Netflix Grows Anime Programming Slate with New Partnerships

TOKYO — Internet entertainment giant Netflix is expanding its anime programming, entering new partnerships 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, Netflix will jointly create SPRIGGAN, based on a manga series, with David Production.

“We’re particularly excited by the production line deal as this allows our creative team to focus on creating great content,” commented anima Inc. representative director, Shinya Sasahara. “We are proud to work on a well-known title like Altered Carbonas 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 representative director Atsushi Koishikawa commented, “The Sublimation team has long dreamed of working on our own 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 around the world.”

“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,” added Koji Kajita, President and CEO, David Production. “With this new opportunity, we are ready to devote our creative passion as a player in the Japanese anime production space.”

These titles join two series that will be 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.

“Through our partnership with Netflix, we are able to secure the necessary amount of time for bold creative challenges, and deliver great content with consistency,” said Production I.G president & CEO Mitsuhisa Ishikawa. “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 is a great opportunity that challenges us to deliver content unique to our talents to fans all over the world.”

bones representative director Masahiko Minami added: “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.”

Production line deals reflect Netflix’s ongoing commitment to grow 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 continue bringing the highest quality anime content to members around the world.

“Netflix aims to be the most compelling and attractive home for anime fans, creators and production studios,” said John Derderian, Netflix Director of Content (Japan). “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 content they love.”

Source: Netflix