Every Anime Studio Explained in 23 Minutes (PART 2)

Summary

The video script explores the history and impact of various anime studios, highlighting their unique contributions to the industry. It covers pioneers like Mushi Productions, known for revolutionizing anime with works like 'Astro Boy,' to modern studios like CloverWorks and JC Staff, reflecting on their successes, challenges, and behind-the-scenes struggles. The narrative delves into each studio's key works, from cult classics to popular mainstream anime, while also touching on issues such as rushed schedules, financial difficulties, and the balancing act between quality and production demands in the anime industry.

Takeaways

• 😀 PA Works is praised for its emotional anime film *Maquia*, which is described as one of the most underrated anime films, evoking strong emotional reactions.
• 😀 Production I.G, founded in 1987, is known for creating anime that stands independently from manga, with *Ghost in the Shell* being a landmark film that influenced the cyberpunk genre and Western films like *The Matrix*.
• 😀 *Haikyuu!!* produced by Production I.G significantly boosted the popularity of Japanese men’s volleyball, highlighting the studio’s cultural influence beyond anime.
• 😀 Production I.G owns Wit Studio, which produced major hits like *Attack on Titan* and *Vinland Saga*, further establishing its dominance in the anime industry.
• 😀 Studio Pierrot, known for *Naruto*, *Bleach*, and *Black Clover*, is one of the most influential studios, although it has faced criticism for employee working conditions, which the studio is now working to improve.
• 😀 Studio Pierrot has increased salaries and retroactively raised overtime pay by 20%, aiming to create a more sustainable and humane working environment.
• 😀 Studio Bind, a newer studio founded in 2018, is recognized for *Mushoku Tensei*, which boasts high-quality animation, particularly in season 1, though some critics point to a drop in quality in later seasons.
• 😀 The studio Bind episode 22 of *Mushoku Tensei* is highlighted for its exceptional action sequences and visual effects, marking a standout moment in the show’s production.
• 😀 Silver Link, founded in 2007, is known for slice-of-life anime like *Non Non Biyori* and *Coco Connect*, although the studio has faced controversy due to a deceptive voice acting audition for *Coco Connect*.
• 😀 Silver Link’s involvement in *Coco Connect* has been marred by a scandal in which a voice actor was tricked into auditioning for a role that didn’t exist, causing public backlash and leading to an apology from the studio.
• 😀 Silver Link’s animation quality has been inconsistent, with some series like *Death March* receiving criticism for being derivative, while others, such as *Coco Connect*, have a strong following for their emotional and personal storytelling.

Q & A

What is PA Works most known for in the anime industry?

PA Works is most known for its high-quality animation and original works. Some of their notable anime include *Shirobako*, a series about the anime industry, and *Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms*, which is praised as an underrated anime film.

Why did the speaker cry during *Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms*?

The speaker mentions that *Maquia* had a powerful emotional impact, something rare for them when watching anime. The film's emotional storytelling and themes led to tears, emphasizing its strong emotional pull.

What major contribution did *Ghost in the Shell* make to the anime and film industry?

*Ghost in the Shell* is considered a pioneering work in the cyberpunk genre and helped shape the dystopian genre in Western cinema, serving as a core inspiration for films like *The Matrix*.

How has *Haikyuu!!* impacted Japanese men's volleyball?

*Haikyuu!!* has had a significant cultural impact by sparking increased interest in volleyball in Japan. The anime's popularity has led to a boost in the sport's visibility and youth participation.

What was Studio Pierrot's (PTO) role in shaping the shonen anime genre?

Studio Pierrot is credited with creating some of the most popular shonen anime, including *Naruto*, *Bleach*, and *Black Clover*, which became monumental in defining the genre.

What controversial incident occurred with Silver Link and how did it impact the studio?

Silver Link faced controversy when voice actor Mito Iiki was tricked into auditioning for a non-existent role in *Kokoro Connect*. The incident led to public outrage and a formal apology from the studio.

How did Studio Bind's *Mushoku Tensei* stand out in the anime industry?

Studio Bind's *Mushoku Tensei* was notable for its high production value, especially in its first season, leading to praise for its animation quality. However, the second season faced criticism for a perceived drop in quality.

What steps is Studio Pierrot taking to improve working conditions in the anime industry?

Studio Pierrot is taking steps to improve employee well-being by increasing salaries and retroactively raising overtime pay by 20%. The studio's managing director emphasized that sustainable working conditions are key to the future of anime production.

What makes *Mushoku Tensei* Season 1's animation so praised?

The animation in *Mushoku Tensei* Season 1 was highly praised for its exceptional quality, including intense action sequences and impressive visual effects, particularly in episodes directed by Cawa.

How does Silver Link balance its reputation in the anime industry?

Silver Link is known for producing successful Slice of Life shows like *Kokoro Connect* but also has a mixed reputation due to some lower-quality works like *Death March* and controversies surrounding their handling of voice actor Mito Iiki.