Posted on Nov 8, 2022.

Netflix has struck a strategic partnership deal with Japanese outfit The Seven, which will produce original live-action titles for the streaming giant over the next five years.

Features and series produced through the partnership will be made available exclusively to Netflix subscribers across 190 countries

The Seven is a production company that was launched by leading Japanese media firm TBS Holdings at the end of 2021. Its creatives have previously worked with Netflix such as Akira Morii, who is head of development and production at The Seven and producer of hit series Alice in Borderland, which returns for a second season next month.

The streamer has also worked with the company’s visual effects producer Tomofumi Akahane, whose credits include Assassination Classroom and The Confidence Man JP.

Both are now working on upcoming Netflix feature Zom 100: Bucket List Of The Dead and series Yu Yu Hakusho, both based on manga series.

The Seven will also have access to an expansive new studio lot of almost 1,000 square meters, which is under construction in Midoriyama Studio City in Yokohama, and is slated to be one of the largest and most advanced soundstages of its kind in Japan when completed next year.

Kaata Sakamoto, vice president of content for Netflix Japan, said: “The Seven aims to tell stories from Japan in new ways, unbound by traditional creative limitations. Our partnership gives them the scale in production and budget, the creative freedom, and the reach to share their groundbreaking showstoppers with the world.”

Following the announcement of the partnership, Morii said: “Streaming has been a game-changer in that these platforms increased opportunities for Japanese films and shows to be seen around the world. The success of Alice in Borderland convinced us that stories from Japan can reach global audiences. It’s a great example that compelling visuals created with incredible attention to detail by Japanese local creators touched the hearts of fans worldwide.”

Source: Screen Daily.