Tonight’s post was originally going to feature more prominent manga magazines, but after some thought and research we’re going to jump back on the anime studio topic. I’m going to try to knock out the last of the studios I wanted to discuss here before we move on to something new.
Key Frames #9: That’s Enough Anime Studios
Production I.G
Founded: 1987
Age: 31
Major Works: Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, Haikyu!!, Psycho-Pass
History: Following the release of Zillion by Tatsunoko Productions, series producer Mitsuhisha Ishikawa wanted to keep the team that created the show together. Together with Takayuki Goto, he would form Production I.G, naming it using their last initials. In the early days the studio was supported by Hideaki Hatta and Kyoto Animation. Production I.G has a portfolio of noteworthy and influential series, and has also seen several studios branch off from its staff. This includes XEBEC, Bee Train and Wit Studio.
Madhouse
Founded: 1972
Age: 46
Major Works: Perfect Blue, Redline, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, Ninja Scroll
History: It was hard to pick shows to call Madhouse’s major works. All of Satoshi Kon’s films and his TV series Paranoia Agent, were produced at Madhouse. Mamoru Hosoda also produced several of his films at Madhouse. The studio was founded by former Mushi Pro staffers and has an amazing track record on big screen and small screen alike. Madhouse is also responsible for shows like Black Lagoon, Trigun, One-Punch Man, Chobits and Death Note.
Studio Trigger
Founded: 2011
Age: 7
Major Works: Kill la Kill, Little Witch Academia, Darling in the Franxx
History: The youngest studio I’m likely to cover was founded by former Gainax employees Hiroyuki Imaishi and Masahiko Ōtsuka. While young, Trigger already has a few noteworthy titles to its name. Trigger has used Kickstarter and, unusual for a studio, has its own Patreon.
ufotable
Founded: 2000
Age: 18
Major Works: Fate/Zero, Coyote Ragtime Show
History: Founded by TMS alumni, ufotable has the smallest output of any of the studios I’ve covered. It’s probably best known for its contributions to the Fate series and the Tales series. One notable quirk is its occasional use of claymation sequences.
Shaft
Founded: 1975
Age: 43
Major Works: Bakemonogatari, Puella Magi Madoka Magica, March comes in like a Lion
History: Shaft was founded by Mushi Pro alum Hiroshi Wakao and intended to focus on painting animation, but it eventually branched into producing its own series. Since 2005, it has worked exclusively with director Akiyuki Shinbo. Shaft has a reputation for including references to other anime in empty background spaces along with a variety of other visual and stylistic gags meant to make their shows identifiable.
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