Tubi’s ‘Terror Man’ PD: 3-Year Journey to Korean Anime Breakthrough

The animated series “Terraman,” available on the streaming platform Tving, demanded an extraordinary level of dedication from its creators. The production process, as detailed in a recent interview with producer Lee Jong-hyeok, was marked by meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to quality that spanned nearly three years and involved over 200 staff members.

A labour of Love: The Making of “Terraman”

Lee Jong-hyeok explained that if the quality of the animation didn’t meet expectations, entire sections were reworked. This commitment to excellence extended to every aspect of the production, from the initial planning stages in 2021 – a collaboration between CJ ENM and Y Lab – to the full-scale production that began in 2022. He believed the unique premise of a dark hero who can foresee misfortune, combined with the potential for expanding the Superstring universe, made it ideal for animation.

Did You Know? The production of “Terraman” involved a team of over 200 staff members working for nearly three years, all dedicated to hand-drawn animation.

The visual elements of “Terraman” were also carefully considered. Lee Jong-hyeok emphasized the team’s efforts to visually represent the contrast between the protagonist’s outward appearance and his inner turmoil, sometimes subtly blurring backgrounds to focus attention on the characters. The opening theme song was recorded by Kim Tae-rae of the group ZeroBaseOne, while Kwon Jin-ah provided vocals for the ending theme, aiming for a delicate and nuanced sound.

Challenges and Triumphs in Production

The production wasn’t without its difficulties. Lee Jong-hyeok noted that staff members left the project for various reasons during the extended production timeline, and some were replaced. He shared a poignant story of an outsourced director who continued working on the project even while battling illness, ultimately leaving due to health concerns. Despite these challenges, the team persevered, striving to remain faithful to the original source material while adapting it for the animated format.

One particularly demanding scene was the opening sequence featuring Busan’s Gwangan Bridge. Lee Jong-hyeok described it as crucial for establishing the series’ tone and action style, requiring significant time and effort to create the visually striking effect of purple afterimages as Terraman dodges bullets. The team also conducted extensive location research, visiting real-world sites like the Han River in Seoul, Mapo-gu, and Anyang Station to ensure accurate depictions.

Expert Insight: The extended production timeline and dedication to detail demonstrated by the “Terraman” team highlight the significant investment required to produce high-quality, original animated content. This level of commitment is often necessary to compete in a market increasingly dominated by established franchises.

The voice acting also drew some mixed reactions, with some viewers noting a disconnect between the characters’ voices and their expectations based on the original work. Lee Jong-hyeok explained that the casting focused on actors who could convincingly portray the characters’ inner turmoil and vulnerability, and that the actors were given minimal direction to allow for creative interpretation.

Looking Ahead

The success of Netflix’s “K-Pop Demon Hunters” has sparked discussion about the state of the domestic animation industry. Lee Jong-hyeok emphasized the need for a sustainable production structure that allows for long-term projects – like the seven years it took to create “K-Pop Demon Hunters” – and the importance of partnerships to target the global market, rather than relying solely on domestic funding. He expressed hope that the positive reception to “Terraman” will lead to discussions about a second season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is “Terraman” about?

“Terraman” tells the story of Min Jeong-woo, a high school student who unintentionally becomes a terrorist. He possesses the ability to see a “violet hue” that foretells future misfortune, and lives with Lilia, a former Russian mafia member who helps him conceal his powers.

How long did it take to produce “Terraman”?

The production of “Terraman” took nearly three years and involved over 200 staff members.

What was a particularly challenging scene to create?

The opening scene featuring Busan’s Gwangan Bridge was particularly challenging, as it needed to establish the series’ tone and action style with a visually striking effect of purple afterimages.

Given the dedication and challenges faced during the production of “Terraman,” what does this suggest about the future potential for original Korean animated series on the global stage?