Animation Conference 2026
Jury Lecture
From Script to Studio
Ghost in the Shell, Giovanni’s Island, and Beyond
Overview
Taiki Sakurai reflects on his entry into the anime industry as a screenwriter on Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex and his creative journey since. Recalling how he joined the series and his experiences writing for it, he goes behind the scenes of Giovanni’s Island, where he served as both screenwriter and producer—a turning point in his career.
He then shares his subsequent journey, from building Netflix’s anime team and bringing numerous titles to audiences worldwide to founding his own company, Salamander Pictures.
From writing stories to bringing projects to life and connecting them with audiences around the world, Sakurai draws on his own experiences to explore the possibilities of creating animation.
Speakers
CEO / Producer / Script Writer
Taiki Sakurai
Taiki Sakurai began his career as a screenwriter at Production I.G in 2002 with Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex. His writing credits also include REDLINE and numerous other titles. After serving as both screenwriter and producer on Giovanni’s Island, he shifted his focus to producing.
In 2017, he joined Netflix as Chief Director, leading its anime creative team for six years. His producing credits include Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness, Gundam: Requiem for Vengeance, Pokémon Concierge, and Love Through a Prism.
In June 2023, he founded Salamander Pictures, where he draws on his experience as a screenwriter and producer to develop new anime projects.
Related Program
Producer Taiki Sakurai will join us as a guest to share insights into the making of the film and behind-the-scenes stories from its production.
For more details, please visit Programs >Invitational Screenings / Special Programs > "Giovanni's Island".