Netflix selects slate of animated films from Japanese studio Ponoc – The Hollywood Reporter

Bonnock’s fantasy studio

Courtesy of Netflix

Netflix is ​​increasing its anime output, as it has struck a multi-film partnership with Japanese animation house Studio Ponoc.

Under the deal, the tech giant will become the exclusive streaming home for upcoming films from Ponoc, which was founded in 2015 by former Studio Ghibli producer Yoshiaki Nishimura.

It will be the first movie out of the gate Imaginaryis scheduled to air later this year after an exclusive theatrical run in Japan.

“Studio Ponoc is thrilled to bring our innovative hand-drawn animated stories and films to all audiences, especially for children and their families to enjoy together, worldwide on Netflix,” Nishimura said in a statement. “Netflix’s true commitment to supporting animation as a vital and valuable medium of storytelling, and to cultivating high-quality, groundbreaking animation, makes Netflix a truly excellent partner.”

Nishimura founded Ponoc with the goal of creating animation with universal appeal for children and families.

Animation has proven to be an area where Netflix has found great strength and success. Pinocchio Guillermo del Toro Won the 2023 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, and LeoThe animated film, starring Adam Sandler, made the biggest debut ever for a Netflix animated film and remained in the streamer’s top 10 for weeks. It was adapted this week for N. D. Stevenson’s graphic novel Nimona It made a comeback to earn an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature. Netflix has found that anime, whether premium or series, also have a high retention and rewatchability rate among viewers.

For each studio, imaginary “It depicts the depths of humanity and creativity through the eyes of young Amanda and her imaginary companion Rodger. Their imaginative adventures, launched from the attic, lead them to discover a magical world of never-before-seen creatures and places until an evil force threatens to destroy their imaginary world and the friendship found within it.

Directed by Yoshiyuki Momose, a veteran animator who has worked on Studio Ghibli classics such as kidnapped And Porco Rosso, imaginary It is described as “an unforgettable adventure about love, loss and the healing power of imagination.”

Check out the teaser poster below.