David Farnor | On 12, Mar 2019

Netflix is teaming up with some of Japan’s leading animation studios to expand its growing pipeline of anime production.

The streaming giant has entered into partnerships with Anima, Sublimation. and David Production this month. These partnerships build on Netflix’s existing deals with Production I.G and bones, inked in 2018.

The production houses will create original anime series for the company, including the already announced 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 with Skydance Television. The anime feature spin-off, set in the same universe, will explore new elements of the story mythology.

Netflix will partner with Sublimation on Dragon’s Dogma, an original anime series based on the critically acclaimed video game of the same name. Based on a world-famous action RPG set in an open world, Dragon’s Dogma from CAPCOM will be brought to life in a series that 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’ and challenged by demons who represent the seven deadly sins of humans.

Lastly, Netflix will create SPRIGGAN with David Production. Based on the classic manga by Hiroshi Takashige, illustrated by Ryoji Minagawa, the edgy sci-fi actioner follows a man with supernatural powers to seal historical remains.

These titles join two series that will be produced by Production I.G and bones: Production I.G’s Ghost in the Shell: SAC _2045, set to premiere in 2020; and WIT STUDIO’s Vampire in the Garden. An original series, Vampire follows Momo and Fine, two girls from different backgrounds who meet by chance, leading to an unlikely friendship between human and vampire that intertwines with the power or music.

Bones will also produce Super Crooks, based on the comic book created by writer Mark Millar and artist Leinil Francis Yu. The story sees crime and thrills collide with supernatural powers.

“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 content they love” says Netflix Director of Content (Japan), John Derderian.

These production line deals “reflect Netflix’s ongoing commitment to grow its quality anime library” and are “one of the best ways to secure top craftsmen in the industry in every process of production”, says Netflix.

Anima Inc. Representative Director, Shinya Sasahara says: “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.”

Sublimation Inc. Representative Director Atsushi Koishikawa adds：
“Sublimation team has long dreamt 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.”

David Production Inc. President and CEO Koji Kajita comments: “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.”

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