#Japan #Animation #Fujisawa #bees

Unveiling a New Approach to Animation Production

In a significant development for the animation industry, Bees, headquartered in Shinjuku, Tokyo, has officially launched its Animation Division. Alongside this initiative, the company has opened a new animation production studio located mere minutes from Katase-Enoshima Station in Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture. This strategic move marks a pivotal step in Bees’ commitment to evolving its production capabilities and ensuring sustainable practices in animation creation.

For years, Bees has been engaged in producing music videos, commercial advertisements, and various intellectual property (IP) content. The establishment of the Animation Division and studio is aimed at formalizing its production framework to tackle creative challenges more effectively. By embracing a team-oriented approach, Bees seeks to enhance the quality and consistency of its animated works.

The Challenges of Indie Animation

The indie animation landscape often faces difficulties concerning management and the quality of the final products. Individual creators frequently bear the burden of expressing their unique visions while simultaneously battling deadlines and the intricacies of project management. Bees has navigated these challenges firsthand, recognizing the need for a comprehensive perspective that encompasses not only artistic execution but also production sustainability.

The new studio’s location, away from densely populated urban areas, provides a conducive environment for focused work. Bees aims to cultivate a setting that encourages its team to fully engage in the creative process, thus enabling long-term project stability.

Studio Structure and Collaboration

At Bees, the internal studio structure prioritizes collaborative efforts. In addition to core team members, Bees intends to partner with external collaborators to ensure seamless integration of various production stages, including storyboard, animation direction, art supervision, and project management. This holistic approach will facilitate meticulous oversight, aiming to streamline schedules and elevate the overall quality of the finished products.

With the ambition to explore new horizons in teamwork-driven animation production, this fresh model represents an impressive departure from the solitary processes often found in indie animation.

Engaging with the Audience on Social Media

Bees has also launched an official social media presence to share insights into the animation process. By showcasing behind-the-scenes content, including snippets of work-in-progress animations and introductions to the creative team, Bees aspires to illuminate not just the final product but also the environments and people that bring these creations to life.

Meet the Creative Team

The Bees team comprises talented individuals dedicated to animation, spearheaded by two directors: Noka and Gko. Their noteworthy contributions to the field include their work on popular music videos, bringing significant creative prowess to the studio. The entire team, including experts in animation, finishing, and production management, is well-equipped to tackle various aspects of production cohesively.

Words from the Directors

Noka, one of the directors, expressed, "As an individual animator and artist, I often grappled with the limitations of sole production. When I was invited to join Bees by President Daisuke Yamada, I began to see the infinite possibilities that come with teamwork. It's about producing strong works while embracing both the collaborative process and the environment we create together."

In parallel, President Yamada shared his vision for the studio: "The establishment of the Animation Division and studio stemmed from our need for a stable and supportive environment for team production. We want to maintain individual expression while ensuring that our framework allows for effective oversight, leading to both sustainable production and a thriving workspace."

Past Projects and Future Aspirations

Bees has an impressive roster of projects, including commercially successful music videos and commercial content. On the same day as the division’s launch, a new animation teaser for a game—produced by Bees—was released. This project exemplifies the collaborative production approach Bees intends to develop further.

Moving forward, Bees aims not only to produce commissioned works but also to initiate original animated projects. By leveraging the unique talents of each creator within the team, Bees plans to unveil short films and proposals progressively, broadening the studio's expressive capabilities.

In addition, Bees is committed to maintaining transparency in production processes by sharing ongoing developments and insights into the realities of the animation industry.

Company Overview

Company Name: Bees, Inc.
Headquarters: Shinjuku, Tokyo
Studio Location: Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture (Katase-Enoshima)
Business Focus: Animation production, illustration, music production