Independent anime production continues to push creative boundaries, as Studio Sample unveils a striking new teaser trailer for their upcoming project, Hikari. The newly released footage offers a glimpse into the project's distinctive blend of traditional 2D animation and real-world live-action locations, accompanied by an evocative musical score that elevates the atmosphere beyond their previous work.
Expanding the Horizon
The new project serves as a follow-up to the studio's breakout YouTube short ame/rité, which debuted in August. That sub-nine-minute action piece chronicled ordinary student Aya Kuronjo caught in a supernatural clash against a mysterious entity, utilizing authentic live-action backdrops captured across Yamagata City to ground its fantastical elements.
Spearheaded by director Killer Washing Machine and lead key animator Nekoless, Studio Sample is positioning Hikari as their ambitious graduation project. According to the creators, audiences can expect a substantial leap in scope, production value, and narrative complexity when the full project arrives in 2027.
