Introduction
Ever sat on your couch munching on popcorn while watching an episode of "Naruto" and wondered, how is anime made? If you're an anime fan, the intricacies behind creating your favorite shows can be both intriguing and complex. This article aims to unravel the mystique behind how anime is created, taking you through every stage of production, and shining a light on the talent behind your favorite anime series. Stick around for a detailed guide to how anime is made and the talent behind it.
The Origins: Manga, Light Novels, and Original Concepts
First things first, many anime are adaptations of existing works. These could be manga, light novels, or even original anime concepts. If an anime is adapted from a manga or light novel, the first stage involves selecting key manga panels or excerpts from light novels that will serve as the basis for the storyline.
Manga or Light Novel?
Deciding between a manga or light novel adaptation could depend on various factors like popularity, thematic alignment, and budget constraints. Some popular anime like "One Piece" or "Attack on Titan" were initially manga series, attracting a wide range of fans even before they were animated. Moreover, manga adaptations are more visual and can attract fans who prefer visual storytelling. This could make it a better choice for anime that are action-packed or have a lot of visual elements.
On the other hand, light novel adaptations could be more suitable for anime series that are dialogue-heavy or have a lot of internal monologue. In comparison to manga, Light novels can go into greater depth with character thoughts, backstory, and world-building. This makes them a good choice for anime that are more psychological or narrative-driven.
Budget constraints could also influence the decision. Manga is traditionally black and white, which can make it cheaper to produce than light novels, which often require more detailed illustrations. However, this could be offset by the fact that light novels generally have fewer pages and therefore require less time and resources to write and illustrate.
Lastly, the decision might also depend on what the original creator prefers or what format they feel will best convey their story. For example, if the original creator believes that their story needs to be visually compelling to make an impact, they might choose to adapt it into a manga. Conversely, if they think that their story's strength lies in its complex characters and intricate plot, they might choose a light novel.
In conclusion, whether a manga or light novel adaptation would be better for an anime depends on a variety of factors, and there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. It's much more important to consider the specific needs and strengths of the story being told.
Pre-Production: Where It All Begins
Storyboards and Budget
After settling on the source material, the production companies outline what the anime will look like through storyboards. This is a crucial stage of production, as it sets the tone and direction for the entire series. Another crucial factor is the budget. Without adequate funding, even the best storyboards won't make it to the animation stage.
A storyboard usually contains drawings that depict every shot and scene in the anime, along with notes describing the intended action, dialogue, sound effects, and other critical aspects. It’s essentially a visual script of the anime, made by a team consisting of directors, producers, writers and artists.
The budget in the anime industry is typically set by its production committee, which is composed of various companies such as publishers, broadcasters, music companies, and advertising agencies. Each one of these companies has a say in the direction and execution of the anime, but they also bear the financial risk.
The cost of making an anime varies greatly depending on the quality of the animation, the reputation of the studio, the salaries of the staff, and other factors such as licensing, distribution and marketing costs. A single 30-minute episode can cost anywhere from $100,000 to $300,000 to make, but this can go up for higher quality productions or longer episodes.
With the storyboard and budget in place, the next stage involves actually creating the anime. This involves several key processes, including character design, background art, animation, sound design, and much more. Each of these steps requires highly skilled professionals and teams to create the final product that is enjoyed by viewers around the world.
Assembling the Team
Key roles such as the animation director, key animators, and the animation studio are decided upon during this phase. The key animator is the one who draws keyframes that serve as the foundation for what we eventually see on screen.
The Anime Production Process
Key Animation and In-between Animation
In the animation process, the first crucial steps are handled by key animators who create the "key frames." These are the primary frames in the animation that represent significant changes in motion. After this, "in-between animators" draw the frames that fill the gaps between key frames—this process is known as in-between animation.
Frames per Second and Number of Frames
An average episode of anime has thousands of frames. Generally, TV anime series use around 8-12 frames per second, whereas higher budget films may use 24 frames per second. The number of frames directly impacts the smoothness and quality of the animation.
Finishing Touches
The last stage involves adding effects, backgrounds, and details such as the eyes of the characters, which are pivotal in bringing the animation to life. Finally, the animation is passed onto the post-production team for editing and final touches.
How Anime is Animated: Software Tools
Creating anime today is facilitated by advanced animation software. Tools like Adobe Animate or Toon Boom are commonly used in the Japanese animation industry. However, some animators still prefer the traditional method of drawing frames by hand.
From the Past to Now: How Anime Has Come a Long Way
From the earliest age of anime with black-and-white, frame-by-frame animations, anime today has become a global phenomenon. Sites like Crunchyroll have made anime accessible outside of Japan, widening the age and demographic reach from 18-74 and beyond.
The Popularity and Types of Anime
Anime doesn’t just stop at TV anime series; there are also original anime films, sports anime, and even short anime series. Whether you like anime like "Naruto" or enjoy less mainstream original anime, there's something for everyone.
The Many Facets of Anime: Industry Challenges
The anime production process is full of missed deadlines and budget overflows, but every stage of production is essential for creating quality content. The current anime industry is a buzzing hub of creativity, yet it faces challenges such as tight schedules and working conditions for animators in Japan.
Conclusion
Whether you watch anime for the riveting storylines, the dramatic effects, or the complex characters, knowing the process of creating anime adds another layer of appreciation. From manga artists to in-between animators, it takes a village to produce an episode of anime. Next time you're binge-watching your favorite anime series, remember the countless hours and numerous talents that went into creating that world. It makes the power of God and anime on your side even more amazing, doesn't it?
FAQ
Q: How is the process of making an anime carried out?
A: The creation of an anime starts with the development of a concept or idea. The anime studio then begins drafting storyboards and designs characters, settings, and props. This is followed by key animation, where major frames are drawn by the main animators. Then, the in-between animation is done, where the rest of the frames are drawn to create a fluid motion when played frame by frame. The anime is then colorized, detailed, and sound effects and voice-overs are added.
Q: How much time does it take to produce an anime?
A: The production time for an anime varies largely based on the complexity of the graphics, the length of the anime TV series, and the size and efficiency of the anime studio. However, on average, new anime shows typically take anywhere from six months to one year to produce. Complex animations or movies may take multiple years.
Q: What is the history of anime production?
A: The history of anime can be traced back to the early 20th century, with the first commercial Japanese animation in 1917. However, the age of anime, as we know it today, began in the 1960s with the growth and popularity of anime TV series. Over the years, the anime medium has evolved greatly, leading to the distinct, colorful, and diverse anime world we see today.
Q: How is traditional anime made in Japan?
A: Traditional anime is created using a painstaking process in which each scene is drawn by hand. The key animation, or primary moments in each scene, are drawn first. Then, animators fill in the gaps with additional frames to ensure fluid movement between key frames. The frames are then colored and post-production elements such as background music and sound effects are added.
Q: What are some key differences between anime and Western animation?
A: One significant difference between Japanese anime and Western animation is the artistic detail and story complexity. Anime tends to be more detailed in art and also deals with more complex and often more mature themes. The process of how each anime is produced also differs. Anime is typically created with fewer frames per second, often resulting in less fluid but more impactful key animations.
Q: What is 'key animation' in anime production?
A: Key animation in anime refers to the main, significant moments in each scene. These are pivotal frames that establish the scene’s motion and timing. A key animator draws these crucial moments, and other animators will then create the intermediate frames that link these key frames, bringing the animation to life.
Q: How important are storyboards in the anime production process?
A: Storyboards are critical in the animation process for every anime show. They are basically visual scripts, laying out the major scenes and actions of an episode in a chronological fashion. They dictate the sequencing, timing, and pacing of episodes, making them an essential part of the planning stage of anime production.
Q: How have technological advancements impacted anime production?
A: Technological advancements have significantly changed the anime production method. Today, much of the animation is created using software, which can allow for more precision and less physical labor than traditional hand-drawn methods. It has not only changed the process of making an anime, but also improved the visual quality of the final product.
Q: How is sound integrated into anime?
A: After the animation process, sound effects, background music, and voice-overs are added to the anime. The voices for the characters are recorded by voice actors, and audio engineers add in various sound effects. The synchronisation of sound with the animation is a vital aspect of anime production, adding depth and realism to the anime world.
Q: What effect did anime have outside of Japan?
A: The popularity of anime has grown exponentially outside Japan. Many Western audience have embraced the distinctive artistic style and storytelling of anime. From popular anime and manga series to full-length feature films, the impact of anime is undeniable in shaping global pop culture. As a result, many countries have started to produce their own anime-like animation.