A-1 Pictures, the studio behind Solo Leveling, is taking steps to address one of the Japanese anime industry’s biggest challenges: its shortage of skilled animators. The studio has partnered with CloverWorks to establish FLINT BASE, a new facility designed to train emerging talent and strengthen domestic animation production.
The initiative could also influence how future A-1 Pictures projects are produced, including Solo Leveling Season 3. However, the studio has not confirmed whether the new facility will directly contribute to the next season or the upcoming Solo Leveling: Beyond the System movie.
A-1 Pictures and CloverWorks Launch FLINT BASE With Industry Support
FLINT BASE introduces an academy-style approach to animator training. Rather than relying entirely on traditional workplace instruction, first-year animators will receive structured training to develop their skills before taking on production assignments.
The initiative will initially focus on in-between animation, which involves creating the drawings that connect key animation frames and produce smooth movement. Although the trainees will work as outsourced contributors to major productions, the project aims to develop a stronger pool of animation talent within Japan.
A-1 Pictures President Akira Shimizu explained the initiative’s recruitment strategy in an interview with CBR.
“The aim this time,”
Shimizu said,
“is to find hidden talent after the industry’s job-hunting season has mostly settled down.”
The project has also attracted support from MAPPA and Production I.G, giving FLINT BASE backing from several established Japanese animation studios.
FLINT BASE Could Reduce Overseas Outsourcing for Future Anime
One of FLINT BASE’s biggest ambitions is to reduce the industry’s dependence on overseas studios for in-between animation. Japanese productions frequently outsource this work to international partners, making the availability of reliable animation resources an important production concern.
Shimizu hopes the initiative will help establish a stable domestic workforce. He also wants talented artists to have opportunities to
“build a career as an in-between specialist with real expertise.”
However, making the training model financially sustainable remains a significant challenge. Shimizu acknowledged that the project must balance education with commercial requirements, stating,
“We can’t continue if it isn’t profitable, and we can’t keep relying on the parent company.”
For Solo Leveling, the initiative could eventually provide A-1 Pictures with additional domestic animation resources. However, its actual influence on future productions remains unconfirmed.
Meanwhile, Solo Leveling: Beyond the System is in production without an official release date. Early reports have suggested a possible late 2027 release. Both existing anime seasons are available on Crunchyroll.
