The most recent episode of the second season of Jujutsu Kaisenproduced by the studios MAPPA, became a trend due to excellent animation work. However, the animation director Itsuki Tsuchigami He also had something to say about it, criticizing the company for not offering decent salaries to animation staff, but boasting about the recognition of their work.
- «I was in charge of the animation for “Episode 40” of Jujutsu Kaisen and much of the animation of the flames in the battle. Fortunately, I was able to start working on this installment much earlier than other episodes, so I was able to focus on a lot of things. I would like to thank everyone who worked with me, especially those who helped me with my request to keep the shadows to a minimum and respect the source material».
Although the animator was quite satisfied with his work, His publication immediately became a trend, with tens of thousands of users thanking him for his work.. One should feel completely comfortable receiving this type of opinion, right? Well, it seems that was not the case with this animator. It turns out that “も (@vflmsppe)” had no idea that Jujutsu Kaisen was so relevant around the world, and was saddened to remember that “they gave him the same salary as if it were any anime”:
- «The number of reactions suggests that this is a large-scale production, but at the same time, the salary for the work is not special compared to others, and the sad thing is that this is an unprofitable amount of money for this profession. This dream is shit».
Well yes, although the animation of the most recent episode of Jujutsu Kaisen was spectacular, the animators did not receive more salary than they would receive not only in any episode of the series, but in any other anime within the franchise. This attracted an immense amount of reactions on Twitter with criticism of the MAPPA studies, highlighting:
- «MAPPA, it’s time to really review the system, including wages and hours, or members of this time will not be able to return in the future for other future productions. I see every week that the animation workers assigned to projects that you produce do not stop complaining on social networks».
- «The entire staff somehow manages to complete a project within a deadline that would normally be impossible to meet, while making a fuss, and then the people above them only see positive results and think, “What the hell, then it can be done!”, and they do not see it necessary to make changes. I guess it all started when that popular movie had to be produced in just four months…». (Referring to Jujutsu Kaisen 0)
- «Recently (about a year or two ago), when I was working at a company other than MAPPA, I started to notice an awareness gap between staff and artists. In the time of Chainsaw Man, it’s a little strange, right? There were a lot of last minute fixes to make all the time. Regarding the animation department, I feel that it does not benefit newbies, and they are forced to work alone (I think it would be a good idea for someone to supervise them in their first months). I wonder what will happen in the future. Maybe it’s just bad now, or so I hope».
- «There has been a lot of talk about what happens within the Jujutsu Kaisen production, but it seems that the managers there are not so interested in the visualization of the Jump titles, “for better or worse”, and they see it as a commercial product that supports the studio’s brand and management base, so I don’t think it will change until its profits are affected. The studio’s previous titles, in which the president was likely heavily involved in the planning process, tend to be flashy shounen mangas. They are by no means titles that sell well, right? But taking into account the direction of the company, they cannot limit themselves to that, so they are also in charge of title projects with the possibility of selling well.».
- «Regarding the MAPPA situation, even before Jujutsu Kaisen 0 there was criticism of MAPPA’s lack of time and staff to produce high-quality work, but nothing has changed, and I think it will only get worse in the future. I think it’s going to get worse. I don’t think a change policy has even been thought about.».
- «To be honest, there are several reasons why I don’t want to work with M again.PP. I still remember when in a certain sports anime they paid us only 1,500 yen (10 current dollars) per cut/scene. Before that, it was very strenuous and the animators were not trained at all, so cooperation with the producers was not going well. Motivation dropped in the workplace like this immediately. It is evident that this is the situation of the people at the end of the production line, because the producers and their bosses are very well paid and do not worry about anything».
- «It was impressive, it has been the best episode of the series so far. Everything felt different in a good way, compared to the previous episode. I wish all animators were paid better. And especially that this was proportional to the quality of their work. It’s really sad».
- «I hope the day comes when production staff are paid better. The anime industry needs a revolution, I hope it comes sooner or later! Tsuchigami-san, many consider this the best episode of the entire year and another triumph in animation. This will always be remembered!».
- «I wish you guys would be paid proportionally to the impact you have on fans around the world. Someone who makes billions of fans around the world should make quite a bit of money in response. I hope you get paid better next time!».
- «This episode seemed like a great piece of work and was really beautiful to watch. Great entertainers should be able to demand the salary they want».
- «I just read a thread where they explained the great job that episode directors have to do compared to other animation workers, but the salary does not compensate for the amount of responsibilities. It’s exactly how you say it. I hope things get better in the future.».
- «My brother, this was the best episode I’ve seen this year, you did a great job. Thank you very much for delivering such impressive work even under these horrendous working conditions.».
- «It is a shame that MAPPA gains prestige at the expense of the desire of artists who want to demonstrate their talent. The impact of the work is global, the quality is excellent, those who participate should be well rewarded».
- «It’s so upsetting that you guys who put in SO much hard work and dedication to make one of the best episodes of the year aren’t getting the pay or treatment you deserve from MAPPA. I hope next time we see you in better places and with better rewards».
Fountain: Otakomu
