Strengthening the production structure through the independent cultivation of animators and the promotion of external collaboration

For many years, Bandai Namco Filmworks Inc. (BNF) has been strengthening its efforts to cultivate personnel, taking into account not only the animator shortages that have emerged due to the expansion of the animation industry but also the need to pass on frontline operational experience and know-how related production to the next generation as Japan’s population continues to age. Currently, we operate the four academies listed on the following page and are working to cultivate personnel in the respective domains of each academy. At the same time, from the perspective of practical human resource development, we are working to create opportunities for animators to take on new challenges and gain a wide variety of experience.
Through such efforts, we have cultivated many graduates who now work on the front lines of production, including as directors and lead animators, both internally and at external organizations. For example, a student who graduated from the Scenario School is now involved in pre-production development as a screenwriter, working together with producers. In the industry, there are often producers who are extremely busy dealing with multiple titles. There are also producers who are not experienced in scenario development and those who are taking on the producer role for the first time. In such cases, having personnel who have studied scenario development professionally take on the role of screenwriter helps improve filmwork quality and labor management, thereby leading to a more robust production team structure.
At the same time, we are stepping up collaboration with external studios as a means to strengthen our production structure. In April 2024, we welcomed the animation studio Eight Bit Co., Ltd., into the Bandai Namco Group with the aim of further expanding mainstay IPs and creating new IPs on a continuous basis through an expanded production line. Since its foundation in 2008, Eight Bit has produced many works for the Group, and our relationship with the company deepened greatly after commencing a business alliance with them in June 2020. By melding our strengths with those of Eight Bit and sharing capabilities with each other, we believe we will be able to create new value.
At BNF, we aim to strengthen our production structure through a two-pronged approach involving the enhancement of independent human resource development and the strengthening of collaboration with external studios. While doing so, we will remain committed to our strengths in originality and quality. Creating new IPs is our mission at the IP Production Unit, and the continuous cultivation of outstanding personnel is essential in the creation of original works. Moving forward, we will continue to advance unique human resource development activities to ensure that we can make an impact on the industry. We will also aim to establish a sustainable production structure while passing the baton to the next generation. Moreover, I will take on the challenge of establishing a production studio overseas and becoming involved with the cultivation of talent there. Bringing the experience I gain overseas back to Japan and using it to help inspire national personnel, I will aim to further advance our human resource development and production structure at BNF.

Messages from Former Students

Q1

What impressed you about the course content?

Q2

What do you focus on and value with your work in animation production?

Q3

What are Bandai Namco’s strengths when it comes to animation production?

Lee Soobin

Creative Production Section, Production Department
Alumni of SUNRISE Drawing Academy
Works handled after graduation: Mobile Suit Gundam U.C. ENGAGE, SAND LAND, LoveLive! Superstar!!,
LoveLive! Sunshine!!, and more.

A1

One thing that impressed me, who often becomes nervous, was the advice I received from my instructor, who told me about the sense of achievement I could gain by setting small goals for myself each day and accomplishing them one by one.

A2

What I believe is important in animation production is the ability to communicate a message. To that end, I am constantly aware of what I want to show the audience watching the animation and what I want to communicate while doing so.

A3

I feel that Bandai Namco’s strength in animation production derives from its creation of original works from scratch.

Kazunari Nagai

SUNRISE Studio 1, Production Department
Alumni of SUNRISE Drawing Academy
Works handled after graduation: Gundam Reconguista in G IV, Yashahime:Princess Half-Demon,
Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury, Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM, and more.

A1

There was an assignment where, referencing pictures taken from various angles, we had to create a layout by imagining views and angles that were not present in these pictures. What stood out to me in this assignment was how the teacher was able to bring out aspects of the picture I had not noticed, simply by drawing a few lines.

A2

Animation production involves multiple people, so I place emphasis on making sure my drawings can be checked and revised smoothly during the later stages of the production process.

A3

Working as an animation producer at Bandai Namco, I have many opportunities to see the work of legendary animators up close, which have provided me with valuable learning experiences. Also, I feel that the distinctive nature of each production studio is another major strength of Bandai Namco.

Yui Sudo

Production Promotion Section, Production Management Department
Alumni of SUNRISE Art Academy
Works handled after graduation: Ranking of Kings (other companies), 西原商会 nishihara shokai co.,ltd CM,
SAND LAND, Mobile Suit Gundam U.C. ENGAGE, Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury, and more.

A1

I was impressed with the course on creating background settings by combining shapes. This helped me become more aware of considering not only the shapes of buildings and other structures but also roads and natural objects. This in turn has changed my perspective when I walk through cities and towns.

A2

Background art plays the important role of setting the stage on which the character performs. I therefore make concerted efforts to draw backgrounds that allow viewers to focus on the performance, being sure that the characters stand out to the audience without any distractions.

A3

Having training institutions such as the SUNRISE Art Academy is a tremendous strength of Bandai Namco’s animation production, and being able to gain various experience through the academy in my first year was a great benefit to me and other new employees. Moving forward, I aim to continue to grow as an animator so that I can help contribute to the success of our IPs.