Step into the enchanting world of Pokémon like never before with Netflix's latest creation, "Pokémon Concierge." This stop-motion animation series is a visual masterpiece, showcasing 29 beloved Pokémon across four short episodes set in a tropical island resort. The attention to detail in crafting each Pokémon, from fuzzy fur to smooth scales, creates an irresistible charm that will make any fan of the franchise instantly fall in love with the new setting.
While the only drawback is the brevity of each episode, lasting about 15 minutes, the magical allure of the Pokémon Resort depicted in "Concierge" will have you yearning to book your ticket for a getaway. Follow the journey of the new character, Haru, voiced by the talented Karen Fukuhara, as she takes a last-minute trip to the resort for a relaxing escape. As she embraces her role as a concierge, Haru encounters a colorful array of Pokémon, including fan-favorites like Charmander, Bulbasaur, Mudkip, and the ever-popular Pikachu.
In an exclusive interview with Variety, "Concierge" director Iku Ogawa and Hidenaga Katakami from The Pokémon Company shared insights into the making of this unique series. The journey began in 2019 when discussions with Netflix commenced during the production of "Detective Pikachu." The decision to opt for stop-motion animation was unconventional but proved to be a visually captivating choice, even with its time-consuming nature.
Katakami explained that the series was not initially planned to be set in any existing Pokémon region. The focus was on creating a compelling story for the protagonist, Haru, in a place that could authentically exist in the Pokémon universe. While the future of the Pokémon Resort appearing in other platforms remains uncertain, the possibility is not ruled out.
With over 1,000 Pokémon across nine generations, selecting the ones to feature in the show was a deliberate process. The decision to center the series around daily life in the Pokémon world, rather than battles, allowed for a fresh perspective. Katakami noted that insights from Pokémon fans in their 20s and 30s played a role in including a variety of earlier generation Pokémon.
The stop-motion animation process involved creating 86,000 images for the four episodes, showcasing 29 Pokémon and four main human characters. Ogawa, the animation maestro, shared that creating Pikachu was the most challenging due to the iconic nature of the character. In "Concierge," Pikachu takes on a unique personality, showcasing a more subdued and anxious demeanor compared to its typical happy and brave demeanor.
As for the fan reaction, Ogawa expressed joy in hearing that fans want to visit the Pokémon Resort and experience the everyday life with Pokémon. The series successfully captures the essence of having Pokémon as companions, a goal Ogawa set out to achieve with this project.
Immerse yourself in the delightful world of "Pokémon Concierge," where each frame is a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship and love for the Pokémon universe. Join Haru and her Pokémon companions in this enchanting adventure, and who knows, you might just find yourself yearning for your own Pokémon-filled vacation. Discover more about the magic of "Pokémon Concierge" by watching it on Netflix now.
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