Carl Macek

Writer and producer Carl Macek was born in Pittsburgh. He is best known for creating and producing the 1985 anime series "Robotech," and is often credited as being a pioneer of the anime industry. The series, which ran for 85 episodes, was adapted from three different Japanese series and was specialized for American audiences. Macek, along with other writers from the series, would later co-found Streamline Pictures with collaborator Jerry Beck. Under this banner, Macek released and imported Japanese anime films, earning him the nickname "The Godfather of Anime." He was also a controversial figure, however, as many feel that crucial aspects of the Japanese culture were lost in translation during the films' importation to America. Macek found later work as story editor and script producer on various animation films following Streamline Pictures' closing. He died of cardiac arrest on April 17, 2010, in his California home.