Quarantine is driving desire for R-rated animated movies, says Sony exec

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

While mature and adult-themed animation has thrived in Japan and around the globe, PG-13 and R-rated animated fare has been a niche market here in North America. But, according to Kristine Belson, president of Sony Pictures Animation, Features and Series, our current state of global quarantine during this pandemic is increasing audience desire for these types of films.

No, not porn, you purveyors of eyebrow-raising Patreons, but films like A SCANNER DARKLY, ANOMALISA and HEAVY METAL that are able to delve into dramatic and genre fare like other family-friendly animations are designed not to do.

Speaking Thursday at the Collision From Home virtual conference, Belson said, “I don’t think you’re going to see more family animated movies because that’s very saturated,” she suggested. “There will be more R-rated animated movies.” While it's true that Sony has yet to announce any manner of R-rated animated fare, Belson revealed, “There are a couple we’re working on and we’re really excited about releasing our first one. I think you’re going to see PG-13 animated movies, which is something you haven’t seen before. Harder action-adventure sort of stuff.”

Despite the devastating effects that the coronavirus pandemic has had on the film industry, Belson states that the past few months have gone "surprisingly well" as she and her group have made the transition from in-office environments to working remotely within everyone's respective homes. While the process of working from home is different, and comes packaged with its own unique set of limitations, it's possible that in-home animation studios could become common practice. That said, some aspects of the business will still require a hands-on approach. “There’s just something different when you’re all in a room together,” she said. And while zany Zoom conference calls and digital tools are helping animators get most of the job done, Belson laments that "you can't hear the laughter as well." Like many other jobs, environment and in-person chemistry is a major part of animation. In fact, it's within that style of a group setting where some of the best ideas and breakthroughs are born.

With regard to production during COVID-19, Belson said, “There are areas we’re trying to work through.” For example, voice acting has been able to continue, thanks largely to advancements in recording equipment as well as the ability to send files online. “We’ve made real headway,” she reassured her audience, while also giving a tip of her proverbial hat to elaborate iPad riggings and equipment sent to staff and cast members.

While this all sounds peachy keen, there are aspects to the animation process that have proven difficult during the pandemic, such as creating scores for upcoming releases.

“How do you replace 100 musicians all together in the same space?” Belson said inquisitively. There's also the matter of test screenings, which often determines what does and doesn't make it to the final cut of a film. “Audience testing is something we’re trying to figure out,” she said. “It’s so valuable for us to get feedback from audiences in a theater.”

Finally, Belson made mention that working with staff and cast members remotely from their homes has allowed her to establish a more personal connection with those individuals. After all, seeing people in their natural habitat can often be revealing, and that goes beyond there being a pile of laundry steadily taking shape in the background as the days go by. “I actually feel that I know everybody that I work with a lot better than I did,” she said. “We’re in everybody else’s homes. I’m in their bedrooms. I’m seeing their kids, I’m seeing their pets. Their spouses are coming in and giving them a sandwich for lunch. And we’re talking about what we’re going through.”

Speaking as an animation enthusiast, it warms my heart to hear that work has continued for animators amidst the pandemic. Technology can be a fickle beast at the best of times, though it's allowed some of Hollywood's most talented artists to remain in the game and keep projects running relatively smoothly. In addition to being game for more mature animations in the future, I'm also excited to see how the art form evolves as a result of these trying times.