Studio Ghibli mulls shutting down film production arm

 

 

Big news just rocked the world of Japanese Animation, as Tokyo-based film studio Studio Ghibli Inc. has announced via live television that it will “consider ceasing production of feature films.” 

 

According to a report by Anime News Network, representative director and co-founder Toshio Suzuki appeared on the TBS show “Jonetsu Tairiku”, discussing the future of the studio after a shareholders meeting, which includes the possible dismantling of their production department altogether.

 

While many other news sites were quick to report that the studio is on the road to closure, this is far from what the reports suggest. Suzuki has stressed that the studio is in “Housecleaning” mode, with emphasis being placed on restructuring how things work together, with the company eyeing possible freelance projects instead.

 

Founded in June 1985 following the release and success of Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind the year before, Studio Ghibli was established by the quartet of Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, , Toshio Suzuki,  and Yasuyoshi Tokuma. Miyazaki, a legendary film director, manga artist, and animator, is a well know presence in cinema worldwide,  and has earned several accolades and international acclaim thanks to his works in anime and film for over 60 years.

Together with several other collaborators, Studio Ghibli has produced and released several feature films, which include noted anime films such as My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, and most recently The Wind Rises. The Studio has transcended borders and has influenced international popculture, with translations and localizations made, as well earning nominations and even winning a Golden Bear and Academy Award for Spirited Away.

 

 

When Miyazaki announced his retirement and last summer and handed the reigns of Studio Ghibli to his fellow co-founder Toshio Suzuki, the studio was literally struggling to stay afloat and keep itself pertinent to the challenges it would face without its most recognizable face and mentor.

Now that the organization has chosen to restructure themselves with a smaller staff and handling their various trademarks and copyrights, which exist beyond their films and also in video games and on merchandise.

The company’s last feature film, When Marnie Was There, was released in Japanese Theaters on mid-July. No US release has been announced yet thus far. 

 

 

Whatever the future holds for Studio Ghibli, its most devoted fans will stil certainly follow. — TJD, GMA News