“I always believed that films should be seen in movie theaters.
We were very hesitant about expanding that even further [beyond] physical packages.
What changed my mind was seeingWoody Allenmake a film specifically for a streaming platform.”
Credit: Studio Ghibli
In 2017,Wonder Wheel, fully financed by Amazon Studios, debuted.
“I read that quote from him in that interview and that changed my mind.”
Since that realization, Studio Ghibli’s filmsbecame available for the first time as digital releasesin December.
Studio Ghibli
“Hayao Miyazaki is currently making a movie, but that takes a lot of time.
And, of course, money,” he said.
“I actually said that’s not a great idea because he’s achieved so much already.
Studio Ghibli
So, that’s one of the new approaches.”
That’s where streaming comes in.
HBO Max was the last company to make such an offer.
“So, I’ve always wanted to work with Warner Bros. for a long time.”
We’re hoping it will finish in the next three years."
Where sequels and remakes remain the trend in entertainment, Ghibli keeps their eye on fresher storytelling.
Takahata’sMy Neighbors the Yamadas(1999) was Ghibli’s first film made entirely with digital effects.
But the hand-drawn craft remains alive as the company continues to evolve.
“What’s unique about Ghibli films is they have this atmosphere of reminiscence,” Suzuki explains.
I think with hand-drawn animation, it captures that.
The animation technique actually connects with what’s captured in the story."
Streaming, for one, was something no one saw coming.
The word streaming “ban” was used by Suzuki at one point.
