Netflix partners with 6 creators to develop original anime
February 25, 2020
By Nik Roseveare
Netflix has partnered with six Japanese creators to develop original anime shows as part of the streaming platform’s continued effort to build on its best-in-class anime originals with deep creative roots in Japan.
The six creators CLAMP (Cardcaptor Sakura), Shin Kibayashi (The Kindaichi Case Files), Yasuo Ohtagaki (Mobile Suit Gundam: Thunderbolt), Otsuichi (Goth), Tow Ubukata (Mardock Scramble) and Mari Yamazaki (Thermae Romae) are a mix of Manga artists, novelists, screenwriters and filmmakers who have each played an integral part in the continued popularity of anime around the world today.
These partnerships are part of Netflix’s growing commitment to anime and the local industry. Last year, Netflix entered into partnerships with five Japanese animation productions: Production I.G, bones, anima, David Production and Sublimation, and with this latest announcement Netflix will continue to expand the creative and production process of some of the most ambitious anime. In addition to the new originals that will be developed, together with the creators, Netflix will also explore ways for members to engage with these new shows off-screen through publishing and consumer products.
Taiki Sakurai, Chief Producer of Anime at Netflix, commented: “We’re excited to work with these extraordinary creators to bring best in class anime to Netflix. These partnerships are part of our broader investment strategy to support Japanese anime – giving creators the ability to tell bold, innovative stories and giving them access to fans all around the world, because storytelling is boundless in the world of anime”.
More details on the projects will be revealed later in the year.
Last month Netflix revealed it is working on a live-action series based on the popular Manga series One Piece.