, I had thought how much longer we were going to keep going. Orlando is a transient town, and while the membership of our club changes every several years, I have always remained. From our first meeting on October 22nd, 2006, to March 21st, 2019, regardless of my health, financial situation, career situation, or anything else, I was at every anime showing we had.

Most people don't do that. That is not a normal thing for someone to do. Nobody in their right mind runs an anime club for over 12 years. But I did, because I love anime and because I enjoy the camaraderie of fellow anime fans who are passionate of this fun and exciting art form.

Over our 12 years, Propeller Anime, held around 250 showings, spread across Full Sail University, Tatame Lounge, The Geek Easy, Bikkuri Lounge, and even that one time at the downtown Cobb Cinema. Imagine being at all those. I was.

For the last several years, turnouts at Anime Nite Orlando have been steady and meetings have been fun. Our relationship at Bikkuri Lounge has been great during that whole time, so what happened?

I had a conversation with Diana Galvin in 2017. I have known Diana for over 8 years. I first met her when she was the president of Anime Spot at the University of Central Florida. Her dedication to the anime community here with her work at Anime Festival Orlando, Holiday Matsuri, and elsewhere is outstanding. She has been a great friend and someone I could always confide in on matters both personal and relative to the anime community here in Orlando. It was before our 11th anniversary. I told her I felt I was ready to start moving on, and discussed how I should end it.

I had decided that December 2018 would be the final Anime Nite Orlando. As we got close, I realized that the holidays would make it challenging to get everyone there. So I decided that ending the event in March, after 6 years at Bikkuri Lounge, would be just as good if not better. (Plus, I could fit in a couple more bucket-list items like Giant Robo and Patlabor.)

For those who don't know, I used to work for Anime Festival Orlando. I believe I was officially made staff after the 2009 edition. (The years blur after a while.) I was really excited for the opportunity and busted my ass for that convention for many years. Along the way, I started traveling. I went to  big conventions like Anime Weekend Atlanta, Otakon, and MAGFest. Seeing each of those events for the first time were life changing experiences. Those events are light years ahead of anything we have in Florida, and they showed me that we could do more, do better.

I started to learn how certain things were done at these conventions, what they did different from us, what they did better, and what fans got really excited for. I spent several years do whatever I could to influence change toward that direction. Beyond overhauling the approach to panel programming, it was for naught. AFO was not my convention; it was someone else's and it seemed like they were content with how the convention has been. After a few more years of working for AFO, I decided to move on. It shocked a lot of people, because everyone just assumed I would always be a part of AFO.

During time, I accepted an offer to work for CEO Gaming and my other event, Ongaku Overdrive, had finally started to take off with big, video game-themed events. While my workload for CEO is not as intense as it was for AFO, I expect it to ramp up. As for Ongaku Overdrive, I have nearly gone all in on it, short of quitting my job to have more time for it. Not only that, there were other endeavors and goals I had and they thing that has kept me from pursuing those has been time.

Over the last couple years, if I could find ways to make it easier for me to run Anime Nite Orlando and Propeller Anime so it took up less of my time, I would. I don't think that is fair to those who were supporters of ours. But my passion for running an anime club has waned over the last couple years. It's not just figuring out what anime to show each month, but interacting with so many people.

While I am lucky and grateful to meet so many wonderful people over these 12 years, there were some who were life lessons. That can be draining and I think that is part of the reason many people who start running events don't stick around for long. (Well, that and the whole "it's work" part.) While hanging out and watching anime with a venue full of people and eating sushi is a lot of fun, everything that goes into that became very routine. Like with AFO, I think people just assumed I would always run Anime Nite Orlando.

I didn't want to overstay our welcome. Past anime clubs here in Florida have, much to the detriment of the community. I didn't want Propeller Anime to be like that. I don't want to be one of those guys in his 40s hanging out at anime conventions trying to cling to relevance at the expense of everything else. That's a sad existence. While I dedicate a lot of myself to putting on all kinds of events, I do have a life outside of it as well.

My only regret is  that I could not find a successor. I didn't want to pass on Propeller Anime, Anime Nite Orlando, and all the responsibilities and expectations of those things if nobody could handle it long-term. I know a few of you are thinking "Why not Diana?" Diana is very competent, but her plate is full and I think it's unfair that every time something related to anime around here needs to be rescued, it's either me or Diana that is depended on to do it. It's time for some new people to step up and start something new and exciting.

What I hope with this announcement is that someone, preferably much younger and energetic than me, will step up and start their own anime club somewhere in Orlando. New blood is a good thing and Orlando desperately needs some. It's a lot more work than it looks, but it's very rewarding. Propeller Anime helped me grow as a person, opened up a lot of opportunities for me, started hundred of friendships, and even resulted in having a wonderful girlfriend. (Follow Stellarnan!)

I will still be around of course. If you have not been to an Ongaku Overdrive event, you definitely should do that this year. They are a lot of fun and I have been working to make those events be more than music.  Plus, CEO Daytona and CEOtaku are going to be amazing. I'll be at Anime Festival Orlando, Free Play Florida, MomoCon, and Anime Weekend Atlanta. Maybe Otakon and Holiday Matsuri too. I'll still be at local spots like The Geek Easy and Player 1. (Maybe I'll try going to some other places too!) So this is not goodbye, but the end of a chapter of my life that you all let me have.

Since I made that very difficult announcement last night I got some questions, and I will answer them here:

Can we still do meetups like bowling? I'll think about it. Just because I ended Anime Nite Orlando, doesn't mean I am done hanging out with friends. Humans like me still crave social interaction and fun times. I do have a lot on my plate right now, but maybe in a month or so I can put together an organised hangout.

Will you still use the Propeller Anime social media? We spent so many years building it up. I notice when I post neat anime news and fun memes, you guys react to that a lot, so I will still use our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for that on occasion.

Are you done doing panels at conventions? What about MANIME? While I promoted It's MANIME! The Manly Anime Panel! through Propeller Anime and vice-versa, it has developed it's own identity and the world needs MANIME, now more than ever. (I feel like I say this every year. The world really needs to get its act together.) I plan to submit a couple panels to Anime Festival Orlando, Otakon, and Anime Weekend Atlanta. If those get approved, you will find out about it here and elsewhere. I will probably change my approach to panels as well the content I present next year.

What about the Halloween/anniversary party? - That party has caused me a lot of stress over the years. Plus, I pay all expenses out of pocket. We sell raffle tickets for prizes to recoup some costs, but that party bleeds money from my bank account. That was okay for a while, because I wanted to show thanks for the support you guys give all year-round, but we are no longer year-round. On top of that, I have a really big event in November that I want to focus on. Last year's party was really fun, but I highly doubt I will do it again.

Are you selling your projector and screen? No. Actually, those will be making an appearance at CEO Daytona and any local convention that wants to rent from me. I also can compliment your game room with good game setups and monitors. I offer low rates.

Are nerdcore and video game music really that good? It is at Onagku Overdrive. Come through!

What about charity events? We've had drives the last few years at Anime Nite Orlando. They were super awesome and helped out so many people in need. I miss doing an actual event, and would be open to working with some good people on something. I have ideas. Hit me up if you are down.

Will you still watch anime? Hell yeah! They just greenlit another season of Baki. My body is ready.. I will die an anime fan. It has been decided.

Wow, you made it all the way here. I am as shocked as you. But seriously, thank you all for coming out, whether it was every month or once in a while. It means a lot to me. Also shoutouts to FUNimation, Discotek Media, Sentai Filmworks, and Aniplex USA for letting us show their titles, and to our friends at Anime Orlando Inc and Anime Spot for their support. Anime is pretty cool and brings a lot of people from all walks of life together. Let's hope that keeps going in the future. I wish the next generation, should they step up, the best of luck.

Much Love,

Kent Ward
Founder of Propeller Anime

TL;DR I am ending Anime Nite Orlando because I have done this for so long and it's time to move on. Thank you.

86 comments:

  1. Much love to you and cherished memories for ANO. Thank you for your work, Kent. You know many of us truly appreciate all you have done.

    Here's to your next chapters. I'll be rooting for you whether I'm in town or far away.

    "Of this life I have no regrets!"
    Carry on, brother.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Cool, just one thing i need to let you know if you are looking to watch anime here is some great place to Watch Anime go for it. Because you can watch free anime in hd quality or sd too. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  3. While on the one hand Orlando offers mega family entertainment joints such as the Walt Disney Resort, on the other hand there are thrilling and refreshing places such as the Sea World and the Universal Orlando Resort.12 passenger Rental Orlando Airport

    ReplyDelete
  4. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I personally use them exclusively high-quality elements : you will notice these folks during: anime music video's

    ReplyDelete
  6. Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. Any way I'll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you post again soon. Big thanks for the useful info. อนิเมะ

    ReplyDelete
  7. Despite the fact that I saw anime (in actuality the plural of anime will be anime) like "Doraemon","Shinchan","Avatar-anime 2021

    ReplyDelete
  8. We've discovered that regularly when an organization calls or hopes to meet with us about video production, a great deal of times they've never been engaged with the genuine production measure and aren't exactly certain what to get some information about finding the solutions they need. video production

    ReplyDelete
  9. Cool stuff you have got and you keep update all of us. https://anime-88.com/

    ReplyDelete
  10. Interesting and amazing how your post is! It Is Useful and helpful for me That I like it very much, and I am looking forward to Hearing from your next.. one punch man vs goku

    ReplyDelete
  11. I think that thanks for the valuabe information and insights you have so provided here. https://9xflix.website

    ReplyDelete
  12. Best work you have done, this online website is cool with great facts and looks. I have stopped at this blog after viewing the excellent content. I will be back for more qualitative work. https://lookmovies.today

    ReplyDelete
  13. I found that site very usefull and this survey is very cirious, I ' ve never seen a blog that demand a survey for this actions, very curious... https://movies-123.today

    ReplyDelete
  14. I found that site very usefull and this survey is very cirious, I ' ve never seen a blog that demand a survey for this actions, very curious... https://afilmywap.fun

    ReplyDelete
  15. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here! keep up the good work... https://afdah.today

    ReplyDelete
  16. Wow, What a Excellent post. I really found this to much informatics. It is what i was searching for.I would like to suggest you that please keep sharing such type of info.Thanks https://solarmovies.today

    ReplyDelete
  17. Your content is nothing short of bright in many forms. I think this is friendly and eye-opening material. I have gotten so many ideas from your blog. Thank you so much. https://movieswood.today

    ReplyDelete
  18. Thank you so much for such a well-written article. It’s full of insightful information. Your point of view is the best among many without fail.For certain, It is one of the best blogs in my opinion. https://xmovies8.fun

    ReplyDelete
  19. I am constantly surprised by the amount of information accessible on this subject. What you presented was well researched and well written to get your stand on this over to all your readers. Thanks a lot my dear. https://xmovies8.fun

    ReplyDelete
  20. Only strive to mention one's content can be as incredible. This clarity with your post is superb! Thanks a lot, hundreds of along with you should go on the pleasurable get the job done. https://cliver.website

    ReplyDelete
  21. The content is utmost interesting! I have completely enjoyed reading your points and have come to the conclusion that you are right about many of them. You are great, and your efforts are outstanding! https://afdah.world

    ReplyDelete
  22. I appreciate this article for the well-researched content and excellent wording. I got so interested in this material that I couldn’t stop reading. Your blog is really impressive. https://repelis.today

    ReplyDelete
  23. You have beaten yourself this time, and I appreciate you and hopping for some more informative posts in future. Thank you for sharing great information to us. https://pelisplus.world

    ReplyDelete
  24. The website is looking bit flashy and it catches the visitors eyes. Design is pretty simple and a good user friendly interface. https://prmovies.website

    ReplyDelete
  25. Today, I was just browsing along and came upon your blog. Just wanted to say good blog and this article helped me a lot, due to which I have found exactly I was looking. https://moviezwap.website

    ReplyDelete
  26. I am incapable of reading articles online very often, but I’m happy I did today. It is very well written, and your points are well-expressed. I request you warmly, please, don’t ever stop writing. https://moviezwap.website

    ReplyDelete
  27. Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic. If possible, as you gain expertise, would you mind updating your blog with extra information? It is extremely helpful for me. https://9xmovies.uk

    ReplyDelete
  28. I think this is an informative post and it is very useful and knowledgeable. therefore, I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. https://coolmoviez.today

    ReplyDelete
  29. I have read all the comments and suggestions posted by the visitors for this article are very fine,We will wait for your next article so only.Thanks! https://skymovies.today

    ReplyDelete
  30. This article was written by a real thinking writer without a doubt. I agree many of the with the solid points made by the writer. I’ll be back day in and day for further new updates. https://123movies-w.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. Thank you again for all the knowledge you distribute,Good post. I was very interested in the article, it's quite inspiring I should admit. I like visiting you site since I always come across interesting articles like this one.Great Job, I greatly appreciate that.Do Keep sharing! Regards, https://putlocker-live.org

    ReplyDelete
  32. Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic. If possible, as you gain expertise, would you mind updating your blog with extra information? It is extremely helpful for me. https://soap2day.digital

    ReplyDelete
  33. This was a really great contest and hopefully I can attend the next one. It was alot of fun and I really enjoyed myself.. https://megashare-website.com

    ReplyDelete
  34. I have read all the comments and suggestions posted by the visitors for this article are very fine,We will wait for your next article so only.Thanks! https://solarmovies.cloud

    ReplyDelete
  35. I am incapable of reading articles online very often, but I’m happy I did today. It is very well written, and your points are well-expressed. I request you warmly, please, don’t ever stop writing. https://himovies.live

    ReplyDelete
  36. I have read all the comments and suggestions posted by the visitors for this article are very fine,We will wait for your next article so only.Thanks! https://yesmovies.agency

    ReplyDelete
  37. This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I love seeing blog that understand the value of providing a quality resource for free. https://gomovies-sc.com

    ReplyDelete
  38. This is my first time i visit here. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here keep up the good work https://primewire.today

    ReplyDelete
  39. I know this is one of the most meaningful information for me. And I'm animated reading your article. But should remark on some general things, the website style is perfect; the articles are great. Thanks for the ton of tangible and attainable help. https://moviesjoy.win

    ReplyDelete
  40. I’m going to read this. I’ll be sure to come back. thanks for sharing. and also This article gives the light in which we can observe the reality. this is very nice one and gives indepth information. thanks for this nice article... https://zmoviess.co

    ReplyDelete
  41. I am very much pleased with the contents you have mentioned. I wanted to thank you for this great article. tractor

    ReplyDelete
  42. Thank you for this fascinating post, I am happy I observed this website on Google. Not just content, in fact, the whole site is fantastic. https://c-cmovies.com

    ReplyDelete
  43. Wonderful article. Fascinating to read. I love to read such an excellent article. Thanks! It has made my task more and extra easy. Keep rocking. https://b-bmovies.com

    ReplyDelete
  44. This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I love seeing blog that understand the value of providing a quality resource for free https://xmovies8.one

    ReplyDelete
  45. A very excellent blog post. I am thankful for your blog post. I have found a lot of approaches after visiting your post. https://watchserieshd.watch

    ReplyDelete
  46. Excellent website! I adore how it is easy on my eyes it is. I am questioning how I might be notified whenever a new post has been made. Looking for more new updates. Have a great day! https://putlocker.work

    ReplyDelete
  47. Thanks for the blog loaded with so many information. Stopping by your blog helped me to get what I was looking for. https://y-ymovies.com

    ReplyDelete
  48. Succeed! It could be one of the most useful blogs we have ever come across on the subject. Excellent info! I’m also an expert in this topic so I can understand your effort very well. Thanks for the huge help. https://1movies.buzz

    ReplyDelete
  49. Wonderful article. Fascinating to read. I love to read such an excellent article. Thanks! It has made my task more and extra easy. Keep rocking https://movietube.video

    ReplyDelete
  50. Great survey, I'm sure you're getting a great response. https://solar-movies.one

    ReplyDelete
  51. Thankyou for this wondrous post, I am glad I observed this website on yahoo. https://currentputlocker.site

    ReplyDelete
  52. Thanks for an interesting blog. What else may I get that sort of info written in such a perfect approach? I have an undertaking that I am just now operating on, and I have been on the lookout for such info. https://123moviesite.one

    ReplyDelete
  53. Excellent post. I was always checking this blog, and I’m impressed! Extremely useful info specially the last part, I care for such information a lot. I was exploring this particular info for a long time. Thanks to this blog my exploration has ended. https://solarmovie.space

    ReplyDelete
  54. I visit your blog regularly and recommend it to all of those who wanted to enhance their knowledge with ease. The style of writing is excellent and also the content is top-notch. Thanks for that shrewdness you provide the readers! https://the123movies.site

    ReplyDelete
  55. That is really nice to hear. thank you for the update and good luck. https://soap2daymovies.website

    ReplyDelete
  56. That is really nice to hear. thank you for the update and good luck. https://soap2daymovies.site

    ReplyDelete
  57. I wanted to thank you for this excellent read!! I definitely loved every little bit of it. I have you bookmarked your site to check out the new stuff you post. https://123putlocker.website

    ReplyDelete
  58. You delivered such an impressive piece to read, giving every subject enlightenment for us to gain information. Thanks for sharing such information with us due to which my several concepts have been cleared. https://1solarmovies.top

    ReplyDelete
  59. Remarkable article, it is particularly useful! I quietly began in this, and I'm becoming more acquainted with it better! Delights, keep doing more and extra impressive https://soap2day.monster

    ReplyDelete
  60. That is really nice to hear. thank you for the update and good luck. https://solarmovies.space

    ReplyDelete
  61. Remarkable article, it is particularly useful! I quietly began in this, and I'm becoming more acquainted with it better! Delights, keep doing more and extra impressive https://soaptoday.space

    ReplyDelete
  62. I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post.
    https://watchcouchtuner.website

    ReplyDelete
  63. Remarkable article, it is particularly useful! I quietly began in this, and I'm becoming more acquainted with it better! Delights, keep doing more and extra impressive! https://newputlocker.website

    ReplyDelete
  64. Your blog is too much amazing. I have found with ease what I was looking. Moreover, the content quality is awesome. Thanks for the nudge! https://go123movies.site

    ReplyDelete
  65. Thanks for sharing nice information with us. i like your post and all you share with us is uptodate and quite informative, i would like to bookmark the page so i can come here again to read you, as you have done a wonderful job. Cerere de viză online Turcia

    ReplyDelete
  66. Awesome blog. I enjoyed reading your articles. This is truly a great read for me. I have bookmarked it and I am looking forward to reading new articles. Keep up the good work! न्यूझीलंड टूरिस्ट व्हिसा

    ReplyDelete
  67. I havent any word to appreciate this post.....Really i am impressed from this post....the person who create this post it was a great human..thanks for shared this with us. 토토커뮤니티

    ReplyDelete
  68. Your texts on this subject are correct, see how I wrote this site is very good. new zealand tourist visa

    ReplyDelete
  69. I have been checking out a few of your stories and i can state pretty good stuff. I will definitely bookmark your blog situs slot gacor depo dana

    ReplyDelete
  70. I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post. 토토커뮤니티

    ReplyDelete
  71. Cool you write, the information is very good and interesting, I'll give you a link to my site. د هندوستان ویزه آنلاین

    ReplyDelete
  72. I think this is an informative post and it is very useful and knowledgeable. therefore, I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. 토토114

    ReplyDelete
  73. In this article understand the most important thing, the item will give you a keyword rich link to a great useful website page: pgslot

    ReplyDelete
  74. I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post. د کاناډا ویزې آنلاین

    ReplyDelete
  75. This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I love seeing blog that understand the value of providing a quality resource for free. 꽁머니사이트

    ReplyDelete
  76. Thanks for writing such a good article, I stumbled onto your blog and read a few posts. I like your style of writing... 먹튀검증

    ReplyDelete
  77. howdy, your websites are really good. I appreciate your work. bus trip

    ReplyDelete
  78. Yes, I am entirely agreed with this article, and I just want say that this article is very helpful and enlightening. I also have some precious piece of concerned info !!!!!!Thanks. vacation near me

    ReplyDelete
  79. It is a fantastic post – immense clear and easy to understand. I am also holding out for the sharks too that made me laugh. Long Island web design

    ReplyDelete
  80. This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I love seeing blog that understand the value of providing a quality resource for free. sex doll shop

    ReplyDelete
  81. I really appreciate the kind of topics you post here. Thanks for sharing us a great information that is actually helpful. Good day! test bank nursing

    ReplyDelete
  82. You there, this is really good post here. Thanks for taking the time to post such valuable information. Quality content is what always gets the visitors coming. Ice Cream Bakery In Massachusetts

    ReplyDelete
  83. I recently found many useful information in your website especially this blog page. Among the lots of comments on your articles. Thanks for sharing. Ice Cream Bakery In North carolina

    ReplyDelete
  84. Interesting and amazing how your post is! It Is Useful and helpful for me That I like it very much, and I am looking forward to Hearing from your next.. Ice Cream Cakes Maine

    ReplyDelete
  85. I just can't get enough of your blog! The way you seamlessly intertwine thought-provoking wisdom with captivating narratives creates an intricately crafted journey into the world of knowledge. Your remarkable knack for simplifying intricate concepts is truly praiseworthy. Additionally, I'd like to provide some valuable information about the Venice 2024 Ticket Booking Guide. Delve into the guide for essential tips, enhancing your booking experience and ensuring a seamless, memorable visit to this enchanting city.

    ReplyDelete
  86. I just had to let you know how much I admire the way you tackled this particular topic. Your writing style is truly captivating, making it hard for me to put it down once I started reading. The way you express your thoughts and arguments is truly remarkable. Prepare for changes as the UK to Increase Immigration Health Surcharge. Stay informed and budget accordingly for your immigration process.

    ReplyDelete