#Japan #Tokyo #Celsys #CLIP STUDIO PAINT #TAAF

Celsys Co-hosts ACTF2025 in Tokyo

In early March 2025, Celsys joined forces with the Japan Animation Creators Association (JAniCA) and Wacom to host the Animation Creative Technology Forum, known as ACTF2025, during the Tokyo Anime Awards Festival (TAAF). This event took place over the weekend of March 8-9, and it was a unique opportunity for animation professionals and educators to engage with the latest digital tools in animation production.

Highlights of the Forum

The forum featured hands-on exhibitions of CLIP STUDIO PAINT Ver.4.0, an enhanced version of Celsys's popular digital creation software. Additionally, various seminars showcased real-life applications of the software in animation production. Notable presenters included Yasuhiko Todoroki, the moderator from ACTF, along with Studio MOTHER’s animation producer, Manami Ishida, and director Hiroaki Matsushima. They offered insights into using CLIP STUDIO PAINT in conjunction with Toei Animation's digital timesheet, emphasizing the software's capabilities in managing layers and timelines effectively.

Ishida shared the development process that led to their current streamlined format, stating, "Discussions among directors, producers, and in-house animation supervisors emphasized that CLIP STUDIO PAINT is the most widely used application, leading us to seek a straightforward and comprehensible workflow. This collaboration keeps our production efficient, as all team members use CLIP STUDIO PAINT to prepare data for subsequent processes."

Her insights highlighted a significant shift towards digital tools while addressing some challenges faced by studios still relying on traditional methods.

Innovation in Production

One innovative approach discussed during the seminar came from Studio Eight Colors, which is known for being the first animation studio in Kochi Prefecture. Studio head Hideo Uda and animator Nana Nagao presented a case study on how they applied a timesheet-free production model using CLIP STUDIO PAINT in the development of the TV anime titled “Neko ni Tensei Shita Ojisan.”

Uda pointed out the ongoing struggle within the animation industry to transition completely from paper-based systems to digital formats. However, their experience demonstrated how a digital-first approach using CLIP STUDIO PAINT enhanced their workflow, allowing them to produce content efficiently without relying on paper timesheets.

Showcasing New Tools

The forum also featured a booth dedicated to CLIP STUDIO PAINT, where attendees could experience new tools such as CLIP STUDIO PAINT Ver.4.0 and the single-handed input device CLIP STUDIO TABMATE 2, which is set to launch in March 2025. This interaction allowed users to become familiar with the software's improved functionalities and integrated features designed for professional animation and illustration.

CLIP STUDIO PAINT has become a significant tool among creators worldwide, with over 50 million users engaging with its myriad of features for illustrations, comics, webtoons, and animations. It supports various devices, including iPads, Android devices, and Windows, making it accessible to a broad range of creators from amateurs to professionals.

With its strong commitment to enhancing animation production workflows and ongoing innovations, Celsys aims to facilitate the digital transition of animation production processes further. The company is dedicated to supporting creative communities as they embark on their 'CREATOR JOURNEY', ensuring that every artist's passion connects to create a more vibrant and imaginative world.

For more information on CLIP STUDIO PAINT and other initiatives from Celsys, visit their official website: Celsys.