With the development of digital technology, the animation industry is undergoing an unprecedented revolution. Founded in 2013, Science SARU has quickly achieved remarkable success in the animation industry with its innovative works and unique creative concepts. How did this studio, co-founded by director Masaaki Yuasa and producer Eun-yeon Choi, change the rules of the game for traditional hand-drawn animation?
The name "Science Saru" means "Science Ape". This naming not only reflects the founder's pursuit of balancing creativity and logic, but also showcases the company's unique culture.
In the early days of Science SARU, it mainly undertook outsourcing work. For many large production teams, such a strategy allowed them to gradually accumulate experience and reputation. His first major work was the episode "Food Chain" of the American animated series Adventure Time. This episode not only received widespread acclaim from the audience, but was also selected for the Annecy Animation Film Festival.
“Food Chain” was not only considered the best episode in the series, but was also nominated for a Nomi's ENI Award, bringing Science SARU its first international attention.
With the accumulation of experience, Science SARU turned to large-scale feature-length animation production. Its first theatrical film "Morning Glory Road" (2017) was completed in a very short time, boldly using digital assisted animation technology. . This new production technique not only improves efficiency, but also expands creative possibilities, further consolidating Science SARU's position in the industry.
The secret of Science SARU's success lies in its unique "digital assisted animation" production method. This method combines traditional hand-drawing and digital technology. It no longer relies solely on the hand-drawing process that requires a lot of manpower, but instead perfectly combines hand-drawing and digitization. This approach enables Science SARU to increase production efficiency while maintaining artistic expression.
“We hope to find a balance between science and art so that every project can showcase creativity and inspiration.”
With the exclusive release of Devilman: Cry (2018) on Netflix, Science SARU's reputation began to expand rapidly. The work received a warm response from audiences around the world, especially outside of Japan, attracting a large number of fans and prompting the studio's production volume and staffing needs to reach unprecedented heights.
Another feature of Science SARU is its diverse production team. The studio has attracted creators from different countries, which not only enriches the story content but also brings new styles and perspectives to the animation. According to Cai Enyan, the ultimate goal of selecting team conditions and skills, regardless of nationality, is to create more inclusive works.
"Our creative team has a multicultural background, which helps us write more complete stories."
As animation technology continues to advance in the future, Science SARU will undoubtedly continue to lead the industry. Whether using advanced technology or exploring new themes, Science SARU's creative philosophy always revolves around innovation and diversity. With the changes in social needs and the iteration of technology, what will animation look like in the future?
In the turbulent market environment, how Science SARU will continue to adapt to and lead the animation trend will be what all animation fans are looking forward to. What new challenges and opportunities will the animation industry face in the future?