It’s amazing, and yet at the same time hardly surprising, but of all the Japanese animation studios out there SEGA landed ‘Production IG’ to work upon its anime intro for ‘Sonic Riders’.
This revelation came about when Sonic Channel staff member Moro (although there maybe a translation error in the name) revealed a piece of the Sonic Riders conceptual art on the Channels staff column. It would appear the art represents a part of the intros storyboard; although Moro is unclear on the matter, often deviating in content to Japans current weather conditions. However one thing is certain, the art bears Production IG’s official logo.
Production IG famously worked in collaboration with Studio Gainax to produce the groundbreaking show ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’. Ironically SEGA had a helping hand in the production of the anime’s big screen debut ‘End of Evangelion’. More commonly you’d have seen the Production IG’s work in Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Kill Bill Vol.1’. And if you’re not much of a movie person then you can expect to see more of the studio’s work in: Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance, Ghost in the Shell, Namco X Capcom, and many more.
Production IG Japanese site
Production IG Amercian site
Quote wikipedia, Production IG:
Production IG was founded on December 15, 1987, by Mitsuhisa Ishikawa. They are one of the more famous and celebrated Japanese animation companies. They are known for doing outstanding cinematic productions as well as continuing the less glamorous work of subcontracted work in spite of their recent successes.
Production IG has a very strong international strategy, resulting in the establishment of an American division, Production I.G. LLC. in 1997. The American company is headed by Mitsuhisa Ishikawa as is the parent Japanese one. Currently, the American division serves primarily as an antenna to the American anime culture, and providing presence at conventions. Combined with a strong relationship with Manga Entertainment, this is credited for giving Production IG and its works a strong international presence and appeal.
Known primarily for its feature length animated films, the company also handles a number of other ventures; Direct to video features, video game animated cut-scenes, video game design and development, as well as music publishing and management.