Shirobako: The Movie 2021

Cancellation of Time Hippopotamus

The anime series *Time Hippopotamus* faces cancellation due to severe financial constraints imposed by its sponsor. This unfortunate event leads to significant staff departures, including the resignation of the studio's president, Masato Marukawa, signaling a crucial turning point for Musashino Animation.

Team discovers Third Aerial Girls Squad Medusa☆

In April 2019, amid the turmoil of the studio's cancellation, Aoi Miyamori and the remaining team members catch an episode of *Third Aerial Girls Squad Medusa☆*. This moment of distraction and inspiration occurs amidst the staff grappling with the consequences of the show's failure.

New President's Vision

The newly appointed president, Shun Watanabe, engages in crucial discussions with Aoi Miyamori regarding her potential role in producing a new feature-length anime. This project, titled *Air Amphibious Assault Ship SIVA*, is scheduled for debut in February 2020, laying the groundwork for the studio's revival.

Challenges from Gōtarō Katsuragi

Miyamori faces significant challenges from Gōtarō Katsuragi, who pushes her to complete the film after the prior studio, GPU, fails to meet its storyboard obligations. He requests increased funding, but Miyamori finds strength in Marukawa's legacy to navigate this tumultuous phase of production.

Production Begins

With just nine months until the film's release, Miyamori takes significant steps to incorporate materials from the canceled *Time Hippopotamus*. She persuades Seiichi Kinoshita to take on the role of director, marking a pivotal collaboration that kickstarts the production process.

Scriptwriting Initiatives

As production progresses, Shimeji Maitake is recruited to write the script, showcasing the team's commitment to crafting a compelling narrative. Additionally, Miyamori reaches out to Yumi Iguchi for character design help, uniting talented individuals to enhance the project's creativity.

Recruiting Key Talent

Efforts to strengthen the production team continue as Misato Segawa and Yūichiro Shimoyanagi reach out to Ryōsuke Endō, who has been deeply affected by the cancellation of the previous show. Encouraged by his wife Mayumi, he ultimately decides to come onboard, enriching the crew's capabilities.

Casting and Support Roles

With a focus on building a versatile team, Ema Yasuhara joins the crew, while Shizuka Sasaki auditions for a significant role. Misa Tōdō accepts the vital position of chief animator, ensuring the animation quality will meet the audience's expectations.

Animal Drawings and Animation Class

Miyamori skillfully arranges for Shigeru Sugie to assist with animal drawings, helping her while she conducts an animation class for children. This collaboration showcases the interconnectedness of creativity and mentorship within the filmmaking process.

Script Completion and Auditions

With six months left before the film's release, Maitake expresses initial dissatisfaction with the script. Drawing inspiration from Sasaki's audition and insights from Midori Imai, he ultimately completes the script, demonstrating the dynamic nature of creative collaboration.

Facing Accusations

As the premiere date looms, Masashi Yamada finds himself facing false accusations, adding to the stress of production. Meanwhile, Yasuhara grapples with challenges regarding her corrected keyframes, illustrating the hurdles faced during the final stages of the project.

Support from External Studios

Despite the challenges, external collaborators Taro Takanashi and Daisuke Hiroaka extend their support to the film, demonstrating a spirit of cooperation within the industry. This collaboration underscores the importance of teamwork in overcoming obstacles.

Erika Yano Returns

Erika Yano makes her return to Musashino Animation, providing valuable support with Kinoshita's storyboarding efforts. Her involvement bolsters the production team, while also aiding in recruiting Hiroshi Iketani to contribute further towards the film.

Final Adjustments and Training

As the premiere approaches, Miyamori and her team, including Yasuhara, Sakaki, Tōdō, and Imai, participate in Sugie's animation class. This experience equips them with invaluable skills and inspires their creativity as they make final adjustments to the project.