Bleach Anime Director Calls for AI to Replace "Leeches" and "Lazy Animators"
Two industry veterans, including the Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War director, spark controversy about 'leech' animators, 'scum' directors and AI.
As reported by the animation blog Full Frontal, Bleach: TYBW director Tomohisa Taguchi and Keiichi Hara (director, Crayon Shin-chan movies) held a panel at the Annecy Film Festival, describing their filmmaking histories. As Hara spoke about his latest film, he took aim at animators in Japan who reportedly drove up the budget due to their laziness and incompetence, calling them "leeches." He also revealed a growing trend of talented animators getting paid before producing any work and allegedly not giving 100% to the project because of it.
Similarly, Hara added that directors who take the money and leave during production were "scum," while defending some directors forced to leave because of pressure and overwork, likely in correcting junior animators' mistakes. Taguchi said that AI was impressive and that alongside helping with the writing process, it could replace these so-called lazy animators. Hara added that a day might come when "AI, which doesn’t complain, doesn’t get tired and doesn’t sleep, would replace humans…"
Both directors have extensive careers in the anime industry. Taguchi's earliest director credit came with Heaven's Lost Property F in 2010 (via Douban), and he recently directed the critically acclaimed Digimon Adventure 02: The Beginning and The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes films. He will continue his work on Bleach: TYBW cours 3 and 4. While Hara's works are less known abroad, he was extensively involved in the iconic Crayon Shin-chan anime. While their experiences regarding lazy animators should not be dismissed, the timing of these largely unprovoked comments comes as MAPPA animators most notably have showcased dire mental health conditions through cryptic posts, delayed payment scandals and cries for better treatment and working conditions.
Both Hara and Taguchi's comments went down extremely poorly on social media, with fans remarking on Hara's own history and possible hypocrisy. Their comments also link to Jujutsu Kaisen 0 CAD Terumi Nishii's recent statements regarding the decline of animators, calling for a skill test. She has likewise spoken about the possible pros of AI, showing that it is a growing consideration in the industry. Nevertheless, while Nishii has elected for a range of solutions, including more government investment and for youth animation programs -- like the Ao Ashi animation director's bootcamps for junior and high schoolers -- eyes and perceptions have certainly turned on the two directors who elected to use their short time to make these comments.
https://www.cbr.com/bleach-tybw-anime-director-ai-replace-animators/
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