Ask John: Is Fullmetal Alchemist the Most Expensive License Ever?

Question:
I remember a few years ago when Fullmetal Alchemist was licensed there was talk of it being the most expensive anime series ever licensed in the US. Was that true, and if so, does the series still hold that distinction?

Answer:
I’m sorry to say that I don’t know whether or not Fullmetal Alchemist ever was or possibly still is the most expensive American anime license ever. The licensing fees paid for particular shows are one of the most highly guarded secrets in America’s anime industry. Even in private, personal discussions among themselves employees of American anime distribution companies rarely discuss exact amounts paid for particular licenses. Knowing exactly how much a company paid for distribution rights to a particular series allows speculators to determine whether or not they can compete in an already very small and competitive industry, and allows competing licensors to gauge the status of their competitors and the value of prospective licenses. All of that information can be very valuable for a professional distributor, which is why such information is kept so private.