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Sol Levante 4K Netflix Anime's Making of Video Streamed
posted on by Crystalyn Hodgkins
Netflix Japan began streaming a making-of video on Friday for Sol Levante, an experimental project between Netflix and Production I.G to produce the first hand-drawn anime with 4K HDR quality. The video features interviews with director Akira Saitoh, art director Hisashi Ezura, Netflix creative technology engineer Haruka Miyagawa, Netflix content acquisition department director John Derderian, and Production I.G president and CEO Mitsuhisa Ishikawa. The interviews with Miyagawa and Derderian are in English.
The anime is planned to premiere this fall through Netflix's premium plan.
Netflix creative technology engineer Haruka Miyagawa is supervising, and Production I.G's Akira Saitoh (Blood+ special effects, Otogi Zoshi photography) is directing the project. Saitoh previously stated regarding the project, "There are hurdles like equipment, and 4K and HDR are undeveloped fields in the industry." Saitoh added, "As expressive people, we always search for a chance to produce videos that are more beautiful."
The Animation Business Journal website noted in February that demand for anime with 4K resolution is expected to increase. The website believes Production I.G and Netflix's production will push the boundaries of Japan's hand-drawn anime. The project aims to use the newest technology and production techniques with the expertise of Production I.G and creators.
Netflix announced in January 2018 that it formed a comprehensive business alliance with anime studios Production I.G and BONES. Netflix began streaming Production I.G's B: The Beginning animated series worldwide simultaneously in March 2018, and it will get a second season.
