I’m not sure if we’re ready for that big Toblerone.
During their third-quarter earnings call, Netflix announced that they plan to invest a staggering $8 billion into original TV and film projects in 2018. According to The Verge, the company is increasing its budget by over $1 billion to cement the idea that Netflix plans to lock down ownership of its content.
In a conference call with analysts, Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos clarified on the news, stating that much of the $8 billion will be dedicated to producing thirty (30) new anime series and 80 original films, which are all slated for a 2018 release.
Ultimately, Netflix aims to have fully fifty percent of its content be “Netflix Original” by the end of next year.
Netflix is currently funding the production for several anime properties (plus Jaden Smith’s TV series Neo Yokio), including Sword Gai: The Animation Series, B: The Beginning Anime, Baki, and A.I.C.O. -Incarnation- .
Over the past few years, the publisher was able to lock down the rights to several highly anticipated projects, and fan favorite titles, which will all be released under the company’s “Originals” banner. The lineup includes:
- Violet Evergarden (Spring 2018)
- Devilman Crybaby (Spring 2018)
- Lost Song (2018)
- Kakegurui (2018)
- Fate/Apocrypha (11/7/2017)
- Godzilla: Monster Planet (2018)
- Children of the Whales (2018)
- Blame!
- Knights of Sidonia
- Ajin – Demi-Human
- Little Witch Academia
- Glitter Force
Though not necessarily anime, Netflix funded and co-produced Voltron: Legendary Defender, which launched to critical acclaim. Netflix also produced a live-action adaptation of Death Note, which hit the platform in August to low review scores.
