In this engaging conversation, Diana Qiao, CEO of Otaku, shares her journey from being an intellectual property attorney to leading a successful anime merchandise brand. The discussion delves into the intricacies of licensing, the unique approach Otaku takes in creating products that resonate with fans, and the challenges faced in the anime merchandise industry. Diana emphasizes the importance of quality, creativity, and understanding consumer behavior, while also expressing her aspirations for Otaku's future growth and community engagement.

Our Anime Show Socials:

In this engaging conversation, Justin Leach, CEO and founder of Qubic Pictures, shares insights into the anime production process, his experiences with notable projects like Eden and Star Wars Visions, and the evolving landscape of anime technology and collaboration. He discusses the challenges and rewards of being a producer, the significance of storytelling in pitches, and the impact of cultural differences between Western and Japanese animation industries. Justin also highlights the importance of emerging studios and innovations in anime, as well as his upcoming project, Leviathan, based on Scott Westerfeld's novel.

Chapters:

00:00 Understanding the Frame Size Dynamics

09:56 The Success of Star Wars Visions

11:49 The Impact of Clone Wars on Star Wars Fandom

14:58 Technology in Anime Production

17:37 Collaboration Across Studios

20:43 Cultural Differences in Production

23:55 Influences from 90s Anime

26:41 Modern Innovations in Anime

35:26 The Rise of CG Anime

36:33 Insights on Leviathan Project

39:55 Quality and Uniqueness of Orange's Work

42:20 Motion Capture and Animation Techniques

44:40 Intellectual Property in Animation

46:44 Production Committees in Japan vs. the West

51:54 Alternative Financing in Anime Production

55:03 Lightning Round: Fun Questions and Insights

Takeaways:

- Producing anime involves wearing many hats and managing diverse teams.

- Pitching to studios requires a compelling narrative and understanding market trends.

- Star Wars Visions opened doors for anime within Disney.

- The success of Clone Wars was driven by passion and fan understanding.

- Japanese anime studios often work with limited budgets and resources.

- Collaboration across borders is essential in modern anime production.

- 90s anime has had a lasting impact on current creators and projects.

- Emerging studios like Science SARU are pushing the boundaries of anime.

- Leviathan is a unique project blending Western and Japanese storytelling.

- Technology is reshaping the anime production landscape, including motion capture.

In this episode, Agreenqueen and Bingemonster discuss the ongoing second season of the anime Blue Lock, exploring the immense hype surrounding it, the quality of animation, and the challenges faced by animators in the industry. They delve into fan reactions, the impact of production pressures, and the expectations set by the first season. The conversation highlights the need for a deeper understanding of the animation industry and the importance of supporting the artists behind the scenes.

Takeaways:

Blue Lock season two has high expectations due to the success of season one.

The animation quality has faced criticism, but it's not universally negative.

Fans are passionate about the series, leading to varied opinions on its quality.

Production issues in the anime industry affect the final product.

Animators are often overworked and underappreciated in the industry.

Audience expectations can be unrealistic given the constraints of production.

The success of Blue Lock has led to increased scrutiny of its animation quality.

It's important to focus frustration on industry practices rather than individual animators.

The voice acting in Blue Lock adds depth to the viewing experience.

Understanding the challenges faced by animators can lead to a more nuanced appreciation of the series.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Blue Lock Season Two

03:00 The Hype Behind Season Two

06:11 Animation Quality Concerns

08:59 Animator's Perspective on Production Issues

11:53 The Impact of Industry Standards on Animation

15:00 Audience Expectations vs. Reality

20:56 Conclusion and Industry Reflection

In this episode, Binge Monster and Agreenqueen discuss their first impressions of the Fall 2024 anime season, focusing on titles like Uzumaki, ReZero, and DanDaDan. They explore themes of animation quality, audience reception, and the impact of social media on viewer experiences. The conversation highlights the excitement and challenges of the current anime landscape, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and character development.

Takeaways:

Uzumaki received mixed reviews, particularly regarding its animation quality.

ReZero's complex narrative can be confusing but is improving this season.

DanDaDan has gained popularity for its unique themes and humor.

Social media influences viewer perceptions of anime significantly.

Animation studios face tight deadlines, affecting the quality of their work.

Returning series are doing well in re-engaging audiences this season.

The importance of character development is highlighted in ongoing series.

Viewers are more critical of animation quality than before.

The absence of comment sections on platforms may reduce negativity.

Overall, the Fall 2024 season shows promise with several standout titles.

Keywords:

Fall 2024 anime, Uzumaki, ReZero, DanDaDan, anime themes, animation quality, social media impact

In this episode, BingeMonster and Agreenqueen discuss their experiences attending the early preview of the Attack on Titan musical in New York City. They share their personal connections to the anime, the significance of the production, and their expectations going into the show. The conversation also touches on the director's vision, audience dynamics, and the endorsement from the original creator, Hajime Isayama, highlighting the unique adaptation of the beloved series into a musical format. In this conversation, the hosts delve into their high-level impressions of the Attack on Titan musical, discussing its sensory impact and the genius of the director. They explore the authenticity of the costume design, the portrayal of the Titans through puppetry and projections, and the performances of the actors, highlighting their dedication and skill in bringing the characters to life. In this conversation, the hosts delve into the nuances of a musical adaptation of 'Attack on Titan,' discussing performance quality, vocal techniques, emotional storytelling, script development, and the direction of the show. They share their insights on how the cast's performances impacted their experience, the cultural differences in vocal techniques, and the emotional weight of key moments in the story. The hosts also critique the script and character development, emphasizing the importance of a strong script in a musical. Finally, they highlight the impressive direction and technical aspects that brought the show to life, particularly the choreography and dance numbers.

Takeaways

The Attack on Titan musical was a significant event for fans.

Personal connections to the anime enhance the viewing experience.

The production was a one-time event in New York City.

Hajime Isayama praised the musical as a perfect medium.

The audience was primarily anime fans, creating a unique atmosphere.

The director's background in dance influenced the choreography.

The musical did not use any songs from the anime's openings.

The adaptation required a suspension of disbelief from the audience.

The production aimed to create a new interpretation of the story.

The experience of watching a live musical differs from anime and manga. The show was a sensory and visceral experience.

The director's vision was praised for its brilliance.

Costumes were true to the anime and manga.

The ODM gear was impressive and well-executed.

The portrayal of Titans utilized innovative puppetry.

The actors demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication.

Levi's introduction was a standout moment.

The integration of projections with live action was seamless.

Character portrayals were true to their anime counterparts.

Attention to detail in costumes and performances was commendable. The performance quality significantly affects audience perception.

Cultural differences influence vocal techniques in musicals.

Emotional moments are crucial for storytelling in musicals.

A strong script is essential for character development.

Direction and technical aspects enhance the overall experience.

The ensemble's performance can sometimes outshine the leads.

Vocal training impacts how performers deliver their lines.

Musical numbers should align with character emotions.

Choreography plays a vital role in engaging the audience.

The adaptation of source material can lead to new interpretations.

Keywords

Attack on Titan, musical, anime, theater, Hajime Isayama, New York City, Crunchyroll, production, audience experience, adaptation, Attack on Titan, musical, theater, costumes, Titans, performances, director, choreography, anime, live adaptation, musical, performance, vocal techniques, emotional storytelling, script development, direction, Attack on Titan

The team gets together to catch up on shows from the Summer 2024 season and we look ahead to some anime to come!

Some anime mentioned from last season:

Elusive Samurai

My Hero Academia

Tower of God

Pseudo Harem

I Parry Everything

New anime coming this season:

Uzumaki:

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The gang went to Anime NYC 2024! Listen in for our exclusive coverage of what we saw, who we met, and so much more!

Anime NYC is New York City’s anime convention! A showcase of the best of Japanese pop culture in the biggest city in America, Anime NYC brings anime fans and publishers together for three days of unique exhibits, exclusive screenings, extensive panels, and appearances by some of the biggest creators in Japan. Join us for a celebration of Japanese animation, manga, and cosplay in the heart of NYC!

Anime NYC is a creation of LeftField Media, a boutique event company made up of dedicated fans and experienced convention organizers.

Your hosts get together to discuss some important anime news!

Blue Giant Synopsis: 

Dai Miyamoto's life is turned upside down the day he discovers jazz. A former high school basketball player, Dai picks up a saxophone and begins practicing day and night, determined to become one of the greatest of all time. He leaves his hometown Sendai for the bustling nightclubs of Tokyo, but soon finds the life of a professional musician is not for the faint of heart. His passion eventually wins over the cocky but talented pianist Yukinori, and after Dai convinces his friend Shunji to learn the drums, they launch a new jazz trio whose rough sound contains a raw energy that quickly wins attention from local audiences. But what does it take to truly be great?

From director Yuzuru Tachikawa (Mob Psycho 100) and based on the award-winning manga, Blue Giant is a moving ode to the power of music and the artist, featuring electric performances and a stunning jazz soundtrack.

Polygon Survey:

https://www.polygon.com/c/2024/1/22/24034466/anime-viewer-survey-research

https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/latest/2024/1/22/polygon-the-anime-opportunity-study-highlights

"We're Taking Action": Crunchyroll Breaks Silence on Major Fall 2024 Isekai Premiere Leak

https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/latest/2024/1/22/polygon-the-anime-opportunity-study-highlights

One Piece is getting a remake!

https://www.cbr.com/one-piece-netflix-anime-remake-eiichiro-oda-no-manga-recreation/ 

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News:

- My Hero Academia Manga Finale

The My Hero Academia manga has officially concluded, marking the end of an era for fans. The anime, however, is currently reaching its peak in terms of storytelling and animation quality.Fan Reception: The ending has received mixed reviews from fans. While some praised the culmination of character arcs and storylines, others felt the resolution was unsatisfactory or rushed.

- Japan Volleyball Team's Haikyuu Tribute

Japan's national volleyball team secured a victory against Argentina, which became a major moment not just for sports but for anime fans as well.Haikyuu Connection: The team played the Haikyuu!! theme song during the event, highlighting the cultural impact of the anime on the sport in Japan.

The Elusive Samurai by Yusei Matsui

About the Anime:

The Elusive Samurai is a manga series by Yusei Matsui, the creator of Assassination Classroom. It debuted in January 2021 and quickly garnered attention for its unique blend of historical fiction and adventure.

Genre: Adventure, Historical

Demographic: Shonen (targeted towards young male audiences but enjoyed by a wide range of viewers)

Historical Setting:

The anime is set in 1333, a period marked by significant political upheaval following the fall of the Kamakura Shogunate.

The story unfolds during the transition between the Kamakura (1192-1333) and Muromachi (1336-1573) periods, specifically during the Kenmu Restoration—a brief and turbulent attempt to restore imperial rule in Japan.

Plot Overview:

The narrative follows Hojo Tokiyuki, a young noble who becomes a fugitive after his family is overthrown by Ashikaga Takauji, a powerful warlord. With the aid of a mysterious priest and a group of loyal followers, Tokiyuki must navigate the dangers of this era, relying on his exceptional ability to flee and hide rather than confront his enemies directly.

Historical Context:

The anime assumes some familiarity with Japanese history, particularly the Kamakura and Muromachi periods. This can be a challenge for Western viewers who might not have a background in this era of Japanese history.

Unique Samurai Concept:

Unlike traditional samurai who are often depicted as fierce warriors, Tokiyuki specializes in evasion and survival, raising questions about the nature of heroism and leadership in a samurai.

Character Analysis:

Tokiyuki's reluctance to engage in violence brings up an interesting debate—can a samurai who avoids direct combat still be an effective leader? How does this approach reflect or subvert traditional samurai values?

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