Introductions and Roles
Sotozaki explained that his job as Director involves overseeing every aspect of the animation process. He creates storyboards, checks the key animation (genga), makes sure the composition and layout are perfect, and ensures that the characters act the way they should in every scene. He also helps with directing the keyframes.
Terao described his dual role, explaining that as Director of Photography, he gathers all the different elements created by various teams, including character animation, backgrounds, and 3D assets. After Sotozaki approves them, Terao combines them onto a single screen. He adjusts the color and lighting and adds 3D effects like smoke or rain to create the visual feel of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. As Finishing Director, he reviews everything in post-production to ensure it all comes together smoothly. With so many different teams working on the animation, Terao’s job is to make sure everything looks consistent and polished.
The Global Impact of Demon Slayer
Since the anime series premiered in 2019, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba has become incredibly popular worldwide. The movie, Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Movie: Mugen Train, even broke records in Japan in 2020. Sotozaki said he never expected the series to become such a huge hit. Seeing so many people go to the theater to watch the film made him very happy. He believes the passion and energy from the audience inspire the entire team to keep creating.
Terao expressed his gratitude to the fans and to Gotouge-sensei, the creator of the manga. He emphasized that the success of the anime is due to a unique combination of factors, including the amazing manga and the hard work of the animation team. He added that the most rewarding part is seeing the happy faces of the moviegoers and knowing that they are engaged with the story. This motivates them to continue making anime.
Excitement for Infinity Castle
Both directors are excited for fans to see Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle in theaters. Sotozaki mentioned that the theatrical adaptation has been scaled up, offering a grand spectacle with amazing backgrounds and intense drama between the demons and humans.
Terao shared a personal anecdote about the power of film to transport viewers to another world. He hopes that when the audience enters the Infinity Castle, they will feel like they have been teleported inside. He believes this immersive experience will be amazing for the viewers.
Working as a Team
Sotozaki highlighted the importance of teamwork in creating the anime. He mentioned that they have been fortunate to work with the same team since the first season. Over time, they have learned each other’s strengths, allowing them to assign tasks effectively. For example, some animators excel at action sequences, while others are better at capturing the nuances of everyday life. This understanding helps him plan the animation process and ensure the final product is of the highest quality.
He also praised Terao and the 3D director, Kazuki Nishiwaki, for their contributions. By giving them more significant roles, they have developed a shorthand communication that eliminates the need for micromanagement. This trust and implicit understanding allow them to push the boundaries of visual expression and continuously improve the quality of their work.
Creative Process for Infinity Castle
Terao explained the differences between producing for TV and film. One of the main distinctions is the size of the screen, the sound environment, and the length of the content. He believes that the visual journey in a film is different from that in a TV series. In Infinity Castle, the use of orange tones is significant. However, if the orange is too overpowering, it could distract the audience from the drama between the characters. Therefore, he carefully matches the visual journey with the emotional arc of the story, adjusting elements like color and tone to enhance the overall experience.
First Impressions of the United States
This trip to San Diego Comic-Con marked the first time the team had visited the United States. Sotozaki mentioned that he had already enjoyed many experiences, such as visiting comic book and manga shops and exploring Balboa Park. He also tried an American hamburger, which he found to be much larger than those in Japan but equally delicious.
Terao expressed his excitement about the panel he would be sharing with Natsuki Hanae, the voice actor for Tanjiro Kamado. He also mentioned that Hanae had shown him photos of a safari landscape at the zoo, which he would love to visit with his children. Terao also felt the unique energy of Comic-Con and wished he had more time to immerse himself in the celebration of comics, anime, and manga.
Final Message to Fans
As they prepared for their Hall H panel, both directors shared a special message for fans around the world. Sotozaki expressed his hope that American audiences would have the opportunity to experience Infinity Castle on the big screen.
Terao emphasized the importance of new experiences, which he believes are increasingly rare. He hopes that audiences will feel the spectacle and freshness of the imagery in Infinity Castle, offering something for everyone to enjoy. The film promises a visual feast unlike anything seen before, transporting viewers to a world of demons, swords, and unbreakable bonds.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle is coming to theaters around the world, starting in August and in the United States and Canada starting September 12. Get ready to witness the climax of this epic tale on the big screen!