Bandai Namco Launches Anime Production Courses

Bandai Namco Filmworks Empowers Future Anime Talent with Scholarship-supported Schools and Internships

Over the next two years, Bandai Namco Filmworks will implement measures to address the labor shortage in Japan's anime production industry while maintaining high-quality internal productions. These efforts include establishing internal schools—Sunrise Animation School, Sunrise Art School, Screenplay School, and Production School—to educate and train young talent. The initiatives supporting this plan are: Sunrise Animation School and Sunrise Art School: Bandai Namco Filmworks supports students at these schools through scholarships and assistance with living expenses. The schools aim to prepare students for anime projects, offering job opportunities with Bandai Namco Filmworks after graduation. Sunrise Drawing Academy: This academy offers a one-year internship program featuring weekly training sessions focused on developing advanced practical skills. Sunrise Art Academy: Initial tuition is waived, and students receive a monthly stipend of approximately 100,000 yen (roughly 640 euros). After one year and upon passing an exam, students may have the opportunity to work as contract animators for Bandai Namco Filmworks. The program runs weekdays from April to September, covering basic and advanced techniques in traditional and digital formats.

Bandai Namco Filmworks Cultivates Creative Talent with Scholarship-backed Schools, IP Projects, and Skills Development

Screenplay School and Production School: Bandai Namco Filmworks is launching these schools for employees seeking advancement or career changes within the creative industry, providing training in scriptwriting and production to help technical and administrative staff transition into creative roles. Warner Brothers IP Project: Bandai Namco Filmworks is collaborating with Warner Brothers on a project where employees can pitch ideas for original intellectual properties. Selected employees will observe the entire production process of an IP. CG and Filming Technology Team: An internal team focuses on computer-generated imagery and filming technology to help employees develop their digital skills. IP Original Proposal Project: This project allows employees, regardless of experience level, to present ideas for new intellectual properties. These initiatives aim to cultivate a workforce capable of meeting the increasing demands of anime production. Bandai Namco considers the rapid annual growth of anime production essential and requires a workforce ready to support it. To that end, they are recruiting young talent through their schools and offering existing employees opportunities for career changes, fostering talent capable of supporting the entire anime industry as it aims to surpass 300 annual productions by 2025.