A New Anime Series is the Focus of Attention! Studio Trigger Shares Their Thoughts on the Work [1/3]

With the release of the completely original anime Little Witch Academia on YouTube still fresh in memory (http://bit.ly/11ZEO1B), Trigger, the animation studio that made the aformentioned anime, has announced that they are currently working on a new anime series.

We sat down with representative director Masahiko Otsuka, producer and board member Kazuya Masumoto, producer Naoko Tsutsumi, and PR specialist Tatsuru Tatemoto to talk about their thoughts on forming the production to completing the work, along with information about the new anime.

TOM: First, please tell us the details of how Trigger was established.
Otsuka: The story started two years ago when me and Imaishi (※1) were working at Gainax (※2), and we were involved in Gurren Lagann (※3) and P&S with G (※4).

Gainax already has a history; it is a studio that is well-known even in the anime business world. We were working in a blessed environment, engaged in the production of anime. However, there were no limitations regarding production, and even from the standpoint of the creator, sometimes we had worries whether it was okay to be doing it so freely. Under such circumstances, our feelings for wanting to try and make something only with our own strength grew strong, and that is the biggest reason why we became independent. A trial of strength, you could say.

TOM: Even having said that, you were quite resolute on going independent.
Otsuka: That’s right. This is an old story, but there was a big conversion in the anime production system, that is, the transition from analog to digital. Following the change, the internet also became a means for providing content in addition to TV and merchandise, and it also took up a role in the area of selling and announcing a piece of work. I think this tendency will be even stronger in the future, and I actually felt that the business model of anime was also nearing a turning point. We felt that in order to adapt to the new flow, engaging production in a different system, in other words, starting a new company, was the easier way to pursue our activities.

TOM: At the time when you set up your business, I believe it was Imaishi, Otsuka, and Masumoto, the three of you who started the new company. Why this three?
Otsuka: Talking about indirect reasons, right after Imaishi finished P&S with G, we had the chance to talk about whether to make the next anime at Gainax, or challenge it in a different environment. At that time, besides independency, we considered making it at another studio as one of the possible choices. The reason we took off on becoming independent is that we, the “Imaishi-team” that finished two works, wanted to tackle the next work together as well. Plus, we felt that starting from step one at another studio and having to construct a system with different people would have been difficult. Having such feelings, we naturally ended up doing it together: Imaishi and me from the “Imaishi team” and Masumoto, who is the vital point in production.

TOM: Mr. Masumoto, when you were told about the story of the next work, were you also told about independency?
Masumoto: No, I accepted the project itself prior, but I wasn’t told about setting up a business right until the middle of production. Though, even when I was told, I was able to accept it without discomfort. However, it wasn’t something I could answer right away, so they gave me a week’s time to think it over.

At that time, I also received word on another project at Gainax. Under the circumstances, I needed to settle this problem. Even though what Imamiya and Otsuka were aiming for - “to test our own power” - was reasonable for the purpose of establishing a new company, at that time that wasn’t a purpose I was aiming for, so I felt that “independence” wasn’t necessarily the most optimal method. I had a week’s time and I was torn. After thinking it over, I concluded that I would do it.

TOM: What was the deciding factor in doing so?
Masumoto: The deciding factor was that I wanted to make a two-hour theatrical production with Hiroyuki Imaishi. When I realized those feelings, choosing independency just came to me all of a sudden.

Continue to Part 2

Notes:
※1: Hiroyuki Imaishi is an animator, animation producer, and director. At Gainax, he participated in various works starting from Neon Genesis Evangelion. At present, he is also the company director of Trigger Co., Ltd.

※2: An animation studio that produced famous works such as Neon Genesis Evangelion.

※3: Also known as Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, a robot anime produced by Gainax.
※4: Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt, an anime series by Gainax.