N Lite Animation Studio has recently announced an exciting new partnership with the acclaimed Japanese anime studio Gonzo K.K. and the talented director Peter Ramsey. Together, they will be collaborating on two groundbreaking animated projects: a noir thriller feature titled “Ripper” and a sci-fi adventure series called “Hotaru.”
“Ripper” is a live-action/anime hybrid feature set in post-WWII Japan, following the story of two detectives on the hunt for a serial killer who has taken the lives of the women they loved. Executive produced and co-written by Peter Ramsey, the project is a unique blend of historical and cultural elements, exploring the shared experiences of Black and Japanese individuals during that period. Viola Davis and Julius Tennon’s JuVee Productions are on board to produce alongside N Lite and Gonzo K.K., with a team of talented individuals including Shinichiro Ishikawa and Samantha Inoue Harte.
Ramsey is also set to executive produce the sci-fi adventure series “Hotaru,” which follows the journey of two star-crossed magic-wielding warriors bound by love and grief. Created by Inoue Harte, Paul Alvarado-Dykstra, and Christiano Terry, the series promises to be a captivating and innovative addition to the anime genre.
Christian Terry, CEO of N Lite, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, emphasizing the importance of building cultural bridges and meaningful partnerships within the anime community. He praised Gonzo K.K. for their legacy of producing visually stunning anime series and expressed his eagerness to work with the talented Peter Ramsey on these afro-anime projects.
N Lite, a Black-owned media company, is known for its diverse range of properties across film, TV, merchandising, publishing, and consumer goods. With the addition of Studio N Lite in Tokyo, the company continues to expand its reach and influence in the entertainment industry.
Gonzo K.K., based in Tokyo, has a reputation for creating cutting-edge anime series such as “Full Metal Panic!” and “Hellsing.” The studio made history with “Afro Samurai,” the first anime series in Japan to feature a Black protagonist voiced by Samuel L. Jackson. CEO Shinichiro Ishikawa expressed his pride in partnering with N Lite and Peter Ramsey on these innovative projects, highlighting their shared commitment to inclusive storytelling for diverse global audiences.
Overall, the collaboration between N Lite, Gonzo K.K., and Peter Ramsey promises to deliver fresh and exciting content to fans of anime and animation worldwide. Stay tuned for more updates on these upcoming projects as they develop.