Producing
anime has become a huge headache for Japanese companies due to sky-high costs
and a lack of skilled artists. To curb this problem before it is too late, the
publishing giant Kadokawa announced a massive restructuring in
its ranks: the creation of Studio One Base, a new company that will
unify the management of five of its animation studios.
Starting in
November, the ENGI, Studio KADAN, Chiptune, Bellnox
Films and Raging Bull brands will begin operating
under the umbrella of this new entity. However, this does not mean that they
will disappear. Each label will keep its name, production lines and artistic
identity intact, but will now share the same workspace located within the
Sunshine City complex in Ikebukuro.
The main objective of this move, which is part of the reform plan entitled "Creating Creators. Creating Studios", is to centralize administration, accounting and internal operations. With everyone in the same building, creatives will be able to exchange knowledge, easily collaborate on demanding projects, and share technologies ranging from 3D animation to cinematography. In addition, Kadokawa promised that this unification will directly improve the working conditions, salaries and benefits of animators, guaranteeing a much more stable environment to train the new generations.
Originally
founded as a publisher of books and magazines, Kadokawa has
transformed into a global entertainment empire that dominates light novel, manga,
and audiovisual production in Japan. Since 2018, the company has significantly
increased its presence in the anime industry by opening and acquiring multiple
firms, managing to launch a total of 48 projects to date totaling almost 500
episodes. With the creation of Studio One Base, the group seeks to consolidate
a sustainable model to continue supplying the enormous demand for content
around the world.
