Author: Newsroom
Tokyo, Japan — March 11, 2019 — Netflix, the world’s leading internet entertainment service, has partnered with Anima, Sublimation, and David Production, joining Netflix’s earlier deals with Production I.G and Bones in 2018.
These production houses and Netflix will jointly create original anime series, including the animated series Altered Carbon: Resleeved from Anima. Altered Carbon is based on Netflix’s original live-action science fiction series, whose first season launched in February of 2018 and for which a second season is currently in production. Netflix will also partner with Sublimation on Dragon’s Dogma, an original anime series based on the critically acclaimed video game of the same name. Lastly, with David Production, Netflix will jointly create SPRIGGAN, based on a manga series.
These titles join two series produced by Production I.G and Bones. They are Production I.G’s Ghost in the Shell: SAC _2045, premiering on Netflix in 2020, and WIT STUDIO’s, Vampire in the Garden. Bones will produce Super Crooks, based on the comic book created by writer Mark Millar and artist Leinil Francis Yu.
“Netflix aims to be the most compelling and attractive home for anime fans, creators, and production studios. We are creating an environment where production houses can do their best work and deliver their shows on a service where we connect anime fans from over 190 countries to the content they love,” said Netflix Director of Content (Japan) John Derderian.
Production line deals reflect Netflix’s ongoing commitment to growing its original anime library by working closely with top creators in the industry. Production line deals are one of the best ways to secure top craftsmanship throughout every step of the production process, integral to bringing the highest quality anime content to members worldwide.
Comments from Production Studios
anima Inc., Representative Director, Shinya Sasahara: “We’re particularly excited by the production line deal as this allows our creative team to focus on creating great content. We are proud to work on a well-known title like Altered Carbon as the first title from this partnership and to have the opportunity to bring our creation to fans all over the world. Please look forward to anime unique to anima.”
Sublimation Inc., Representative Director, Atsushi Koishikawa: “The Sublimation team has long dreamed of working on our title. We have oftentimes worked with partner studios to create partial CGI portions within a given title, so we feel very fortunate to work with Netflix through this production line deal. We’re excited to bring our unique cel-shaded animation that carries hand-drawn textures to anime fans worldwide.”
David Production Inc., President, and CEO, Koji Kajita: “This deal opens us to story development for international audiences beyond Japan, as well as the chance to explore new technologies and creative expressions on a long-term basis. With this new opportunity, we are ready to devote our creative passion as a player in the Japanese anime production space.”
Production I.G, Inc., President & CEO, Mitsuhisa Ishikawa: “Through our partnership with Netflix, we can secure the necessary amount of time for bold creative challenges and deliver great content with consistency. It is exciting that this production line deal has allowed our creators at Production I.G and WIT STUDIO to move beyond the Japanese anime business ecosystem. This great opportunity challenges us to deliver content unique to our talents to fans worldwide.”
Bones.inc, Representative Director, Masahiko Minami: “This partnership allows our creators to engage with the global anime fanbase. We look forward to a long-term partnership with Netflix to deliver content that touches the hearts of anime fans, regardless of nationality or age.”
About titles from production line deals
Altered Carbon: Resleeved – anima Inc.
This anime feature spin-off, set in the same universe as the Netflix original live-action sci-fi series (second season in production from Skydance Television), will explore new elements of the story mythology.
Dragon’s Dogma – Sublimation Inc.
Based on a world-famous action RPG set in an open world, Dragon’s Dogma from CAPCOM will be brought to life as a Netflix original anime series. The story follows a man’s journey seeking revenge on a dragon who stole his heart. On his way, the man is brought back to life as an ‘Arisen.’ An action-adventure about a man challenged by demons which represents the seven deadly sins of humans.
SPRIGGAN – David Production Inc.
Netflix original anime based on the classic manga by Hiroshi Takashige, illustrated by Ryoji Minagawa. Edgy sci-fi battle action about a man with supernatural powers to seal historical remains.
Ghost in the Shell: SAC _2045 – Production I.G, Inc.
Created by Masamune Shiro, the sequel of the much-acclaimed Ghost In the Shell SAC series has returned as a full 3D CG anime series. Directors Kenji Kamiyama, Shinji Aramaki, and SOLA DIGITAL ARTS will collaborate again following ULTRAMAN (streaming on 1 April on Netflix). This is the first Ghost In The Shell series to be brought to fans with a double director.
Vampire in the Garden – WIT STUDIO
An original series by WIT STUDIO on two girls, Momo and Fine, from different backgrounds who meet by chance. A story about an unlikely friendship between the human and vampire race that intertwines with the power of music.
Super Crooks – bones.inc
A story by Mark Millar and artist Leinil Francis Yu, the creators of Kick-Ass and Wanted. Crime and thrills meet supernatural powers in this Millarworld title.
