Hideaki Anno

From an early age, Hideaki ANNO was captivated by a wide variety of manga, anime, tokusatsu (live-action monster / superhero films), war stories, and the like. During his second year of high school, ANNO used all his savings to buy an 8mm movie camera setup and filmed both live-action superhero & monster movies and cel animation films to screen at school festivals. ANNO was transfixed by the pleasure and allure of film production. While he was struggling to be accepted into a college, he formed an indie film production group named SHADO with his friends, and became enamored with the delights of hand drawn animation. In 1980, ANNO entered the Osaka University of Arts, and in his sophomore year, participated in the production of the opening animation sequence for the 20th Japan Science Fiction Convention in Osaka (commonly known as DAICON III). The following year, ANNO contributed to the second work produced by the newly-established DAICON FILM group. The production was both a means of promoting the 22nd Japan Science Fiction Convention, and a way to help train the participating crew and staff for an animated production. In 1983, ANNO participated in the second sequence for DAICON, working on Hideaki ANNO | BIO SCRIPTWRITER, DIRECTOR, PRODUCER. PRESIDENT OF STUDIO KHARA. the opening animation sequence for the 22nd Japan Science Fiction Convention in Osaka (a.k.a. DAICON IV.) The DAICON animations would go on to have a historic effect on fans-turned-animators, inspiring a new generation of artists to enter the field of animation. Through his work on the DAICON projects, ANNO fell in love with the joys of teamwork, film production, and the preparation and execution of conventions. Busy with making self-financed films, ANNO stayed away from college and didn’t bother to pay his tuition, and before long, he was expelled. Thus, he took this opportunity to look for work in Tokyo, and moved there with a single bag and a single job offer — as a key animator hired by director Hayao Miyazaki for the 1984 film Nausicaä of the Valley of Wind. In 1984, ANNO was a founding member of the now legendary Studio Gainax, which brought together various friends and workmates from his Osaka days. The studio, whose humble beginnings started within a large Tokyo apartment, was established to produce the theatrical film Royal Space Force. After the release of Royal Space Force, ANNO happened upon the script of the 2nd episode of an original video animation (direct to video animation) project, titled Gunbuster, which had fallen into development limbo because no director was attached to the project. ANNO was moved to tears by the script, and after much thought, decided he would apply to direct the project. While the start of production was delayed, ANNO took the opportunity to participate in the production of Isao Takahata’s 1987 film Grave of the Fireflies. In 1988, ANNO directed the 1988 original video animation Gunbuster, followed by the 1990 TV series Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water. In 1991, following the completion of the Nadia series, ANNO experienced an idle period, working out numerous project plans, most of which never took shape. Immediately after one such project, Blue Uru, was put on indefinite hold, ANNO discussed the need for an all-original TV animation series with long-time friend, Producer Toshimichi Ootsuki. Ootsuki remarked, “Bring me something, anything, and I’ll make sure it gets green-lit.” It was this discussion that ultimately led ANNO to assume the role of director for the 1995 TV series NEON GENESIS EVANGELION. Throughout the production, ANNO encountered a wide array of experiences and difficulties he had never faced before, and immediately after the series finished airing, he broke down. In 1996, after the series’ hotly debated and explosive ending, ANNO stepped away from NEON GENESIS EVANGELION for some time. Thanks to the support of his friends and colleagues, ANNO did bounce back six months later to work on the 1997 film edition of NEON GENESIS EVANGELION as chief director. But when the film was not ready for its spring release, ANNO encountered further strife. At this same time, ANNO became bewitched by the promise that new digital cameras held for live-action photography. Immediately after the completion of the 1997 EVANGELION films, ANNO made his live action directorial debut with the 1998 film Love & Pop. ANNO then directed the 1998 TV series His and Her Circumstances, and also worked as chief director on the behind the scenes video documentary Gamera 1999. In 2000, ANNO helmed the 35mm live-action feature Shiki-Jitsu. In the Autumn of 2002, work on the EVANGELION Rebuild films began, and in the spring of 2003, ANNO commenced production on Cutie Honey — a project which, upon its completion, reaffirmed his dedication to the tokusatsu genre. In May of 2006, ANNO established a new movie planning and production company, Khara Inc. In September of 2006, he created Studio Khara as a place where movie production could be undertaken. One year later, in September of 2007, its first film production, EVANGELION: 1.0 YOU ARE (NOT) ALONE was released in theaters. In October of 2007, ANNO resigned from Gainax Co. Ltd.At this time, ANNO has thoroughly immersed himself in the production and release of the next installment of the EVANGELION film project.