Netflix Launches Anime Creators’ Lounge Inside Tokyo HQ

I know I like to tease Netflix in my articles, but even my heart has grown a couple of sizes upon learning about the brand new Netflix creators’ lounge that they have opened in their Tokyo headquarters.

In a blog post which was first reported on by entertainment website Variety, Netflix chief producer of anime Sakurai Taiki revealed the launch of a new workshop. It was created specifically for anime creators to brainstorm and talk shop with other creators in order to better form their initial ideas for original projects that they are working on. 

In the blog post, he states that he was inspired by the original anime series Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!, which he referred to as “an inspiring story”. Sakurai says that the idea of creating an area where anime professionals could gather and exchange ideas intrigued him. “It reminded me that creative processes should always be driven by passion and having fun.”

Located inside Netflix’s Tokyo office, The Anime Creators’ Base is starting small, with only one area for people to be guided by the staff members, Ishidate Namiko and Cisse Saina, who will help creators out with their conceptual art. Once the base gets up to full speed, however, Sakurai imagines it having three distinct sections; one where designers and artists can gather to get their visions in order, a writer’s lounge for people to work on their scripts, and a multi-functional lab where people can work on and develop creative technology. They also hope to have ten people on staff by that point. 

With 40 anime titles hitting Netflix before the end of the year, it seems that Netflix is quietly acknowledging that original stories are going to be a big thing in the coming years (we’ve already seen hints of this over the last couple of years as each season has featured at least a couple) but that can’t happen unless creators can find some guidance to turn their latest great idea into reality. This lounge feels like it’s meant to be a safe place for creative professionals to gather and exchange ideas, which is always a good thing. 

Good on Netflix for establishing this and I hope that this works out well for them!

Source: Variety