Interview With Nobuhiro Takenaka
Location: Anime Expo 2018
Interview Date: 7/6/2018
ZOMBIE LAND SAGA has been in the works for four years:
“We’re still deciding how we want to show it.” -Nobuhiro Takenaka
All we know for sure right now is that “The world will be saved by the dead.”
For an anime set to debut in Autumn, the team is playing its cards very close to the vest:
“We’re keeping the details under wraps.” -Nobuhiro Takenaka
He did share what it’s about, sort of:
“It’s an anime about living. What makes zombies and humans different?” -Nobuhiro Takenaka
He added:
“It’s not horror. It’s about human stories.” -Nobuhiro Takenaka
I was curious as to how he got his start:
“Just after university, my first job was making anime products.” -Nobuhiro Takenaka
He followed:
“I made my own short films. One of the good things about the industry is that producers can make stuff when they’re young.” -Nobuhiro Takena
As for his inspiration:
“I watched a lot of movies growing up.” -Nobuhiro Takenaka
In terms of the Cygames-MAPPA relationship:
“Cygames and MAPPA are very close. We want to grow together.” -Nobuhiro Takenaka
“We’re currently negotiating the global release rights for ZOMBIE LAND SAGA.” -Nobuhiro Takenaka
He spoke about the creative process:
“When I see a game, I always react ‘how can I turn this into a movie?’” -Nobuhiro Takenaka
“I come from a film background. My job is organizing the teams making the product.”
“In games, the stories sustain the game structure. We have to start from scratch. It’s a different storytelling cycle.” -Nobuhiro Takenaka
“Uma Musume Pretty Derby started out as a demo of young girls running.” -Nobuhiro Takenaka
Circling back to ZOMBIE LAND SAGA:
“Otsuka-san of MAPPA had the idea and a clear vision.” -Nobuhiro Takenaka
“It took four years to find a team that understood our vision. As the project has gone on, it’s grown legs.” -Nobuhiro Takenaka
In specific terms of what that vision is:
“Humanize zombies.” -Nobuhiro Takenaka
He added:
“We’re still working on it.” -Nobuhiro Takenaka
Finally, I asked about his personal anime interests:
“I get bored easily. I like Ghibli (shrugs).” -Nobuhiro Takenaka
The final thing he wanted to share:
“Cygames, MAPPA, and Avex Pictures are all united in our vision for this project, and we are looking forward to bringing it to you.”
Special thanks to Cygames, Nobuhiro Takenaka and David McCarthy for making this interview possible.
