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A Brief Encounter with Shinichi Kobayashi:  During his quick trip in Los Angeles, Akadot had the opportunity to interview Shinichi Kobayashi, the CEO of the Japanese animation studio, Madhouse.
Interviewed by: Karl Theodorson and Trisha Kunimoto  
Written by: Trisha Kunimoto  

Akadot: I heard there will be a Ninja Scroll 2 planned. Has anything been decided about the storyline, time, or setting?

SK: Actually, we will now begin production on Kawajiri's Ninja Scroll 2. Soon, we can figure out the scenario and start the storyboard. Hopefully, I want to finish by spring 2005.

Akadot: Will the animation style be the same?

SK: Yes, the animation style will be the same.

Akadot: Will it produced in all 2D animation?

SK: Yes, now we are thinking about 2D animation. But, we might use 3D. For some scenes we will use 2D and for some action scenes we will use 3D. We will set up everything for 2D. But in the 3D scenes, the camera will always move. It will take a lot of time and we have to adjust. So we have to find a simpler way to adjust 2D to 3D.

Akadot: Will there be any cel-shading?

SK: Yes, cel-shading is not bad. But, it is limited when we use cel-shading in animation. Especially, for details such as on the face. Those details are important and can't be done with cel-shading.

Akadot: What about, for example, a kaijyu (monster)? It doesn't have a detailed face.

SK: [laughs] Yes. If it is not detailed, we might use cel-shading with the 2D animation. So that's one way and it's easier.

Akadot: Do you have any other projects you are working on right now?

SK: Now? So many. Right now we are trying full 3D animation for a TV series and a feature film. The 3D TV series might be released winter 2003 or spring 2004. The feature may be released sometime in 2005. The work is being done in Hong Kong, but the TV series will start in Japan and maybe later in America.

Akadot: Will the TV series be based from a manga or an original story?

SK: It's an original story. We are now trying new technologies for 3D animation.

Akadot: Is this the first Japanese 3D TV series in Japan?

SK: No, there are several titles already. But, for this project it is totally different. As you know, Madhouse is a 2D animation studio and we want to try 3D animation. We want to establish this new way of animation. In the United States, 3D animation is very advanced already. We can't catch up. [laughs] So we should produce shows in a different way.

Akadot: What is the storyline about? Is this new 3D TV series for kids?

SK: Yes, for kids. But older kids like 12-14 years. It is a school story about racing using air bikes. It takes place in the future, a kind of science fiction story. The characters are in junior high school. There are 50 episodes.

Akadot: Is the movie going to be the same type?

SK: The movie has a different story. This is an original penguin story. This is a family film about old and young penguins.

Akadot: Since you worked in the video game industry, are you interested in animating any game titles?

SK: There are several titles actually. One is a robot game, but it has no story.

Akadot: By any chance is it Armored Core?

SK: Yes, how did you know? [laughs] We have been trying to license this for two years. There is no story for game, but many fans. It's very difficult to produce. Maybe it will take some time.

We have experience in this field, but it is very difficult to arrange. We always receive requests from game companies to feature game content in animation. But, it won't sell without a story. There's no meaning. Animation fans expect another type of entertainment. So either way it will disappoint one audience.

Akadot: Do you still have an interest in or play video games?

SK: Me? No. [laughs] I have a Playstation 2 and Game Cube, but no time.

Akadot: Thank you very much for taking the time for this interview.

SK: Thank you very much.

Be sure to check out Part I of Akadot's interview with Madhouse Studio's CEO Shinichi Kobayashi.




Interested in Ninja Scroll Get your copy of Ninja Scroll from Akadot Retail.

Want to know more about the Japanese animation studio Madhouse? Akadot Retail's got your copy of the Mad About Madhouse information book here.


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