G-SAVIOUR ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION

Participants:

Koichi Inoue (Sunrise)
Takanori Tsukada (Sunrise Interactive)
Yoshikazu Maeda (Sunrise Interactive/Atelier Sai)
Katsumi Kawaguchi (Bandai Hobby Division)
Tadahiro Sato (Dengeki Hobby Magazine)
Hironori Shibahara (Dengeki Hobby Magazine)

■ G-SAVIOUR ≠ GUNDAM?

Satou: From our readers’ perspective, the first question that comes to mind is, “Isn’t G-Saviour just another Gundam?” We’ve written many times that it’s different, but I’m not sure if that message is really getting through.

Inoue: You’re right. At this point, that’s probably the most confusing aspect for most people.

Kawaguchi: Well, fundamentally, it’s set in the Universal Century timeline, with Settlements and mobile suits appearing. So it’s natural for people to wonder, “What’s actually different here?”

Inoue: At yesterday’s fan meetup, someone asked me, “Why isn’t there a discussion board for G-Saviour on the Gundam Station website?” (laughs) But those who actually saw it at yesterday’s NASDA event felt that there was something distinctly different about it. I think this reaction is the answer to the question, “Is G-Saviour not Gundam?”

Shibahara: Could you be more specific about the differences?

Inoue: First of all, the presence of live actors gives it a very immediate, visceral feel. Unlike previous Gundam works, G-Saviour is set in an era where mobile suits are commonplace, and it’s about how our protagonists live in that world. Mobile suits, which are also used in combat, are essentially the equivalent of today’s fighter jets. Also, all the characters are non-Japanese, giving it a distinctly international flavor. Gundam has always been animated entertainment, so G-Saviour diverges significantly in this aspect as well. Conversely, because it’s so different from previous Gundam works, we’re not trying to establish this as the new standard for Gundam. If we were to make a live-action version of the original Gundam, it would be approached completely differently. We’d be troubled if people thought that G-Saviour represents the culmination of a live-action Gundam. Ultimately, G-Saviour is a separate entity that emerged from the Gundam universe.

Satou: It might be a bit challenging to expect people who haven’t seen it to understand these differences.

Inoue: Well then, what did all of you think of G-Saviour?

Shibahara: I definitely felt that there was something non-Gundam about it. It’s difficult to articulate that nuance in a way that’s easy to market, though…

Inoue: Well, if you just look at the designs, they certainly look like Gundam (laughs). The initial designs were done by Kunio Okawara, and we deliberately retained some of the old Gundam iconography. In termobile suit of design alone, it’s probably more “Gundam-like” than some of the recent entries in the franchise.

■ THE INSPIRATION BEHIND G-SAVIOUR

Inoue: After discussing various aspects at NASDA yesterday, I was reminded of our initial drive – we simply wanted to see something “real.” The advancement of CG technology played a crucial role in the creation of G-Saviour. In traditional animation, it’s challenging to fully convey how a real mobile suit would look and move. We believed CG could bridge that gap. After developing the Mac game, we felt confident enough to tackle a live-action project. Our goal was to naturalize the concept of people living in space with mobile suits as part of their everyday life. Of course, we had to remain cognizant of the established Gundam logic. So, in a sense, viewers who perceive this as “Gundam” aren’t entirely wrong.

Tsukada: Sunrise has been talking about venturing into live-action for ages, hasn’t it? Pretty much since the original Gundam aired 20 years ago.

Inoue: Exactly. So we decided to create a 90-minute piece as a starting point. However, the time constraint proved to be a significant challenge. A TV series would allow for more content, but 90 minutes is incredibly brief. Within that timeframe, we needed to present a world where mobile suits exist without raising too many questions, while also impressing first-time viewers. That’s why it’s been particularly well-received by Americans unfamiliar with Gundam.

Satou: It’s probably the first live-action production where giant robots move so smoothly, isn’t it?

Inoue: Interestingly, some viewers accustomed to Japanese anime suggested we could have made the movements even faster. It’s all about finding that balance between realism and expectations.

■ RELEASE INFORMATION FOR G-SAVIOUR

Inoue: We’re currently preparing G-Saviour for release within this year. We’re exploring various options, including terrestrial broadcasting, BS satellite, and even theatrical release.

Satou: It certainly seemobile suit like a production that would be impressive on the big screen.

Inoue: To be honest, what we have completed now is in video format. So, personally, I’d prefer it to be shown on television. However, in America, where cinema is held in higher regard, we’ve been told it would be “a waste to show it on TV.” Some people find it that novel and exciting. Interestingly, it’s also being treated as somewhat of a “phantom production” (laughs).

Shibahara: What do you mean by that?

Inoue: There are many Gundam fans in America, with merchandise available and TV broadcasts ongoing. But there’s this rumor circulating about “a live-action Gundam made in America,” and people are wondering, “When can we see it?” So even though it’s completed, it’s gained this mystique of a “phantom production.”

Tsukada: Recently, we’ve been hearing a lot of “I want to see it soon” from Japanese fans too.

Satou: From my personal perspective, it’s well-made as a film, so I think it could be released anytime. The story is also accessible in a good way.

Inoue: That might be the influence of it being made in America. Over there, with such diverse cultural backgrounds, there’s a need for logic to be consistent and clear.

Satou: True. Most successful American productions tend to be quite straightforward, so I suppose that approach has been adopted here as well.

Inoue: Yes, the foundation is accessibility. However, some viewers have said, “This is definitely Gundam,” referring to the use of complex terminology. While the story is easy to follow, we use a lot of military jargon. This isn’t common in American productions. Hollywood movies are generally premised on being enjoyable even for children. But then you have shows like The X-Files that use quite complex language.

Satou: ER is similar in that respect.

Inoue: Exactly. Those represent the adult-oriented content over there, while family-oriented productions aim for a much younger demographic. In that sense, G-Saviour is geared towards adults. One of the reasons we opted for live-action was to appeal to those who watched Gundam 20 years ago but have since drifted away from anime. We wanted to create something they could still enjoy.

■ THE SITUATION IN JAPAN

Inoue: There’s a rumor circulating on the internet that G-Saviour has been scrapped. To dispel these rumors, we’ve been collaborating with hobby magazines. Thanks to that, awareness has been growing recently. Though it seemobile suit the gap in perception has widened as well (laughs). So, what’s the actual reader response been like?

Shibahara: In our surveys, it’s ranking relatively high. Considering it’s an unreleased work, I’d say that’s quite a positive result.

Satou: In termobile suit of attention, the second feature introducing the Bible Model garnered better results than the first one about the actors and staff.

Inoue: As expected (laughs). Red torso, yellow chest. “This is totally Gundam!” But then it says, “This isn’t Gundam.” I wonder if that’s the level of recognition we’re dealing with.

Kawaguchi: No, I think many people don’t even know it’s “not Gundam.” They probably just see the photos and think, “Oh, a new Gundam!”

Inoue: I see.

Satou: In our magazine, we’ve intentionally separated it from the Gundam pages, but people might not have noticed…

Inoue: So there’s a possibility some people are recognizing the Bible Model as a new product. Bandai, have you received any inquiries about this?

Kawaguchi: Not so far. However, I’ve seen opinions online asking if Bandai will release it as a model kit.

Maeda: I think many of our existing users are assuming “it’ll happen eventually.”

Kawaguchi: That’s likely true.

Inoue: But the magazine coverage has had an impact. We’ve even had people writing on the Sunrise Station, “I saw it. That’s the next Gundam, right?”

Tsukada: While there aren’t many full-body shots in the actual work, when it’s presented this way in print, it’s understandable that people see it as “Gundam.”

Inoue: It’s inevitable, isn’t it?

■ THE IMPACT OF THE BIBLE MODEL

Shibahara: Most readers first encounter this design and then enter the world of “G-Saviour,” so there’s definitely a sense of “Is this the next series?”

Satou: From a simple perspective, people might think that after concluding the anime approach, this year explores a new “Gundam” including live-action. Many probably consider the Bible Model as the new standard for “Gundam.”

Tsukada: At this stage, it’s impossible to judge the work itself. After all, very few people have seen it.

Inoue: For general readers, they’ve only seen it at the Okinawa charity event, JAL, or fan meetups… A week after this issue’s release, it’ll be viewable in Misawa, Aomori. Then there’s the trailer version from about two years ago. Though it’s significantly upgraded since then.

Maeda: Indeed, the final version has become something that can withstand adult scrutiny, both visually and narratively.

Kawaguchi: That’s the point. While it’s being serialized in the magazine, the information is based on the Bible Model, so readers’ evaluations are likely focused on the model. That’s why I think many people are questioning the claim that “G-Saviour isn’t Gundam.”

Inoue: Exactly. That’s why all I can say today is “Sorry it’s not released yet” (laughs).

Kawaguchi: (laughs) Either way, hobby magazine articles always lead with the physical model. I think there’s a foundation for users to accept the background of G-Saviour. So, it’s about how much we show before the release. If we don’t expand the world of G-Saviour to some extent, the gap between the creators’ and audience’s mindsets might widen.

Inoue: I’ve felt that during previous screenings too. There are indeed various interpretations.

Satou: However, I feel that the quality of the model is increasing the level of interest. Despite not being widely seen, the high survey results suggest that aspect is highly appreciated.

Inoue: So, from a Hobby Magazine reader’s perspective, there’s an awareness that “they seem to be making a live-action Gundam,” right?

Shibahara: I think so. And some people are thinking, “This time it’s like the old Gundam” (laughs).

Tsukada: (laughs) I suppose so.

Satou: I think that’s reflected in the surveys. Conversely, it’s ranking high without any footage, which shows high interest.

Maeda: As someone who was a user until a few years ago, there’s a sense of realization that the long-awaited live-action “Gundam” has finally happened. So no matter how much the creators say “It’s not Gundam,” users are probably thinking, “It’s Gundam after all, right?” They might even be thinking, “If it’s UC 223, there’s a possibility that V Gundam’s Uso is still alive.”

Inoue: That’s probably true.

Maeda: I think they’ll just accept the world setting as “Anti-Minovsky particles were discovered, so mobile suits are getting bigger again.”

Inoue: Of course, it’s fine to view it with that sensibility. We’ve had people asking, “Are there fleet battles?” or “What about mobile armors?” The world of “Gundam” has such diverse elements that these questions come up; it’s like a full course meal. G-Saviour isn’t quite there yet. We only have one installment, and it’s just 90 minutes, even shorter than one “First Gundam” movie. Plus, we’ve intentionally reduced some elements to make it accessible to those unfamiliar with “Gundam.”

■ THE REALITY OF MOBILE SUITS

Inoue: We want to introduce the Bible Model as if it were a real machine. When we went to NASDA, they said, “The real thing would be quite different” (laughs). We’d like to convey more of that sense of reality.

Satou: Since it’s something that doesn’t actually exist, bridging that gap and how to present it is a challenge for the creators.

Inoue: Actually, one of the reasons we decided to make G-Saviour was Honda’s P1 and P2. People who loved “Astro Boy” created the P series. So, we wondered, will people who love “Gundam” create Mobile Suits in the future?

Satou: Like an 18-meter humanoid robot with Self-Defense Force markings? (laughs)

Maeda: Even if that’s impossible, something like a Labor might be feasible.

Shibahara: AT (Armored Trooper) might be close to realization soon.

Inoue: Looking at current fighter jets and tanks, even an 8-meter size isn’t far-fetched. The individual components like legs and armobile suit are becoming increasingly plausible in reality.

Kawaguchi: When you see heavy machinery at construction sites, the size of an mobile suit arm becomes quite relatable.

Inoue: Exactly.

Shibahara: There was a commercial once showing the assembly of enormous machinery, about five times the size of current ones. Watching that, I thought, “Mobile Suits are actually smaller than this.”

Inoue: Today’s power shovels can climb buildings. In that sense, we assumed each individual part could really exist, and based on that, we asked Maeda-san and his team to “create the real thing.”

Maeda: That was quite challenging (laughs).

Inoue: I bet (laughs). We even considered making full-scale models for filming, but they’re really huge (laughs). We had Hollywood-level artists involved in the art direction, who said they could make full-scale models, but that would require an enormous budget. For the mobile suit appearing in the main story, everything was CGI without any physical models. We gave the local staff Master Grade models (laughs) to get a feel for the movement, size, and overall atmosphere of the mobile suit before creating the CGI. We only made a full-size, functional cockpit.

Shibahara: So, the mobile suit legs that Mark and others hide behind in the film were also CGI?

Inoue: We discussed making those legs and got as far as 1/5 scale. When we talked about making it full-scale, someone said, “Do you realize how big this would be at five times the size?” Specifically, about the size of a house. Just the ankle would be comparable to a large vehicle, so we couldn’t carelessly create a full-scale version.

■ THE POSSIBILITY OF G-SAVIOUR MODEL KITS

Inoue: Actually, when the G-Saviour film was completed, I had a one-sided discussion with Kawaguchi-san about “what product format would be best.” We even talked about how having a real thing (the Bible Model) might make it challenging to create model kits.

Kawaguchi: Yes.

Inoue: We even discussed ideas like making the packaging look like a scale model. These were all just my one-sided ideas (laughs). From an expert’s perspective, how appealing do you think G-Saviour would be as a model?

Maeda: At the first screening, someone said, “If you put GP03’s tail binder on F91, you’d get G-Saviour,” right?

Inoue: That’s right (laughs). The actual thing is quite different though. But the ground-type might look a bit like F90 (laughs).

Shibahara: The concept of attaching armor and weapons to the main frame is very model-like and interesting.

Inoue: There’s a hidden reason for this frame idea. When you create a realistic mobile suit in CGI, it can look like a person in a suit. So we wanted to clearly show that there’s no person inside. That might make it tougher as a model though.

Satou: Readers might have thought it was an in-progress machine. You know, like the Zeong.

Maeda: These days, even Master Grade kits reproduce the inner frame, so people might think this Bible Model was designed with that in mind.

Inoue: If Bandai were to release this as a model, what parts would be challenging?

Kawaguchi: Well… The part where “it’s Gundam but not Gundam.” If we don’t carefully express that subtle distinction, it won’t be G-Saviour anymore.

Satou: The same goes for example builds. If it were made into a kit, should we approach it like other character models? Or would it be better to treat it as a scale model?

Kawaguchi: Right. With the usual format, we might lose this unique flavor.

Inoue: The structural theory is different from previous Mobile Suits. We haven’t shown the 3D models yet, but maybe something like the Congressional Army’s Bugu would be easier to understand.

Shibahara: If it were made into a kit, I think it would be either 1/144 or 1/100 scale, but both would be smaller than the Bible Model. Especially at 1/144, wouldn’t it be difficult to reproduce the frame structure?

Kawaguchi: If we disregard profitability, it might not be impossible, but then it wouldn’t be a “product” anymore (laughs).

Inoue: Then, how about we conduct a survey among readers about G-Saviour kit production?

Shibahara: It would be better if we had a bit more material, including the enemy side (laughs), but alright. We’ll give it a try (laughs). Well then, as we wrap up, Inoue-san, would you like to say a few final words?

Inoue: Regarding G-Saviour, we’re considering various developments, including public screenings. Please wait a little longer for detailed information, which will be announced along with the broadcast time. I assure you, it will be interesting.