Netflix was associated with Studio Ghibli to include a series of anime films in its March premiere catalog. A very curious as well as surprising movement, since Hayao Miyazaki's studio is known worldwide for being excessively protective with his films. So much so, that on one occasion they sent a samurai sword with the words "uncut" to producer Harvey Weinstein, who wanted to censor certain scenes from the movie 'Princess Mononoke'.
So when Netflix announced the arrival of Studio Ghibli's most popular anime movies in the month of MarchHe practically caught us all by surprise. But why did Miyazaki agree to share his wonderful works of art on a streaming platform?
Toshio Suzuki tells us why they chose Netflix
During the event Shibuya Ward which took place on March 7 in Tokyo, Toshio Suzuki —Co-founder of Studio Ghibli, producer and great friend of Hayao Miyazaki — was speaking in an interview about the digitization of the studio's audiovisual content distribution. And it turns out that not everything comes down to money. At least it's not the main reason Miyazaki's films have landed on Netflix.
As Toshio Suzuki mentioned, "DVDs and cinemas are important, but distribution is also important." However, he admitted that he had to figure out how to persuade Hayao Miyazaki to launch the films on Netflix ensuring that "the money generated by this agreement would help cover production costs" for his next film.
Hayao Miyazaki is currently working on a movie but it is really taking a long time. When that happens, it is logical and natural that it requires a lot of money too. I told him this could cover the production costs for that movie. "
Apparently, after Toshio Suzuki's convincing plea, Hayao Miyazaki had no choice but to say, "Well, there's nothing I can do then."
Hayao Miyazaki does not usually use electronic devices such as laptops or smartphones. He works and communicates in the old way. Which is completely respectable and quite an achievement in these times. Therefore, the anime director has no idea how services like Netflix work.
"When you mention something to him about digital distribution, he just doesn't understand it."
But then… why did they choose Netflix among so many available alternatives?
From Studio Ghibli they see this audiovisual content streaming service as a great launch pad that will further boost your works
Miyazaki's latest masterpiece
Considering that Hayao Miyazaki has returned from his retirement to produce what appears to be his last film, which he wants to be a legacy you leave for your grandsonWe should be very grateful to Toshio Suzuki for persuading him to include his anime movies on Netflix.
For the upcoming Hayao Miyazaki movie, the anime studio is hiring young talents who "bring vitality" to the project. The lucky ones will work at the Studio Ghibli offices in Koganei, Tokyo, with a 3-year contract starting on October 1. As for their remuneration, they will receive a monthly salary of 200,000 yen (about 1,500 euros) with two extraordinary payments per year.
Looking at the time and dedication invested in creating this film, everything seems to indicate that Hayao Miyazaki's next work will be yet another work of art, and we will be here to tell you about it.
On the other hand, it stands to reason that Toshio Suzuki has these kinds of concerns about finance and digital distribution. As a producer for Studio Ghibli, it is your job. As for Hayao Miyazaki, a genius who sits in the director's chair, it is also normal that he is less interested in these kinds of matters and focuses all his energies on his creative process.
Studio Ghibli movies on Netflix:
- Chihiro's journey
- Princess Mononoke
- Princess Kaguya's Tale
- Arrietty and the world of the tiny
- Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
- My neighbors the Yamada
- The return of the cat