A new
financial report from Netflix and IG Port (parent
company of Production I.G and WIT Studio) revealed
that the streaming giant disbursed 3.573 billion yen ($24.3
million) during fiscal 2024. This payment reinforces Netflix's influence in the
anime industry and opens debate about its role in the traditional system of
production committees.
Where
did the money come from?
According
to the document, $10.4 million came from the copyright
business, where licenses such as Kimi ni Todoke Season 3, produced
by Production I.G and acquired by Netflix in a single lump sum, stand out. In
fact, the platform accounted for nearly 40% of the studio's copyright sales.
Direct
production: another strategy
Another $13.9
million came through the "video production" category. Unlike
other streamers such as Crunchyroll or HIDIVE, Netflix does not usually join
production committees, but signs direct contracts with studios. This gives it
control over distribution and, in some cases, over the full rights to the anime
(as happened with Moonrise, produced by WIT Studio and listed as ©
Netflix).
The
opaque side of the system
Experts
such as director Terumi Nishii have pointed out that, although
Netflix pays up to double what a standard budget would be, that money rarely
reaches the animators' pockets. On the other hand, it usually covers deficits
of the studios or stays in production margins. Hence the famous phrase:
"it is money that rains in the desert, but it is absorbed by the
sand".
Advantage
or problem?
While
traditional production committees divide risks among several investors,
Netflix's model bets on individual contracts that may seem more profitable but
raise questions about transparency, copyright and real benefits for creators.
In 2024, even Japanese reports warned that the platforms are looking to extend
licenses from 5 to 10 years, concentrating even more control.
Is it
better for Netflix to
put in millions and skip the production committees, or is the classic system
still fairer for creators? Tell us about it on our Facebook page.
