Akadot had the opportunity to interview CEO Shinichi Kobayashi of Madhouse Animation Studio in Japan. Once employed in the Japanese video game industry, Kobayashi talks to Akadot about his experiences in the animation industry and some of the recent projects Madhouse Studio is currently working on such as Animatrix, Ninja Scroll 2, and their new 3D television series which will be broadcasted in Japan. Kobayashi also talks to Akadot about Madhouse Studio's recently released film, Millennium Actress, which will be released domestically by Dreamworks sometime next year.

Akadot: What do you think about the Ninja Scroll live action film that is currently in production by Threshold Entertainment and Digital Manga?

Shinichi Kobayashi: We expected much for this project. Recently, movie studios are looking to Japanese animation for original storylines. Ninja Scroll is a special project for us because it is our original work. I'm looking forward to it.

Ninjas are really popular worldwide. Kawajiri wanted to make the ninja storyline entertaining for audiences. The story has a little bit of romance and sad moments, like a modern story. Of course there is sword and ninja style fighting, which is the point. But, hopefully it will attract different audience markets.

Akadot: Would people in Japan like to see the live-action Ninja Scroll? Do you think they would be interested in seeing a "Hollywood" version of your work?

SK: Hmm... I don't know yet. Kawajiri, Madhouse, and I don't know anything about what is happening. I just hear from them that they are just starting. I don't know what kind of movie it will turn out to be

Akadot: Do you think that the live-action version of Ninja Scroll would give good promotion for your titles?

SK: Everybody knows Ninja Scroll is our original film. But I would be very happy if the live-action film brings more live-action movie audiences to anime market.

Akadot: You mentioned earlier that Ninja Scroll has comedy, tragedy, and romance. Are you bringing all these different genres together so it will attract a larger audience? Is this a new trend for Madhouse films?

Kawajiri is always thinking in this way. But in Japan, unfortunately, this kind of concept is very different to produce. Both fighting storylines and romance storylines are okay, but the markets are different. In this case, Kawajiri thinks about not only the fighting aspect, but other things as well.

Actually, Kawajiri hopes to produce more simple animation for kids. But, he has no chance and every request is different.

Akadot: Is he interested in doing a kids' series like Pokemon or along the same lines?

SK: A little different and on a smaller range. He drew a picture book for kids before. Do you know of it? He created the original pictures and story, but there is no dialogue. The story is about a white baby seal in the North Pole. He loves it very much and wants to produce it.

Akadot: So he wants to go from Ninja Scroll to Vampire Hunter D to children's books?

SK: [Laughs] Yes.

Akadot: But no one will let him do that?

SK: Yes, he has other projects.