US-based animation outsourcing studio Tonari Animation, which contributed to over 80 anime productions, including Black Clover, Blue Lock, Spy × Family, Boruto, Delicious in Dungeon, My Hero Academia, and One Piece, has announced its closure after four years of operation.
In an official statement on X/Twitter, Tonari Animation’s founder, Jarrett Martin, revealed that the studio would be shutting down all operations immediately due to financial difficulties and market challenges.
However, despite the reasons stated in the official statement released by the company, Tonari Animation and its founder, Jarrett Martin, have been embroiled in several controversies, which many believe were the real cause of the company’s sudden downfall.
According to insider reports, the studio was allegedly involved in unethical practices, including the use of AI in creative processes, selling NFTs, and accumulating a $200,000 tax debt with the IRS. Additionally, the studio faced backlash for promoting a $1,000 anime “know-how” course, only to cancel it later.
Assistant producers at the studio expressed dissatisfaction with poor working conditions and below-average pay, with some positions offering salaries lower than those at convenience stores. Furthermore, the company reportedly refused to hire foreigners, despite its founder being one himself.
Jarrett Martin has also faced criticism multiple times for making negative comments on emotional posts from creators at other studios, further adding to the company’s controversial history. Considering all the controversies surrounding the studio and its owner, its closure seemed inevitable
Tonari Animation will now be rebranded as Creative Freaks, with Martin continuing in the anime industry as Creative Director. He plans to create a “Sakuga Division” within the company, applying lessons learned from Tonari to support Japanese animation in a more sustainable manner.
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The post Animation Studio Behind One Piece & Black Clover Shuts Down appeared first on Anime Galaxy.
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