Topcraft
Topcraft was a Japanese animation studio founded in 1972 by former employees of Toei Animation. The studio is notable for its contributions to both anime and Western animation, particularly in the realm of feature films and television series.
History
- Formation: Topcraft was established by Toru Hara, Masami Hata, and several other key figures from Toei Animation. The aim was to create a studio that could produce high-quality animation with a focus on artistic integrity.
- Early Work: Initially, Topcraft worked on subcontracting for Toei, producing sequences for shows like Heidi, Girl of the Alps and 3000 Leagues in Search of Mother.
- International Projects: In the late 1970s and 1980s, Topcraft gained international recognition by working on projects like:
- Dissolution: By the mid-1980s, financial difficulties led to the dissolution of Topcraft. Many of its key animators and staff, including Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, went on to form Studio Ghibli in 1985, which continued the legacy of high-quality animation.
Notable Works
Legacy
While Topcraft itself did not last long, its influence on the animation industry, particularly in Japan, was profound. The studio's approach to storytelling and animation techniques set a standard that was carried forward by Studio Ghibli and influenced other animation studios globally.
External Links
Related Topics