Studio Ponoc and Netflix: a magical partnership in the world of anime? (news).
Studio Ponoc, the Tokyo-based animation powerhouse, has just inked a multi-film deal with Netflix, ensuring that their upcoming animated features will stream globally on the platform. This is the kind of news that makes the readers of SFcrowsnest sit up in their captain’s chairs. Founded by Yoshiaki Nishimura, a former producer at the legendary Studio Ghibli and a two-time Academy Award nominee, Studio Ponoc is no stranger to creating animated worlds. Their partnership with Netflix follows a banner year for the streaming giant’s feature animation department, which saw successes like Guillermo del Toro’s Oscar-winning Pinocchio and Adam Sandler’s Leo.
The first flick to emerge from this new collaboration is The Imaginary, set to premiere later this year. Directed by the renowned Yoshiyuki Momose (known for his work on Spirited Away), this film promises to be an unforgettable journey of love, loss, and the power of imagination. The story follows young Amanda and her imaginary friend, Rudger, as they embark on fantastical adventures from her attic, uncovering a magical world under threat from a sinister force.
What makes The Imaginary stand out, aside from its heartwarming plot, is its groundbreaking hand-drawn animation. The film is a visual feast, employing novel techniques of light and shadow that are bound to leave viewers spellbound. Based on the novel by A.F. Harrold and illustrated by Emily Gravett, the film might just become a new classic in the world of animation.
The name “Studio Ponoc” comes from the Croatian word for “midnight” – symbolizing a new day and a fresh start. It’s a fitting metaphor for a studio committed to creating globally appealing animation that inspires audiences of all ages, especially children and families. This isn’t Studio Ponoc’s first rodeo. Their debut feature film, Mary and The Witch’s Flower, directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi, received buckets of acclaim and showed the world that they were ready to carry the torch of high-quality, hand-drawn animation.
Netflix’s animated feature slate is already impressive, boasting titles like Nimona, Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget, and The Sea Beast. With Studio Ponoc joining the ranks, subscribers can expect a boost to their animation binge-watching options.
