Chansard Vincent, a name synonymous with stunning animation in hit series like Jujutsu Kaisen and One Piece, recently threw the anime world into disarray. During a candid Twitch stream with fellow animator Dorian Coulon, Vincent dropped a bombshell – he’s severing ties with MAPPA, the studio behind some of the most top-hitting shows of last year.
But this wasn’t your typical contract expiration announcement. Vincent’s words were laced with disillusionment, a stark declaration against “a company that ideologically doesn’t care about working conditions.”
Who is Vincent Chansard?
In case you’re not aware, Vincent Chansard is one of the best key animators who has worked with MAPPA on various projects.
- Vincent was responsible for animating some of the biggest episodes of One Piece where he animated the Key scenes of Zoro vs King, which got him a lot of praise on a global scale.
- Recently, he worked with MAPPA Studio on a pivotal sequence in Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 for animating Sukuna vs Mahoraga.
For someone as crucial as him to speak out so vehemently is a damning indictment of the system.
What happened at MAPPA Studio?
2 years ago i said iwould never work for mappa again. Hakuyu Go-san was the only one who made me reconsider,but this was the last time. Will see if i get permission to post genga. Here are some photos i took when i was working on the cut of mahoraga in the pool
Watercolor+colorex pic.twitter.com/LTZMg47Y8L— Chansard Vincent (@Sparkleredpanda) November 16, 2023
The firestorm wasn’t ignited in a vacuum. Vincent’s frustration stemmed from his experience on Jujutsu Kaisen season 2, a production plagued by “utterly poor scheduling” and rampant animator overwork. This is not the first time he has spoken out against the Studio, in November 2023, he’d already declared his intention to distance himself from MAPPA Studio.
However, he reluctantly returned for one final episode at the behest of close friend and director, Hakuyu Go. But even Go, it seems, has reached a breaking point, echoing Vincent’s sentiment against further collaboration with the studio.
How can Chansard Vincent backlisting damage MAPPA’s future?
The potential fallout is undeniable. Reputational damage, fan backlash, and internal investigations loom large for MAPPA Studio. More importantly, Vincent’s actions raise crucial questions about animator exploitation and the blacklisting of those who dare to speak up. While concrete evidence against MAPPA specifically is elusive, the industry’s history of blacklisting practices cannot be ignored. This is a call for open dialogue, transparency, and fact-based investigations to separate truth from speculation.
A wake up call against the conventional work culture
This isn’t a lone cry for help. Vincent’s outburst echoed the collective frustration of multiple Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 animators who took to Twitter, venting about unsustainable workloads and a palpable sense of being pushed to the edge.
Chansard Vincent’s act of defiance is a wake-up call for the entire anime industry. It’s a stark reminder that the dazzling visuals and few minutes of entertainment come at a human cost. This isn’t about pointing fingers or assigning blame; it’s about fostering a culture of open communication, fair treatment, and sustainable practices.
Conclusion
Chansard Vincent may have drawn the battle lines, but the war for animator rights and ethical production practices is far from over. This is a moment of reckoning, demanding the collective attention of studios, fans, and creators alike. Let Vincent’s voice be the catalyst for a much-needed transformation, ensuring that the future of anime is not just visually stunning, but also ethically sound, where every frame pulsates not just with animation magic, but with the respect and well-being of the artists who breathe life into it.
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