Studio Live, the team behind Karakuri Circus and the new Mashin Hero Wataru, wants your help to create an original anime!

The studio has been sharing behind-the-scenes work and fan giveaways for several years now on their Nico Nico channel. When the channel opened, they debuted a new original character, 12-year-old Haruta:

As time went on, more characters were developed around him, as was a setting. These elements are what Studio Live hopes to put together into an original anime, aided by their fan club on Japanese crowdfunding site Campfire. Rather than having a single upper goal, fans can subscribe with a monthly donation, with progress made at each financial bench mark. Starting at 550 yen, you'll receive a postcard of art for the project by character designer Hiroshi Kojina (Pluster World). You can also get exclusive video, production updates, the chance for feedback during the production process, and more.

Several of Kojina's previous works for the unnamed project are now available for public viewing:

The story takes place in Habikino, a city in Osaka known for its many ancient burial mounds. Among them is Shiratori no Misasagi—named for the legend of Yamato Takeru, a prince who turned into a swan upon his death and came to rest at the location of the shrine. Protagonist Haruta thinks little of it, save as an obstacle to his walk home. After dreaming of the legendary prince, he becomes enamored with the story.

Two musical artists are now attached to the project as of this month. "Taiyou SMILE" by chako* and "Meguriai" by Kimiko Matsunaga will serve as themes for the anime.

Studio Live will begin producing a PV once their fan club's income reaches one million yen per month. Until then, we can look forward to more art, world building, and storyboards as more fans join up.

>> Studio Live Fan Club on Campfire





Source: Anime! Anime!