Japanese anime studio Felix Film edited its spring hiring notice on Saturday, October 17, 2026, after online readers questioned language about generative artificial intelligence. The original web post asked job seekers to draw pictures using Blender or image AI tools [2]. Felix Film replaced that rule with a focus on 3D computer graphics software [1]. While Felix Film AI research looks into support tools for studio artists, Felix Film has not decided to introduce synthetic image generators into its commercial anime pipeline [2].
Original Recruitment Requirements
The original job notice ran on the company website between December 2024 and February 2026. It sought upcoming graduates who wanted to direct episodes, design original characters, or oversee key animation frames for new television broadcasts and upcoming theatrical releases [2]. Controversy centered on the second qualification [1]. It asked for candidates who “can create illustrations using Blender or image generative AI” [2]. Many artists saw this as a push toward AI art, prompting debate about Felix Film AI hiring rules [1].
Felix Film updated the page on October 17, 2026, removing the mention of image AI from applicant qualifications [1]. The revised text asks for artists who want to use Blender and 3D tools to smooth out key animation while widening the visual options available to drawing staff. It also states that Felix Film is “studying how AI technology can be used as one of the technologies to support the work of creators in the studio” [2]. That line shifted the focus back to hand drawing [1].
Felix Film said the first ad gave the wrong idea [1]. It doesn’t ask newcomers to make AI art. New artists still focus on clean lines, anatomical layout design, and frame timing under senior animation directors on hand-drawn cuts [3].
Official Studio Stance on Image Generation
Felix Film posted a formal notice on its website on October 17, 2026, explaining its goals [1]. Felix Film stated, “At this point, our company has not decided to implement generative AI for images in the studio, but we are studying its potential future use” [2]. Reports from OtakuKart and Anime News Network said Felix Film stated twice that any new tool must help artists rather than replace them [1][2]. Everyday work stays rooted in hand drawing [1].
Copyright issues formed a key part of the statement from Felix Film [1]. “If we implement generative AI technology in the future, we will carefully consider the elements of the services and techniques used, the rights issues, and the effects on the studio,” Felix Film wrote [2]. Debate continues in Tokyo over whether image generators use protected art without permission. Related surveys in the entertainment field, like a CESA survey examining Japanese developers using AI, show that while teams test automation, companies move slowly because of legal risks and copyright ownership questions. Felix Film wants to avoid copyright disputes that could harm its anime partners [1][2].
Felix Film took a cautious path. Unvetted image tools can damage long-term trust with freelance artists and production committees across Japan [1]. Because of these artistic and contractual concerns, Felix Film hasn’t bought or selected any commercial AI image synthesis program, choosing instead to watch legal developments before testing new systems on client shows [2].
How Felix Film AI Fits 3D Pipelines
Felix Film blends hand-drawn anime with computer graphics on many of its projects [1]. 3dsMAX serves as the main tool. According to official job notices, staff artists in Tokyo build models, create rigs, animate scenes, and finish lighting using Adobe AfterEffects under senior lead artists [3]. In this pipeline, Felix Film AI research focuses on file handling and render speed instead of text-to-image prompts [1][3].
A 3D pipeline needs close teamwork between different visual departments. Job details show that 3D staff work directly with layout artists and background painters to build dynamic camera paths for complex action scenes in television episodes [3]. Production notes from other shows, including details for production staff for My Sword Saint Master, show how modern anime relies on distinct roles to keep art style uniform across long broadcast runs. Felix Film hopes software can cut down repetitive tasks so directors can spend more time on art [1][2].
Drafters who draw 2D cuts use Clip Studio and Blender for layout work and cleanup [3]. Felix Film said Blender helps staff build 3D guides for tricky angles [2]. By dropping AI art from its job requirements, Felix Film made clear that candidates need solid drawing skills on paper and tablets [1].
Working Conditions for Recruited Animators
Recruitment pages for the Tokyo office outline pay and contract terms for spring 2026 hires. Terms run six months. Contracts begin on April 1, 2026, and run through September 30, 2026, offering renewable periods with formal options to convert into regular employee status based on individual performance reviews. The company provides extra pay for overtime, weekend shifts, and late hours [3].
Felix Film offers 25 percent extra pay for standard overtime and night shifts. If monthly overtime passes 60 hours, the extra rate rises to 50 percent. Staff work under a flextime schedule with core hours between 13:00 and 17:00, letting artists set their start and finish times around team goals. Production managers get a wider work window to track broadcast delivery deadlines [3].
Felix Film runs its work from offices in Mitaka and a branch in Kobe. Applicants must submit work for a portfolio review before an interview and a practical drawing test. All company sites keep smoke-free indoor spaces for staff health [3].
Studio History Behind Felix Film AI Policy
Past television series shaped current studio tools [1][2]. Felix Film made both hand-drawn animation and 3D scenes for Aharen-san wa Hakarenai, balancing comedy acting with digital backgrounds [1]. It also provided animation help for the theatrical feature Eiga Precure All Stars F, proving its capacity to deliver high-quality frames under tight movie deadlines [2].
Its best-known work is the racing series MF Ghost, where Felix Film handled animation, 3D car scenes, and in-between frames for multiple television episodes [1][2]. The show puts computer-generated cars onto tight mountain roads at high speeds, which needs tight matches between mechanical 3D car models and hand-drawn character reactions during racing duels. On the feature film I want to eat your pancreas, Felix Film contributed second key animation, in-between frames, and production help to support emotional character scenes [1][2].
Past credits guide studio choices. Big anime projects need clean copyright records, reliable digital assets, and close human teamwork that automated AI art generators currently can’t provide [1][2]. By updating its hiring page, the company keeps its focus on trained artists while directing Felix Film AI research toward practical support tools that help human staff [1].
- ONLINE NEWS Oneal, J. (2026, October 19). ‘MF Ghost’ Studio Felix Film Revises Animator Job Listing Over Generative AI, Says It Has Yet to Decide on AI Image Generation. OtakuKart. [Article Link]
- ONLINE NEWS Anime News Network. (2026, October 18). Anime Studio Felix Film Edits Job Listing That Encouraged Generative AI. Anime News Network. [Article Link]
- WEBSITE FelixFilm. (2026, October 17). 採用情報 東京本社 [Recruitment Information Tokyo Headquarters]. FelixFilm. [Article Link]
