Animation Runner Kuromi (2001) Movie Script
Yumeta Company
Produced by Yumeta Company
Screenplay by Toh Nagatsuki
Character Design
by Hajime Watanabe
Music by Toshio Masuda
Today...
I start my...
dream job at an
animation studio.
[Studio Petit]
Good morning! I'm Mikiko Oguro!
You made it!
Thank God! You don't know
how glad I am to see you!
I'm Oppama! The
production manager!
Oppama. Like this.
I'm Oguro!
I've been waiting for you! I
was so afraid you wouldn't show!
Well, let me show
you around, Kuromi.
Kuromi?
- Oguro Mikiko. Kuromi for short.
- Huh?
Come on! We haven't got all day!
Uh, right!
That was the production room. And
back there's the president's office.
- Got it.
- You went to animation school, right?
Yes. At the Greater
Tokyo Animation Academy.
Good, then you know
the language. The lingo.
You've got storyboard here,
animation and staging there.
This was the in-between section.
At least until everyone
quit last week.
Today's youth lack patience.
So, it's all going overseas this time.
- This time?
- Let's move along.
But where is everybody?
- Oh, it's way too early.
- Too early?
Ten past ten!
They'll start drifting
in around noon.
The third floor is filming and
post-production. It's all digital now.
Uh, ow...! I'm
almost out of time.
- Huh?
- Here.
What?
Uh...
"Time Journeys
2" is in big trouble.
What?
Time Journeys
I don't know if it'll
make it in time to air.
What?
The storyboard's finished,
and we're into the key animation.
But none of it is done yet.
Not good at all.
Good luck, Kuromi!
Wait a second, Mr. Oppama!
Oppama's been working
with a bleeding ulcer.
- Today's his last day.
- What?!
He was managing the
production all by himself.
He needed a successor
before he could quit.
A successor?
Sucker-cessor.
Of course.
I told him not to die
before you got here.
Boy, am I ever glad
he hung on this long.
Huh?
Kuromi, I hope you know how bad it
would be to miss our broadcast slot.
Here's your business card.
Studio Petit Production
Desk Oguro Mikiko
Production Desk
Production Desk -
Animation Runner
Uh, sir?
You the new production manager?
Uh, yes.
Don't die before
we get another one.
Studio Petit
Animation Runner Kuromi
Akitaroh Daichi - Director
What is it?
Uh, I'm Oguro, I joined the
production department today.
I look forward to
working with you.
Right. My name is
Hamako Shihonmatsu.
I'm the line director for
"Time Journeys, Episode 2."
What?
Uh, what exactly
should I be doing?
Huh?
Twenty-five past two!
Here's the work schedule
for all the production stages.
And here's the
progress checklist.
So, the number
of finished cuts is...
What?! Just five?!
Five weeks for key animation,
and four weeks have already passed.
That leaves just one week.
Out of 312 total cuts,
only 5 are finished?
No way! No way!
That can't be right!
Okay, get a grip.
Hey!
Huh?
What's the big idea?
Hi. Hassaku Hozumi here. In
charge of staging for "Tai Ja 2."
"Tai Ja 2"?
Oh. I'm Mikiko Oguro.
How do you do?
Oh, no! I'll never get
these back in the right order.
Hey, staring at those
won't get the job done.
You gotta go get the
keys. The key animation.
Hassaku's right.
Footwork. That's what you do.
Right. I'll go get the keys.
Excuse me! But
where am I going?!
We're doomed.
This is it.
Yes?
Oh? Selling life insurance?
I'm Oguro, from Studio Petit.
Oh, you must be Kuromi.
No, I'm Mikiko Oguro.
- Wait a second.
- Uh, sure.
Keys for "Tai Ja 2."
Huh? 2...4...6...8... 10 cuts?!
- Yes, 10 cuts.
- Oh, thank you so much!
No sweat. Good luck.
Catch ya later.
Very smooth.
Yippee! The work's
getting done after all!
Why not? These people are pros!
Haryu
Hello. It's Oguro
from Studio Petit.
Are you the new
production manager?
Uh, yes. How do you
do? Nice to meet you.
I'm here for the finished keys.
Keys? Right.
It's finished.
Thanks for all the hard work!
Time Journeys 2
Uh, just one cut?
And only background?
That's just the beginning.
Uh, Mr. Haryu! Wait!
This can't be just the beginning!
There's hardly any time left!
Time Journeys
Oh, nothing today.
Excuse me?
I said not today.
What?
Do you mean zero?
Oh, I'm sorry. But
I'm having trouble.
The characters
have too much detail.
Don't you think so?
Well...
I need time to get used to
them. Just a little more time.
Uh, well...
Could you check these?
- Huh? You got them?
- Yes.
What? Is that all?
I'm sorry. Would you please?
Okay, done!
That sure was quick.
I know. I'm good.
Time Journeys 2
It's mostly Tanonaka's work.
Yes.
Uh, you're not leaving, are you?
It's not enough to bother
with. See you tomorrow.
But...
What?
What am I supposed to do now?
Go home.
Louis Monde III
Louis Monde...
- Huh? Still here?
- Good morning!
What's that?
Our schedule board. I
figure the bigger the better.
Liquid Type - Fat
Original Artwork
What a keener.
Petit Studios!
I'm here for keys!
Right. I'm working on it. Bye.
Finish them, please!
Wow! Crazy woman!
Here. You see?
I'm working on it.
Just two cuts?
It's much better than yesterday.
It's not good enough!
You've got to do better!
Geez, you sure
are a difficult one.
Mrs. Fukami, you
had zero yesterday.
I really need you to finish
up, or we're in trouble.
Is this all there is to life?
Uh, how many cuts do
you have for me today?
They're right next to you.
Three cuts, right?
How many can you
finish by tomorrow?
I won't know until I do them.
Well, that's no help! I've
got a schedule to keep!
I'm sorry, but it's so hard.
You know the characters
designed by Marizaki?
It's so, you know...
The characters
are not that good.
Yet I get all the detailed ones.
Uh, how many cuts today?
Uh, well... So, uh, nothing yet.
Nothing?!
- Look!
- Yes?
We don't have time!
Oh, really?
Don't you know the deadline?!
Oppama didn't
say anything to me.
Oppama!
If this keeps up,
we're in big trouble!
Gosh, I'm sorry.
Time Journeys
All done. Here you go.
There's 2...4...6...15 cuts!
Oh, you're the best!
Just doing my work.
Time Journeys
Hey, I'm getting worried about
Episode 2 of "Time Journeys."
Production Schedule
Oh, my God! We're
in serious trouble!
What's with you all of a sudden?
At this rate, there's no way
we'll make it by the air date!
It's not our job to
worry about that.
Maybe it's too much
for that rookie to handle.
Has the boss gone mad?
He's already starting
work on Episode 6.
Episode 2 was completely
left up to Oppama.
Well, don't blame me.
Me either.
Hey, she's back!
Here I am.
I got 15 cuts from Tanonaka.
Him again?
Yep. He's the only one I can
count on to get the work done.
- Let me see.
- Sure.
That rat!
- Kuromi.
- Yes?
He's fast, but I always
have to redo his work.
I try to tell him it's wrong.
But he just doesn't get it.
What? Really?
But Hassaku said
they checked out.
He barely looks at them.
Try matching this
with the other keys.
How many cuts has he
been assigned, anyway?
Uh, ninety cuts.
Ninety!
Yes, he's got the most.
Darn! I guess I'll have to redo them
from scratch. How about the others?
Zilch.
Louis Monde III
Are you gonna be okay?
Don't give me sighs. Are we
really gonna make the air date?
I wonder.
Don't wonder!
You know what it'll
mean if we can't air it?
Artists are all very eccentric.
It's your job to fire them up,
or you'll get nothing from them.
I'm trying my best.
But don't overdo it either.
Kuromi, wanna know the
secret of managing productions?
The secret?
Yeah, I used to do production
myself. I'll tell you ifyou want to know.
First, never tell them how
much trouble they're causing.
Never talk to them like that.
Those are all the
producer's problems.
Not the artists'.
And don't ask them
how many cuts they have.
Or how many sheets they've done.
And never, ever count the
cuts in front of their faces.
It's an insult.
They need to feel
good about themselves.
Good relations means good work.
What's wrong?
You didn't...
Time Journeys
It's no use.
I'm a failure.
In other news...
Due to the incompetence of
production manager Mikiko Oguro...
Episode 2 of "Time Journeys"
will not be airing tonight.
We're terribly sorry.
That was just a dream.
My stomach. I'm burning
a hole in my stomach.
I quit! I quit! I quit! I quit!
I quit.
President's Office
I quit!
He's not here.
What is it?
I quit!
Is that so? You're
quitting, huh?
Yes!
Okay, go ahead.
If you wanna quit,
it's best that you quit.
Uh, but I'm not waiting
until you find a replacement.
Fine. I guess
that's the way it is.
Right.
Don't worry. I
felt the same way.
You did?
I quit after a month.
I drew 250 sheets in a
month without a wink of sleep.
And for only $400.
"You've got to be joking! How
could I live on that!" I told them.
I didn't know.
But...
But now you're a director.
Yeah, but it was a tough road.
It was?
Yeah. People have to go
through some tough times.
- Kuromi?
- Yes?
What made you
choose this line of work?
Uh...
Well...
In high school, I
liked "Louis Monde III."
Oh?
An anime freak?
No! Actually, "Louis Monde
III" was the only anime I liked!
He was so cool. So,
I thought someday...
that I want to create
something like that.
Before I knew it, I
was in anime school.
I suppose that was
my first mistake.
"Louis Monde III," huh?
My debut work.
What? Is that right?
Original Character Concept
Have this.
Wh-What is it?
Louis Monde III Operetta George
I got it from the creator of the
story. He was impressed with me.
I-I can't accept this.
Go ahead. It's our
good-bye present.
Now what?
Hold onto it a little longer.
Okay.
- Here.
- Huh?
Useful pointers. (Listen to Fukami's Complaints / Abduct Haryu,
Steal Toys / Horaguchi, Praise Her / Tanonaka, Keep Status Quo)
With Fukami, you have
to listen to her complaints.
She's a newlywed coming to
terms with the realities of marriage.
Waiting there isn't going
to make it go any faster.
Oh, take all the time you need.
You're acting funny
today. You look listless.
I was just thinking
how my life's a bore.
I envy you. You've even
got a dependable husband.
Dependable? Don't make me laugh!
Huh? What do you mean?
Let's just say, you won't get far in
life if you have to depend on men.
- Oh, my. You don't say.
- Darn straight!
Life changes only for the woman!
Before marriage, it's all lies.
"I'll help with the
chores," he'll say.
Well, it's been six months,
and he hasn't lifted a finger!
He still has no idea how to
work the washing machine!
Leaves dirty socks everywhere!
Making a mess
like a kid, I tell you!
Then, he'll get all sappy
and beg me not to leave him!
Done!
Living with him, I've learned
what pathetic creatures men are!
- Really?
- Done!
Time Journeys
Horaguchi is a pessimist.
She doesn't seem to
have any confidence.
You have to praise her.
W-Wow, you're so good!
I mean...
I'm so jealous of people who
can draw. I think it's amazing.
It's my job. It goes
with the territory.
But I'm not good
with this character.
There's too much detail.
B-But your drawings are
the best of the bunch this time.
Really?
Yes. "I'm so glad we have
Horaguchi on the project."
Shihonmatsu's exact words.
What?!
She never praises people's work.
Uh, well, she did
yours. I believe...
Really?
Shihonmatsu? Imagine that.
Hey! Look at the
little palm tree!
- What? This?
- It's so cute.
- I call him "Takuro."
- Takuro!
As for Tekkamen...
This guy here.
You have to keep an eye
on him. Or he'll start playing.
Uh, whatcha doing?
I'm moving your
stuff to the studio.
- Why?
- To avoid distractions.
Hey! Be careful with that!
She's very delicate.
Leave it. You won't
need it for work.
W-Wait!
I wanna work here.
I can't concentrate if I
move to a new environment.
And I'm scared of Shihonmatsu.
Nothing to be afraid of. I can't
watch you here, so come along!
Just let me bring "Vampiress."
What the heck is "Vampiress"?
Th-This schedule isn't funny.
Thanks to you.
- You! Scary Shihonmatsu!
- Yeah, right.
Mr. Haryu! I have
your desk ready for you!
Off to work!
Evening, morning,
animator's morning, 10 o'clock.
Good morning!
Nobody here as usual.
Huh?
I finished all these!
You're kidding! All this?!
I got on a roll
and couldn't stop.
Oh? What brought that on?
Well...
I looked at this impossible
schedule and thought...
just do it.
Finally.
Don't start dancing yet.
"You coward! I'm
disappointed in you!"
"Y-You'll regret this!"
"No! I'll never let you do it!"
Hassaku's timing the lines,
and Kuromi is frightened by it.
Let me add that this is the storyboard
for "Time Journeys, Episode 6."
Just a little plug, there.
- Good morning.
- Oh, it's Mrs. Fukami.
Well, I had a fight with my
husband. Can I work here?
Okay! Please show
the animator to a desk!
Well, if it isn't Fukami!
Hey, what's the deal
with this schedule?!
Don't tell me you were serious!
I mean, don't you
work in a little buffer?
She's new here. She
hasn't learned such tricks yet.
- Yes, I can't do that.
- This is serious, lady.
All right! Let's draw!
- Morning.
- Morning!
It's mid-afternoon.
And then, right around
now the box just explodes!
The middle of the
meeting Original Art Men
And everyone's covered in soot.
- Uh...
- Yes?
Any specifications on the box?
I'll get it.
Something's here.
Hi, there! Shihonmatsu!
Oh, I like what you said.
Horaguchi! What a surprise!
Hello.
Wh-What are you doing here?!
I kind of want to
work next to her.
What? Me?
Uh, well... Your desk is over
here. Come on over! Over here!
Huh? Mrs. Fukami is here.
- Well, well.
- Cheers.
Today, I decided
to bring it in myself.
Huh? What's going on?
Tanonaka!
I'm hurt. Why wasn't I invited?
That's not it.
Just kidding. But I
think I could work here.
That'd be great.
Now I can pound the basics
of key animation into you.
Uh, what do you mean?
You dropped your pants.
Time Journeys
Like that!
- Here you are!
- Right.
- Here you go.
- Gotcha.
- And some more.
- Yup.
3 Days Left Original Art End!
Only three days left.
Oh, we'll never make it.
Just draw. We'll never
make it if you don't draw!
I suppose.
Night, day, night, day.
Hey, Kuromi. How many more days?
-Just one.
- Pretty tight.
We can do it!
- What's wrong?
- You smell.
Oh, I haven't bathed in a while.
What's this?
Found the backdrop.
Great, thanks.
See? Now, this is sloppy.
I'm sorry.
- And this doesn't work.
- Has anyone seen my Peg-bar?
I can't draw this character
without my special Peg-bar!
I know. I've seen
you sleep with it.
I haven't seen the studio
this busy in a long time.
- Here you go!
- Yeah.
- These, too!
- Ah.
And more!
Listen, guys. All this
energy is pretty cool.
But I can't check
these all at once.
But you will, right?
Oh...
Louis Monde...
I haven't given up. Everyone's
working so hard now.
Some even work
through the night.
If only they'd
done this earlier.
Almost there!
Over here! Bring it over here!
You can do it!
Yes! The official last cut!
In the nick of time!
- I'm speechless.
- I'm so touched.
Now comes the pencil testing.
And some fine tuning.
Then we ship to
in-betweeners, overseas.
We just need to
take it to the studio.
The studio's only
10 minutes away.
No sweat.
We pulled it off.
Unbelievable.
What's up?
Some cuts are missing.
What?!
What are these three cuts?!
235...236...237...
What is it, Hassaku?!
I-It's the motorbike scene.
Motorbike scene?
That's Hayama's,
of Studio Offshore.
I totally forgot.
I asked Hayama specifically
because that's his specialty.
How could you forget?
It was last year when
we assigned these!
No way. I bet he
hasn't done them.
- I'll go! Where is he?
- The beach.
What?!
I'll never make it!
Offshore!
Mr. Hayama! Mr. Hayama!
Mr. Hayama! Mr. Hayama!
Looking for Hayama?
Yes! Are you Mr. Hayama?!
No. Hayama's out there.
Here! Right here!
Mr. Hayama! Are
you Nonki Hayama?!
Yeah!
The sea is calling me!
You're hearing
things! Now, draw!
What have you been
doing all this time?
Overseas mail coming through!
I got them!
That door opens outward, Kuromi.
I'm afraid you're too late.
What?
Haryu's taken the cuts
to the in-betweeners.
And they're airborne.
That's because the in-between
work is done overseas.
You did your best, Kuromi.
I never thought it was possible.
You did yourself proud.
A superhuman effort.
Right.
What about these three cuts?
Let me see.
Hm.
Amazing! Way to go, Hayama!
When it comes to stuff like
this, no one can touch him!
It'd be tough to do
the in-between though.
I'll do it.
What?
Can you do that?
Of course. That's
where I started.
Wow! This is
history in the making!
Hayama's keys and
Shihonmatsu's in-betweens.
So, without a second to spare, Time
Journeys, Episode 2 was finished.
Thank goodness!
Back in the film days,
we did a screening.
Now it's reviewed in
a video editing room.
If we find something interesting
We'll go and see
faster than light
We are Time Journeys
Time Journeys
Episode 2: The Ballad
of Cape Mammoth
Ken, where to now?
Let's see.
I keep coming back to this.
Nihonbashi, 1814.
- Ah, friends.
- Professor!
What's with the outfit?
Oh, this? Well...
Professor, you old letch!
Kuromi, the bike scene's next.
Leave it to me!
After them!
That's all.
Wow...
You know all the bike
scenes in Louis Monde?
Hayama did all of them.
What?
He insisted I do
the in-betweens.
He paid me a special
visit to ask for my help.
That was after I'd quit.
So, then...
That's when I decided
to give it another shot.
Production Desk - Mikiko Oguro
Well, it's done.
Yes.
Thanks to you for whipping the
production department into shape.
When's the next one due?
Gosh, I don't know.
Hey, wanna grab a bite?
Sure!
Great work. Hope to see the
same quality on the next one.
Yes, sir! Thank you!
Hey, Kuromi!
Uh, yes?
I'll go on ahead. The
restaurant's by the station.
Okay.
Good work. You
did a magnificent job.
Thank you very much.
Here you go.
Huh? What's this?
Episode 6's current
status and schedule.
What?
This one should
be a real challenge.
W-Wait a second, boss! Boss!
Along the same
old river banks
Over the same old crossroads
I hear the same
old panting train
As I race to chase my dreams
Though often doused
in waves of tears
They dry to leave
a softened heart
In a sun-baked city
On winds to an
unknown future
I'm shining like
never before
Deliver me, oh wind
To the one I love
Carry my dreams
over to tomorrow
Over to tomorrow
Yumeta Company
I want to produce anime
for the anime industry.
We did it, didn't
we, Mr. Daichi?
Animation Industry?
Animation Runner
Kuromi: Director's Diary
Anyway, have someone
write the screenplay.
With a little effort,
the script was done.
And then, storyboards.
Solitude...
Complete!
Crashing the party!
Then, keep making art.
Enjoy watching Hajime
work as an animation director.
At the same time,
working on the background.
And then finishing
up camera work
Engineering
Recording
Recording Theme Song
We did it!
Members of Yumeta
Company who produced Kuromi
Good Job!
Produced by Yumeta Company
Screenplay by Toh Nagatsuki
Character Design
by Hajime Watanabe
Music by Toshio Masuda
Today...
I start my...
dream job at an
animation studio.
[Studio Petit]
Good morning! I'm Mikiko Oguro!
You made it!
Thank God! You don't know
how glad I am to see you!
I'm Oppama! The
production manager!
Oppama. Like this.
I'm Oguro!
I've been waiting for you! I
was so afraid you wouldn't show!
Well, let me show
you around, Kuromi.
Kuromi?
- Oguro Mikiko. Kuromi for short.
- Huh?
Come on! We haven't got all day!
Uh, right!
That was the production room. And
back there's the president's office.
- Got it.
- You went to animation school, right?
Yes. At the Greater
Tokyo Animation Academy.
Good, then you know
the language. The lingo.
You've got storyboard here,
animation and staging there.
This was the in-between section.
At least until everyone
quit last week.
Today's youth lack patience.
So, it's all going overseas this time.
- This time?
- Let's move along.
But where is everybody?
- Oh, it's way too early.
- Too early?
Ten past ten!
They'll start drifting
in around noon.
The third floor is filming and
post-production. It's all digital now.
Uh, ow...! I'm
almost out of time.
- Huh?
- Here.
What?
Uh...
"Time Journeys
2" is in big trouble.
What?
Time Journeys
I don't know if it'll
make it in time to air.
What?
The storyboard's finished,
and we're into the key animation.
But none of it is done yet.
Not good at all.
Good luck, Kuromi!
Wait a second, Mr. Oppama!
Oppama's been working
with a bleeding ulcer.
- Today's his last day.
- What?!
He was managing the
production all by himself.
He needed a successor
before he could quit.
A successor?
Sucker-cessor.
Of course.
I told him not to die
before you got here.
Boy, am I ever glad
he hung on this long.
Huh?
Kuromi, I hope you know how bad it
would be to miss our broadcast slot.
Here's your business card.
Studio Petit Production
Desk Oguro Mikiko
Production Desk
Production Desk -
Animation Runner
Uh, sir?
You the new production manager?
Uh, yes.
Don't die before
we get another one.
Studio Petit
Animation Runner Kuromi
Akitaroh Daichi - Director
What is it?
Uh, I'm Oguro, I joined the
production department today.
I look forward to
working with you.
Right. My name is
Hamako Shihonmatsu.
I'm the line director for
"Time Journeys, Episode 2."
What?
Uh, what exactly
should I be doing?
Huh?
Twenty-five past two!
Here's the work schedule
for all the production stages.
And here's the
progress checklist.
So, the number
of finished cuts is...
What?! Just five?!
Five weeks for key animation,
and four weeks have already passed.
That leaves just one week.
Out of 312 total cuts,
only 5 are finished?
No way! No way!
That can't be right!
Okay, get a grip.
Hey!
Huh?
What's the big idea?
Hi. Hassaku Hozumi here. In
charge of staging for "Tai Ja 2."
"Tai Ja 2"?
Oh. I'm Mikiko Oguro.
How do you do?
Oh, no! I'll never get
these back in the right order.
Hey, staring at those
won't get the job done.
You gotta go get the
keys. The key animation.
Hassaku's right.
Footwork. That's what you do.
Right. I'll go get the keys.
Excuse me! But
where am I going?!
We're doomed.
This is it.
Yes?
Oh? Selling life insurance?
I'm Oguro, from Studio Petit.
Oh, you must be Kuromi.
No, I'm Mikiko Oguro.
- Wait a second.
- Uh, sure.
Keys for "Tai Ja 2."
Huh? 2...4...6...8... 10 cuts?!
- Yes, 10 cuts.
- Oh, thank you so much!
No sweat. Good luck.
Catch ya later.
Very smooth.
Yippee! The work's
getting done after all!
Why not? These people are pros!
Haryu
Hello. It's Oguro
from Studio Petit.
Are you the new
production manager?
Uh, yes. How do you
do? Nice to meet you.
I'm here for the finished keys.
Keys? Right.
It's finished.
Thanks for all the hard work!
Time Journeys 2
Uh, just one cut?
And only background?
That's just the beginning.
Uh, Mr. Haryu! Wait!
This can't be just the beginning!
There's hardly any time left!
Time Journeys
Oh, nothing today.
Excuse me?
I said not today.
What?
Do you mean zero?
Oh, I'm sorry. But
I'm having trouble.
The characters
have too much detail.
Don't you think so?
Well...
I need time to get used to
them. Just a little more time.
Uh, well...
Could you check these?
- Huh? You got them?
- Yes.
What? Is that all?
I'm sorry. Would you please?
Okay, done!
That sure was quick.
I know. I'm good.
Time Journeys 2
It's mostly Tanonaka's work.
Yes.
Uh, you're not leaving, are you?
It's not enough to bother
with. See you tomorrow.
But...
What?
What am I supposed to do now?
Go home.
Louis Monde III
Louis Monde...
- Huh? Still here?
- Good morning!
What's that?
Our schedule board. I
figure the bigger the better.
Liquid Type - Fat
Original Artwork
What a keener.
Petit Studios!
I'm here for keys!
Right. I'm working on it. Bye.
Finish them, please!
Wow! Crazy woman!
Here. You see?
I'm working on it.
Just two cuts?
It's much better than yesterday.
It's not good enough!
You've got to do better!
Geez, you sure
are a difficult one.
Mrs. Fukami, you
had zero yesterday.
I really need you to finish
up, or we're in trouble.
Is this all there is to life?
Uh, how many cuts do
you have for me today?
They're right next to you.
Three cuts, right?
How many can you
finish by tomorrow?
I won't know until I do them.
Well, that's no help! I've
got a schedule to keep!
I'm sorry, but it's so hard.
You know the characters
designed by Marizaki?
It's so, you know...
The characters
are not that good.
Yet I get all the detailed ones.
Uh, how many cuts today?
Uh, well... So, uh, nothing yet.
Nothing?!
- Look!
- Yes?
We don't have time!
Oh, really?
Don't you know the deadline?!
Oppama didn't
say anything to me.
Oppama!
If this keeps up,
we're in big trouble!
Gosh, I'm sorry.
Time Journeys
All done. Here you go.
There's 2...4...6...15 cuts!
Oh, you're the best!
Just doing my work.
Time Journeys
Hey, I'm getting worried about
Episode 2 of "Time Journeys."
Production Schedule
Oh, my God! We're
in serious trouble!
What's with you all of a sudden?
At this rate, there's no way
we'll make it by the air date!
It's not our job to
worry about that.
Maybe it's too much
for that rookie to handle.
Has the boss gone mad?
He's already starting
work on Episode 6.
Episode 2 was completely
left up to Oppama.
Well, don't blame me.
Me either.
Hey, she's back!
Here I am.
I got 15 cuts from Tanonaka.
Him again?
Yep. He's the only one I can
count on to get the work done.
- Let me see.
- Sure.
That rat!
- Kuromi.
- Yes?
He's fast, but I always
have to redo his work.
I try to tell him it's wrong.
But he just doesn't get it.
What? Really?
But Hassaku said
they checked out.
He barely looks at them.
Try matching this
with the other keys.
How many cuts has he
been assigned, anyway?
Uh, ninety cuts.
Ninety!
Yes, he's got the most.
Darn! I guess I'll have to redo them
from scratch. How about the others?
Zilch.
Louis Monde III
Are you gonna be okay?
Don't give me sighs. Are we
really gonna make the air date?
I wonder.
Don't wonder!
You know what it'll
mean if we can't air it?
Artists are all very eccentric.
It's your job to fire them up,
or you'll get nothing from them.
I'm trying my best.
But don't overdo it either.
Kuromi, wanna know the
secret of managing productions?
The secret?
Yeah, I used to do production
myself. I'll tell you ifyou want to know.
First, never tell them how
much trouble they're causing.
Never talk to them like that.
Those are all the
producer's problems.
Not the artists'.
And don't ask them
how many cuts they have.
Or how many sheets they've done.
And never, ever count the
cuts in front of their faces.
It's an insult.
They need to feel
good about themselves.
Good relations means good work.
What's wrong?
You didn't...
Time Journeys
It's no use.
I'm a failure.
In other news...
Due to the incompetence of
production manager Mikiko Oguro...
Episode 2 of "Time Journeys"
will not be airing tonight.
We're terribly sorry.
That was just a dream.
My stomach. I'm burning
a hole in my stomach.
I quit! I quit! I quit! I quit!
I quit.
President's Office
I quit!
He's not here.
What is it?
I quit!
Is that so? You're
quitting, huh?
Yes!
Okay, go ahead.
If you wanna quit,
it's best that you quit.
Uh, but I'm not waiting
until you find a replacement.
Fine. I guess
that's the way it is.
Right.
Don't worry. I
felt the same way.
You did?
I quit after a month.
I drew 250 sheets in a
month without a wink of sleep.
And for only $400.
"You've got to be joking! How
could I live on that!" I told them.
I didn't know.
But...
But now you're a director.
Yeah, but it was a tough road.
It was?
Yeah. People have to go
through some tough times.
- Kuromi?
- Yes?
What made you
choose this line of work?
Uh...
Well...
In high school, I
liked "Louis Monde III."
Oh?
An anime freak?
No! Actually, "Louis Monde
III" was the only anime I liked!
He was so cool. So,
I thought someday...
that I want to create
something like that.
Before I knew it, I
was in anime school.
I suppose that was
my first mistake.
"Louis Monde III," huh?
My debut work.
What? Is that right?
Original Character Concept
Have this.
Wh-What is it?
Louis Monde III Operetta George
I got it from the creator of the
story. He was impressed with me.
I-I can't accept this.
Go ahead. It's our
good-bye present.
Now what?
Hold onto it a little longer.
Okay.
- Here.
- Huh?
Useful pointers. (Listen to Fukami's Complaints / Abduct Haryu,
Steal Toys / Horaguchi, Praise Her / Tanonaka, Keep Status Quo)
With Fukami, you have
to listen to her complaints.
She's a newlywed coming to
terms with the realities of marriage.
Waiting there isn't going
to make it go any faster.
Oh, take all the time you need.
You're acting funny
today. You look listless.
I was just thinking
how my life's a bore.
I envy you. You've even
got a dependable husband.
Dependable? Don't make me laugh!
Huh? What do you mean?
Let's just say, you won't get far in
life if you have to depend on men.
- Oh, my. You don't say.
- Darn straight!
Life changes only for the woman!
Before marriage, it's all lies.
"I'll help with the
chores," he'll say.
Well, it's been six months,
and he hasn't lifted a finger!
He still has no idea how to
work the washing machine!
Leaves dirty socks everywhere!
Making a mess
like a kid, I tell you!
Then, he'll get all sappy
and beg me not to leave him!
Done!
Living with him, I've learned
what pathetic creatures men are!
- Really?
- Done!
Time Journeys
Horaguchi is a pessimist.
She doesn't seem to
have any confidence.
You have to praise her.
W-Wow, you're so good!
I mean...
I'm so jealous of people who
can draw. I think it's amazing.
It's my job. It goes
with the territory.
But I'm not good
with this character.
There's too much detail.
B-But your drawings are
the best of the bunch this time.
Really?
Yes. "I'm so glad we have
Horaguchi on the project."
Shihonmatsu's exact words.
What?!
She never praises people's work.
Uh, well, she did
yours. I believe...
Really?
Shihonmatsu? Imagine that.
Hey! Look at the
little palm tree!
- What? This?
- It's so cute.
- I call him "Takuro."
- Takuro!
As for Tekkamen...
This guy here.
You have to keep an eye
on him. Or he'll start playing.
Uh, whatcha doing?
I'm moving your
stuff to the studio.
- Why?
- To avoid distractions.
Hey! Be careful with that!
She's very delicate.
Leave it. You won't
need it for work.
W-Wait!
I wanna work here.
I can't concentrate if I
move to a new environment.
And I'm scared of Shihonmatsu.
Nothing to be afraid of. I can't
watch you here, so come along!
Just let me bring "Vampiress."
What the heck is "Vampiress"?
Th-This schedule isn't funny.
Thanks to you.
- You! Scary Shihonmatsu!
- Yeah, right.
Mr. Haryu! I have
your desk ready for you!
Off to work!
Evening, morning,
animator's morning, 10 o'clock.
Good morning!
Nobody here as usual.
Huh?
I finished all these!
You're kidding! All this?!
I got on a roll
and couldn't stop.
Oh? What brought that on?
Well...
I looked at this impossible
schedule and thought...
just do it.
Finally.
Don't start dancing yet.
"You coward! I'm
disappointed in you!"
"Y-You'll regret this!"
"No! I'll never let you do it!"
Hassaku's timing the lines,
and Kuromi is frightened by it.
Let me add that this is the storyboard
for "Time Journeys, Episode 6."
Just a little plug, there.
- Good morning.
- Oh, it's Mrs. Fukami.
Well, I had a fight with my
husband. Can I work here?
Okay! Please show
the animator to a desk!
Well, if it isn't Fukami!
Hey, what's the deal
with this schedule?!
Don't tell me you were serious!
I mean, don't you
work in a little buffer?
She's new here. She
hasn't learned such tricks yet.
- Yes, I can't do that.
- This is serious, lady.
All right! Let's draw!
- Morning.
- Morning!
It's mid-afternoon.
And then, right around
now the box just explodes!
The middle of the
meeting Original Art Men
And everyone's covered in soot.
- Uh...
- Yes?
Any specifications on the box?
I'll get it.
Something's here.
Hi, there! Shihonmatsu!
Oh, I like what you said.
Horaguchi! What a surprise!
Hello.
Wh-What are you doing here?!
I kind of want to
work next to her.
What? Me?
Uh, well... Your desk is over
here. Come on over! Over here!
Huh? Mrs. Fukami is here.
- Well, well.
- Cheers.
Today, I decided
to bring it in myself.
Huh? What's going on?
Tanonaka!
I'm hurt. Why wasn't I invited?
That's not it.
Just kidding. But I
think I could work here.
That'd be great.
Now I can pound the basics
of key animation into you.
Uh, what do you mean?
You dropped your pants.
Time Journeys
Like that!
- Here you are!
- Right.
- Here you go.
- Gotcha.
- And some more.
- Yup.
3 Days Left Original Art End!
Only three days left.
Oh, we'll never make it.
Just draw. We'll never
make it if you don't draw!
I suppose.
Night, day, night, day.
Hey, Kuromi. How many more days?
-Just one.
- Pretty tight.
We can do it!
- What's wrong?
- You smell.
Oh, I haven't bathed in a while.
What's this?
Found the backdrop.
Great, thanks.
See? Now, this is sloppy.
I'm sorry.
- And this doesn't work.
- Has anyone seen my Peg-bar?
I can't draw this character
without my special Peg-bar!
I know. I've seen
you sleep with it.
I haven't seen the studio
this busy in a long time.
- Here you go!
- Yeah.
- These, too!
- Ah.
And more!
Listen, guys. All this
energy is pretty cool.
But I can't check
these all at once.
But you will, right?
Oh...
Louis Monde...
I haven't given up. Everyone's
working so hard now.
Some even work
through the night.
If only they'd
done this earlier.
Almost there!
Over here! Bring it over here!
You can do it!
Yes! The official last cut!
In the nick of time!
- I'm speechless.
- I'm so touched.
Now comes the pencil testing.
And some fine tuning.
Then we ship to
in-betweeners, overseas.
We just need to
take it to the studio.
The studio's only
10 minutes away.
No sweat.
We pulled it off.
Unbelievable.
What's up?
Some cuts are missing.
What?!
What are these three cuts?!
235...236...237...
What is it, Hassaku?!
I-It's the motorbike scene.
Motorbike scene?
That's Hayama's,
of Studio Offshore.
I totally forgot.
I asked Hayama specifically
because that's his specialty.
How could you forget?
It was last year when
we assigned these!
No way. I bet he
hasn't done them.
- I'll go! Where is he?
- The beach.
What?!
I'll never make it!
Offshore!
Mr. Hayama! Mr. Hayama!
Mr. Hayama! Mr. Hayama!
Looking for Hayama?
Yes! Are you Mr. Hayama?!
No. Hayama's out there.
Here! Right here!
Mr. Hayama! Are
you Nonki Hayama?!
Yeah!
The sea is calling me!
You're hearing
things! Now, draw!
What have you been
doing all this time?
Overseas mail coming through!
I got them!
That door opens outward, Kuromi.
I'm afraid you're too late.
What?
Haryu's taken the cuts
to the in-betweeners.
And they're airborne.
That's because the in-between
work is done overseas.
You did your best, Kuromi.
I never thought it was possible.
You did yourself proud.
A superhuman effort.
Right.
What about these three cuts?
Let me see.
Hm.
Amazing! Way to go, Hayama!
When it comes to stuff like
this, no one can touch him!
It'd be tough to do
the in-between though.
I'll do it.
What?
Can you do that?
Of course. That's
where I started.
Wow! This is
history in the making!
Hayama's keys and
Shihonmatsu's in-betweens.
So, without a second to spare, Time
Journeys, Episode 2 was finished.
Thank goodness!
Back in the film days,
we did a screening.
Now it's reviewed in
a video editing room.
If we find something interesting
We'll go and see
faster than light
We are Time Journeys
Time Journeys
Episode 2: The Ballad
of Cape Mammoth
Ken, where to now?
Let's see.
I keep coming back to this.
Nihonbashi, 1814.
- Ah, friends.
- Professor!
What's with the outfit?
Oh, this? Well...
Professor, you old letch!
Kuromi, the bike scene's next.
Leave it to me!
After them!
That's all.
Wow...
You know all the bike
scenes in Louis Monde?
Hayama did all of them.
What?
He insisted I do
the in-betweens.
He paid me a special
visit to ask for my help.
That was after I'd quit.
So, then...
That's when I decided
to give it another shot.
Production Desk - Mikiko Oguro
Well, it's done.
Yes.
Thanks to you for whipping the
production department into shape.
When's the next one due?
Gosh, I don't know.
Hey, wanna grab a bite?
Sure!
Great work. Hope to see the
same quality on the next one.
Yes, sir! Thank you!
Hey, Kuromi!
Uh, yes?
I'll go on ahead. The
restaurant's by the station.
Okay.
Good work. You
did a magnificent job.
Thank you very much.
Here you go.
Huh? What's this?
Episode 6's current
status and schedule.
What?
This one should
be a real challenge.
W-Wait a second, boss! Boss!
Along the same
old river banks
Over the same old crossroads
I hear the same
old panting train
As I race to chase my dreams
Though often doused
in waves of tears
They dry to leave
a softened heart
In a sun-baked city
On winds to an
unknown future
I'm shining like
never before
Deliver me, oh wind
To the one I love
Carry my dreams
over to tomorrow
Over to tomorrow
Yumeta Company
I want to produce anime
for the anime industry.
We did it, didn't
we, Mr. Daichi?
Animation Industry?
Animation Runner
Kuromi: Director's Diary
Anyway, have someone
write the screenplay.
With a little effort,
the script was done.
And then, storyboards.
Solitude...
Complete!
Crashing the party!
Then, keep making art.
Enjoy watching Hajime
work as an animation director.
At the same time,
working on the background.
And then finishing
up camera work
Engineering
Recording
Recording Theme Song
We did it!
Members of Yumeta
Company who produced Kuromi
Good Job!