Cool Japan - Seminars

In Conversation with Noritaka Kawaguchi.

Following the success of last year's Animation workshops, this year we will again run question and answer format seminars on the art and creation of anime, with acclaimed Anime producer and CEO of CoMix Waves films - Noritaka Kawaguchi.

Noritaka Kawaguchi is an anime producer and the CEO of CoMix Waves Films Incorporated. Regarded for his work as Project Manager for Makoto Shinkai’s The Place Promised in Our Early Days and as the producer of the APSA Award winning 5cm Per Second, Mr Kawaguchi’s work is a foundation of modern anime. He returns to the festival after the success of 2010’s anime workshops, in which 5cm Per Second and Jun Awazu’s Planzet – also a CoMix Wave production – screened to the adoration of fans.

1.30 - 2.15 Art Exhibit tour

This is a rare opportunity to see the Festival's exquisit amine art exhibition through the eyes of one of Anime's finest filmmakers. As he takes you through each original piece, Mr Kawaguchi will discuss:

• A discussion of the original works on display from Children Who Chase Lost Voices from Deep Below.
• Discussion of the storyboards and matching vision to dialogue.
• Concept art and the importance of developing the entire world from the beginning.
• Discussion of the detailed background art for which Makoto Shinkai is famed.
• The success of Peeping Life and other work from CoMix Wave Films in the international arena.
• Character development by the animation director.
• Original Layouts and revision.

2.30 - 4pm: Seminar – Producing Children Who Chase Lost Voices from Deep Below.

Mr Kawaguchi will talk aboutproducing Children Who Chase Lost Voices from Deep Below as well as discuss the other artists on display who work at CoMix Wave films and their recent anime work: Planzet, Konodan, Peeping Life.

He will also discuss the evolution of Makoto Shinkai's work from Place Promised in our early days to 5cm Per Second to Children including the new release of "International Edition" of 5cm Per Second and how the film transcends language barriers as it has now been translated into many different languages for this definitive international edition.

Mr Kawauguchi will also take questions from audience and discuss how to get your start in this career path.