Why Doesn’t Studio Ghibli Make Any Anime Series?

For many anime fans, Studio Ghibli is synonymous with masterful, hand-drawn animated films that captivate audiences around the world. Given the studio's reputation for creating some of the most beloved animated stories, it's common to wonder why Studio Ghibli does not produce its own anime series. This article aims to clear up the misconception and provide an in-depth look at Studio Ghibli's involvement in the animated series domain, specifically focusing on Ronja the Robber's Daughter.

Studio Ghibli’s Stand in the Anime Industry

Though Studio Ghibli is known for its filmography that mostly consists of feature-length animations, the studio has dabbled in creating anime series. In 2014, Studio Ghibli collaborated with Japanese TV network NHK and production company TRIGGER to produce Ronja the Robber's Daughter, a children's animated series based on the popular novel by Swedish writer Astrid Lindgren.

The series aired in Japan between October 2014 and March 2015, and it has since been translated into multiple languages, including English. An English dub of the series can be found on streaming platforms like Amazon Prime, streaming since January 2017, allowing audiences worldwide to enjoy the adventures of Ronja, a brave and adventurous girl who lives in a forest filled with trolls and treasure.

The Engagement with Ronja the Robber's Daughter

Studio Ghibli's involvement in Ronja the Robber's Daughter was significant, with character designs and storyboards created by the studio. This hands-on approach ensured that the series maintained a familiar Ghibli aesthetic, blending the classics' warmth and whimsicality with the depth of a children's adventure tale.

Why Anime Series and Not Features?

The reason Studio Ghibli does not produce feature-length anime series is multifaceted. Firstly, the studio's focus has traditionally been on feature films due to the time and resources required to produce high-quality, hand-drawn animations. Feature films require months, if not years, of development, production, and post-production work. Furthermore, the narrative structure of feature films often allows for more elaborate storytelling and character development, which is critical for Ghibli's style.

Advantages of Collaborative Efforts

However, collaborative efforts like Ronja the Robber's Daughter provide a unique opportunity for the studio to outreach to different audiences and test its creative water in a different format. Collaborations also allow for sharing production costs and expertise, which can be crucial for maintaining the high quality that Studio Ghibli is known for without incurring excessive financial risks.

Conclusion: Studio Ghibli’s Future in Anime

While Studio Ghibli may not produce its own anime series, it has shown that it is open to collaborative efforts in the realm of animation. The Ronja the Robber's Daughter series demonstrates that the studio can bring its unique creative vision to the world of animated series. Future collaborations or potential for producing its own series could potentially open up new avenues for the beloved studio, allowing it to reach even more audiences and expand its horizons in the vast world of anime.

For more information on Studio Ghibli, visit their official website. And don't miss out on the adventures of Ronja the Robber's Daughter - you can watch it now on Amazon Prime.