Akadot: So when you actually saw that film, what did you think? Was it more than what you expected from that one page synopsis?

FG: This was about a year ago now. I remember thinking that it was going to be an interesting film, but I didn't come in with any preconceptions, except that we had seen that page that looked worthwhile to us.

The first time I saw this film, I was actually stunned. It was a terrific movie! When the film was over, they asked us how it was. As I wiped away a tear [laughs], I said, "This is great!" I thought it was terrific, it had heart, and all the things I like in any kind film, animated or not. And I told them so. Everybody else thought so too.

It does have a different look and is directed in an unusual way, rather similar to a live-action style. It has a very compelling and unusual story structure, the way it moves back and forth between time and space, yet you can still follow where it's going. Also, since I like films so much, the references to Kurosawa and other filmmakers were fun to see. It's a great anime film and also a great movie. That's what we liked about it.

Akadot: Would you say that there is nothing like it, at least in the domestic market?

FG: In the United States anime domestic market? I would say, "yes." I don't know if there are other films like it because I don't know anime so deeply that I could make a statement like that. I don't pretend to know all of anime. But, it isn't anything like I've seen and I've seen a fair amount of the work we see in the states.

Akadot: So after you watched Millennium Actress is that when you realized you had to bring this film over to America?

FG: We all thought it was great, but what we were going to do at that point was up in the air. It wasn't up to me. But soon after that, within a few weeks, we began to discuss it again amongst ourselves. It just came up one day. The head of our studio, Ann Daly said, "You know that movie Millennium Actress that we saw a few months ago, where is it? What's being done with it?" And I said, "I'll find out." I'll called Kana Koido of Klockworx and the next thing you know we were looking at it again and once we saw it the second time, everybody kind of said, "Yes, let's give this a try." We hadn't done anything like this before, but soon we went into negotiations with Klockworx.

Akadot: Did you finally decide to distribute this movie because there was nothing out there like this [in animated feature films] currently in the U.S.?

FG: Personally, not speaking as a DreamWorks employee, I like films that stand on their own. I don't care myself if a movie is like this one or like that one. I like to watch a film and not think about other films. Is this a film that moves you, has something to say, and that works as entertainment and maybe other levels? Those are the kinds of films that I like. That's what this film did. So I don't think we are getting on the anime bandwagon simply because everyone else is [laughs]. It wasn't anything like that at all. Really, for this film it was, "This is a good film." Yes, it's anime and we can learn some things by giving this a shot. Maybe it will help us move into that [anime] market, but the first reason we picked Millennium Actress up was because it was great. It's a very interesting and remarkable movie.

Akadot: And it just happened to be anime, right?

FG: Yes, it just happened to be anime, which I am happy about. It may open more doors for anime projects, studios, and that kind of storytelling. I mentioned before, I am really interested in anime and besides the product, I am intrigued by the production process and how anime is constructed.

Akadot: This film was recently released in Japan. Will DreamWorks help with the Japan promotion? I would imagine it would be a great push for promotion if people knew in Japan that DreamWorks is planning to release this film in the western countries.

FG: We are supporting the release in Japan. The posters in Japan will have reference that DreamWorks has picked this title up. I believe the film trailers have a line that says, "DreamWorks will distribute worldwide except Asia." Klockworx has the distribution rights for Asia. I think that is pretty good news.

Akadot: How was the screening at the Big Apple Anime Fest in New York? What was the reaction to it?

FG: I did not go, but I am told it went really great. There was audience reaction throughout the film. It was a sold out audience. The notices in the press have been wonderful as well.

Akadot: Do you think this film has the potential to be nominated in the new animation category for the Academy Awards?

FG: Yes, I think it does. I think it is possible. I don't know what the slate of pictures is going to be, nor do I know what the academy thinks, especially since it is a new category. But, I think this is a picture that people can take seriously and it is different. Maybe it will qualify, who knows? At the very least, people who don't normally follow anime will have the opportunity to look at it. I would love personally for it to be nominated. We'll see.

Want to read more?! Then check out Part II and III of Akadot's interview with Frank Gladstone of DreamWorks.