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Since its release in Japan on June 8, the anime film Hal has been receiving positive reviews. Giving back to the fans who have supported the film, a staff stage greeting put on by director Ryotaro Makihara and character designer and chief animation director Katsuhiko Kitada was held on June 20. The venue for the event was Shinjuku Piccadilly.
The discussion centered on their memories of the production process and the creation of the characters. They also gave commentary on a video from the prerecording stage that didn’t include the voices, which fans were deeply interested in, as well as explained the various roles associated with the film’s production. Regarding his work, director Makihara explained, “Movies are made only with this form. At the time of the meetings, I take the limitless ideas and whittle them down by things like the direction of the story, the direction of the character designs, art, color, and music. My job is to unify all the pieces into one.”
On being asked what the most important decision of the movie was, Mikihara answered, “The script. From April 2 to Aug. 22 of last year, details were cut due to the film’s limited time of 50 minutes, but it was trial and error to not also erase the feel of Kizara. Therefore, there are places in the script where this is retained.”
Kitada then explained the difficulty of creating the artwork:
> From the progression of the project, Sakisaka was decided on. It was my job to take Sakisaka’s ideas and easily convert them to anime. We struck a balance of being thinner and denser in regard to the main characters around Hal and Kurumi. As much as possible, we designed Hal and Kurumi with simple lines, but I remember that it was emphasized by the director that (Sakisaka’s designs) usually have more lines.
Amid a harmonious atmosphere, the discussion continued and free sets of reproduced drawings were given out. Among these drawings were also ones done by Kitada. Director Makihara and Kitada then gave a greeting to the crowd and the curtain closed on the event.
Hal is Wit Studio’s first theatrical work. Attention for the work has also been raised due to the main voice cast, which is comprised of popular voice stars Yoshimasa Hosoya and Youko Hikasa. The film follows Kurumi, who loses the love of her life Hal in an accident. Hal is then replaced by a robotic version of himself called Robo Hal. This love story set in the near future depicts a miraculous love between a robot and a human.
Message from director Ryotaro Makihara:
> I remember when I was invited to Kizara’s house. I have been able to make many memories, from our first meetings with just four people, to growing into a staff of around 200. This is connected to the viewers, and I think the movie will continue from here. I hope the movie touches your heart and you watch it again from time to time. Thank you very much.
Message from Katsuhiko Kitada:
> On behalf of the rest of the staff, I want to express my thanks for being able to screen the movie that all the staff put their efforts into making. Thank you very much.
*Hal* Official Site:
http://www.hal-anime.com/ (Japanese)
Source:
http://animeanime.jp/article/2013/06/23/14544.html(Japanese)
Source article written by Yushi Makari
