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DR Movie Co., Ltd. (주식회사 디알무비) is a South Korean animation studio that was established in Seoul in 1990 and frequently works with Japanese companies on anime titles. Since 1991, the studio has been in an exclusive partnership with the Japanese animation studio Madhouse, and in 2001, Madhouse became a partial owner/investor. In 2006, Madhouse's parent company at the time, Index Holdings, invested 600 million yen.[1] DR Movie has been responsible for the animation production end of several Madhouse anime, starting with Tenjho Tenge in 2004 and continuing notably with Claymore in 2007. DR Movie has also been looking to make partnerships with Chinese animation companies for future productions, and as of March 2007 entered into a joint venture studio in Qingdao, China.[1]

Key Information

Besides Madhouse, DR Movie also has worked extensively with Nickelodeon, Sunrise, Warner Bros Animation, Gonzo, and Studio Ghibli. DR Movie is the only Korean contract studio with which Ghibli has worked.[2]

Additionally, DR Movie maintains a production facility in Busan, known as Busan DR.

Works

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Original productions

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As an outsource studio for American production

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Notes

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References

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DR Movie

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DR Movie Co., Ltd. is a studio founded in November 1990 in , specializing in production services including key animation, second key animation, in-between , finish animation, and backgrounds for and . The studio has built a reputation for high-quality contributions to both Japanese and Western projects, often handling labor-intensive tasks like inking and painting, and has grown into a key player in international . Established during a period when South Korean studios began filling gaps left by rising costs in Japan, DR Movie quickly formed partnerships with major Japanese producers, including an exclusive collaboration with Madhouse starting in 1991 and a stake acquisition by the studio in 2000. This alliance, which continued with Madhouse's successor MAPPA, enabled DR Movie to participate in landmark anime productions such as Ninja Scroll (1993), Princess Mononoke (1997), and Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust (2000), where it provided essential animation support. Over the decades, the company has expanded its portfolio to include original Korean animations like Elsword: El Lady (2016) and contributions to global hits, such as in-between animation for Sonic X (2003–2004), animation services for Avatar: The Last Airbender (19 episodes, 2005–2008), and a Death Note parody segment in The Simpsons (2022). More recent works highlight its ongoing role in contemporary anime, including finish and in-between animation for Spy×Family (episode 12, 2022) and 7th Time Loop: The Villainess Enjoys a Carefree Life Married to Her Worst Enemy! (episodes 1–2, 4–6, 2024). DR Movie's international presence extends beyond , with involvement in American outsourcing since the mid-1990s, leveraging cost-effective labor to support shows amid 's shift toward domestic priorities. The studio maintains offices in , , and , , facilitating collaborations across borders, and employs over 200 staff focused on delivering consistent, high-standard . Its enduring impact underscores the of production, bridging Eastern and Western industries through reliable technical expertise.

Overview

Founding and Headquarters

DR Movie Co., Ltd. was established in November 1990 in , , initially as a small animation company specializing in contract work for production. The studio was founded by Jeong Jeong-gyun, who serves as its current CEO, following his departure from a previous to focus on services. From its inception, DR Movie operated as an production enterprise primarily serving international clients, with a particular emphasis on markets in , including subcontracting for finishing processes in animation projects. The company's core business model centered on delivering high-quality animation outsourcing, starting with a modest team of about 20 employees and building its reputation through reliable contract services. The headquarters are located in Seoul's Guro District, at 9F Byuck-San Digital Valley 1, 24 Digital-ro 27-gil, establishing the primary operational base for the studio. By 2007, DR Movie had grown to approximately 350 employees, providing a baseline indicator of its scale during early expansion; as of 2025, the company employs approximately 400 staff.

Corporate Structure and Leadership

DR Movie maintains its headquarters in , . The company's leadership includes CEO Jeong Jeong-gyun, who oversees overall operations. DR Movie's organizational structure incorporates related production studios, including the domestic DR and the international DR Tokyo. The company also operates through DR Qingdao as part of its global footprint via a joint venture in , and maintains an office in , . Since its founding as a small team in 1990, DR Movie has expanded to approximately 400 employees as of 2025, supporting its worldwide operations in production.

History

Early Development and Initial Partnerships

DR Movie, established in November 1990 in , , initially concentrated on providing outsourcing services to the Japanese market, positioning itself as a dependable Korean studio for in-between and key tasks. The studio's pivotal early alliance formed in 1991 with , a prominent Japanese animation company, through an exclusive partnership for outsourcing animation production, which began with subcontracted work and laid the groundwork for sustained cooperation. This relationship quickly established DR Movie's reputation through contributions to various Madhouse projects in the 1990s. Throughout the 1990s, DR Movie expanded its contract work with other leading Japanese studios, further solidifying its role in the industry. Similarly, collaborations with Gonzo in the early 2000s, including in-between animation for (2000), underscored the studio's growing reliability for high-quality support in dynamic action-oriented . By 2001, the partnership with deepened when the Japanese studio acquired partial ownership in DR Movie, enhancing operational synergies and long-term commitment to joint animation endeavors. This investment marked a significant milestone in DR Movie's early growth, enabling more integrated production workflows while maintaining focus on the Japanese sector through the early .

Global Expansion and Investments

Subsequent developments after 2001 further expanded the studio's footprint, including the establishment of , a Japanese branch office handling digital works such as and clean-up primarily for productions. This office, along with ongoing collaborations, contributed to projects through 2025.

Operations

Animation Services and Techniques

DR Movie specializes in a range of 2D services, including key animation, second key animation, in-between animation, finishing, digital paint, and . These services form the core of the studio's production pipeline, enabling the creation of fluid motion and detailed visuals for outsourced animation projects. The studio's expertise in these areas supports the breakdown of complex sequences into manageable components, ensuring consistency in character movement and scene composition throughout the animation process. Established in , DR Movie transitioned to digital ink-and-paint techniques in the late , implementing a comprehensive digital system by early 1999 that encompasses , 2D digital processes, and 3D CG integration. This shift enhanced efficiency by replacing traditional cel-based methods with software-driven coloring and compositing, allowing for faster iterations and higher fidelity in output. The studio's adoption of digital tools marked a pivotal adaptation to industry standards, facilitating smoother workflows for large-scale productions. With a of 51-200 employees, DR Movie demonstrates significant capacity for high-volume production, routinely handling multiple episodes of long-running TV series while maintaining rigorous through in-between checks and animation direction oversight. This scalability is bolstered by the studio's global branches in , , , and , which support coordinated efforts in international projects. As of 2025, the studio continues to incorporate advanced digital tools, such as digital in-between animation and compositing software, to optimize efficiency in outsourced workflows for TV series, original video animations (OVAs), and films.

Key Collaborations and Partnerships

DR Movie has maintained an exclusive partnership with the Japanese since 1991, under which acquired a partial ownership stake in the company in 2000. This long-standing relationship has enabled DR Movie to contribute key animation services to numerous productions, solidifying its role as a primary partner for the studio. The studio holds a unique position as the sole Korean contractor for Studio Ghibli's animation needs, providing in-between animation and other support for acclaimed films such as (2006). DR Movie has also engaged in frequent collaborations with other prominent Japanese studios, including Gonzo on series like (2000) and Sunrise on co-productions such as Flowering Heart (2016–2017). These ties underscore DR Movie's integration into the Japanese ecosystem, leveraging its expertise in 2D animation techniques. In the Western market, DR Movie has established key partnerships with major networks and studios, including for animation services on (2005–2008), where it handled production for 19 episodes. Similarly, the studio has supported on projects like (2017), providing full animation services. These collaborations highlight DR Movie's versatility in adapting to Western storytelling styles while maintaining high production standards. As of 2025, DR Movie continues to participate in hybrid projects that blend Asian and Western animation aesthetics, exemplified by its animation of the parody segment "Death Tome" in Treehouse of Horror XXXIII (2022), which featured anime-style visuals integrated into the American sitcom format. The studio's branches in and further support these cross-cultural initiatives by facilitating direct coordination with international clients.

Works

Original Korean Productions

DR Movie has produced several original Korean animations, focusing on series and game adaptations, often in with domestic partners like . These projects highlight the studio's capabilities in full-cycle production, from storyboarding to final rendering, targeting young audiences and leveraging in-house techniques for vibrant visuals and engaging narratives. One of the studio's prominent original works is Flowering Heart (2016–2017), a television series co-produced with DR, Bridge, and (now ). Aimed at children, the 52-episode series follows fifth-grader Ari Jin and her friends as they gain magical powers from fairies to help people in need while battling dark forces led by the Chess Kingdom. DR Movie handled the primary , contributing to its colorful character designs and dynamic transformation sequences that blend Korean storytelling with influences. The show aired on and KBS, emphasizing themes of friendship and empathy, and received positive reception for its accessible plot and moral lessons suitable for elementary viewers. In the realm of game-based animations, DR Movie created Elsword: El-ui Yeoin (Elsword: El Lady, 2016), a 12-episode adapting the popular MMORPG Elsword by . Directed by Gim Dongjun and written by NZ, the series explores the backstory of female characters in the game's universe, featuring action-packed adventures in a fantasy world filled with elves, knights, and magical artifacts. Produced entirely in-house, it utilized DR Movie's expertise in fluid combat animation to capture the game's fast-paced mechanics, making it a faithful extension for fans. The episodes were released online starting December 10, 2016, and helped bridge the gap between gaming and animation audiences in Korea. Building on this, DR Movie followed with Elsword: Ain-ui Gieog Animation (Elsword: Memory of Ain, 2017), a short 4-minute web episode delving into the lore of the character Ain from the Elsword series. This in-house production served as promotional content, showcasing intricate background art and emotional character moments to deepen player immersion in the game's . Released as a special video, it demonstrated DR Movie's efficiency in creating concise, high-quality shorts that align with . Earlier in its portfolio, DR Movie fully animated Suhoyojeong Michel (Guardian Fairy Michel, 2003), a 26-episode fantasy-adventure series co-produced with . The story centers on young Michel, a guardian fairy who protects Earth from evil spirits using magical powers and teamwork with human friends. Aired on KBS, the series targeted and early elementary children, incorporating educational elements like environmental awareness alongside whimsical aesthetics. DR Movie's animation brought lively expressions and magical effects to life, establishing the studio's early reputation for originals in the Korean market. Marking a shift toward mature genres, DR Movie announced its involvement in the upcoming Terror Man adaptation in 2023, a 2D animated series based on the action webtoon by Han Dong-woo and Ko Jin-ho. Co-produced with Studio Bazooka, the project follows a vigilante who uses terrorist tactics to combat real threats, exploring themes of justice and morality in a high-stakes urban setting. Set for release in January 2026 on , this original Korean production represents DR Movie's expansion into darker, -driven narratives, with the studio handling key animation sequences to deliver intense action and psychological depth.

Contributions to Japanese Anime

DR Movie has contributed to numerous Japanese anime productions primarily through animation support roles such as key animation, in-between animation, finishing, and production coordination, often in collaboration with leading studios like . These efforts have bolstered the visual quality and efficiency of high-profile series, leveraging the studio's expertise in digital and techniques. In the 2007 Madhouse adaptation of Claymore, a 26-episode dark fantasy series, DR Movie handled animation production coordination for the full run, ensuring seamless integration of action sequences and character designs. Similarly, for the 2004 Madhouse TV series Tenjho Tenge, DR Movie provided animation cooperation, supporting the martial arts-focused narrative with in-between and finishing work. This extended to the 2005 OVA Tenjho Tenge: Ultimate Fight, where DR Movie offered animation production support for its intense fight scenes. More recently, in the 2022 Kinema Citrus production of The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 2, a 13-episode isekai adventure, DR Movie contributed in-between animation and paint work across all episodes, alongside 2nd key animation, key animation, and animation direction for episodes 1-6, 8, and 11-12. For the 2020 Tezuka Productions yuri series Adachi and Shimamura, DR Movie served as 2nd key animation provider and animation production cooperation for 10 episodes (1-4, 6-10, 12), including background art for the opening, ending, and select episodes. DR Movie's involvement in sports anime includes the 2016 Madhouse sequel Ace of Diamond Second Season, where it performed in-between animation and finish animation for episodes 1-4, 7-8, 12, 15, 18, 22, 25, 27, 29, 31-32, 35, 39, 42, 45, and 51, enhancing the dynamic action. In the 2006 Madhouse action series Black Lagoon, DR Movie supplied in-between animation for episodes 1-3, 5, 7-8, 11-12, along with key animation and trace & contributions. These roles highlight DR Movie's consistent support in elevating the production values of diverse Japanese genres. As of 2025, DR Movie continues to contribute to ongoing projects, including finish and in-between for Bocchi the Rock! Re:Re: (2024 movie, Part 2), 2nd key (OP), background art (OP), finish (OP; ED), and in-between (OP; ED) for The Café Terrace and Its Goddesses Season 2 (2024 TV), 2nd key (ep 13), finish (eps 5, 8-16), and in-between (eps 2, 4-5, 7-15) for Summer Pockets (2025 TV), and finish (OP) and in-between (OP) for Spy×Family Season 4 (2025 TV).

Outsourcing for Western Animation

DR Movie, a studio, has provided extensive outsourcing services for Western projects, particularly in the realms of television series and films produced by major American studios like , , and . These contributions often involve overseas production, in-betweening, finishing, and digital , leveraging the studio's expertise in 2D animation to support high-volume episodic work and feature-length narratives. The studio's branch has played a key role in coordinating these international collaborations. One of DR Movie's most notable Western outsourcing efforts was for (2005–2008), where it handled animation production for 19 episodes across Books One and Two in partnership with JM Animation. This included key early installments such as "The Boy in the Iceberg," "The Southern Air Temple," and the main , contributing to the series' distinctive anime-inspired visual style and fluid action sequences that helped define its global success. In the , DR Movie provided animation services for The Batman (2004–2008), supporting the show with in-betweening and finishing work to maintain its dynamic, stylized aesthetic amid its fast-paced superhero action. The studio also contributed to Batman films, including in-betweening and finishing for Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman (2003), where its efforts enhanced the film's noir-inspired visuals and chase sequences. Similarly, for (2017), DR Movie handled and CGI elements, aiding the production's blend of character-driven humor and environmental themes. More recently, DR Movie animated the "Death Tome" segment of Treehouse of Horror XXXIII (2022), a parody of featuring , Marge, and in an anime-style narrative about a supernatural notebook that causes elaborate deaths. This self-contained episode showcased the studio's ability to adapt Western characters to aesthetics, complete with exaggerated expressions and dramatic shading, drawing on its experience with Japanese productions. DR Movie provided animation services for Godzilla: The Series (1998–2001), including contributions to seasons 1 and 2 and the opening sequence, supporting the show's monster-of-the-week format with detailed creature designs and explosive action set pieces. These Western collaborations highlight DR Movie's versatility in scaling production for American broadcasters while preserving narrative-driven quality. Recent Western projects include services for Castlevania: Nocturne (2023 U.S. ONA) and in-between and scan and paint for episode 4 of Terminator Zero (2024 ONA).

Impact and Recognition

Industry Milestones

DR Movie marked a significant industry milestone in 2022 by providing animation for the "Death Tome" segment in The Simpsons' Treehouse of Horror XXXIII episode, a parody of Death Note that showcased the studio's versatility in blending anime styles with Western animation. The studio also contributed key animation work to The Rising of the Shield Hero Season 2, which aired in 2022, handling second key animation for eight episodes in collaboration with Kinema Citrus. In the early 2000s, DR Movie partnered with for contract work on projects such as , establishing its reputation for high-quality in prestigious Japanese productions. The investment from served as an endorsement of DR Movie's growth potential and strengthened its ties to major Japanese entities. By the 2020s, DR Movie had expanded its workforce to over 200 employees, enabling it to undertake large-scale projects for international clients.

Influence on Global Animation

DR Movie, as a prominent South Korean animation studio, has played a pivotal role in bridging Asian and Western animation markets by facilitating cross-cultural collaborations that blend diverse stylistic and narrative approaches. Its long-standing exclusive partnership with the Japanese studio since 1991 has enabled seamless integration into production pipelines, while work on Western projects, such as contributing key animation to Nickelodeon's , demonstrated how Korean expertise could enhance global hits with creative input beyond mere subcontracting. These efforts have helped normalize the flow of talent and techniques across continents, allowing Eastern precision in in-betweening to support Western storytelling demands. The studio's contributions have significantly influenced outsourcing trends in the global animation industry, particularly by elevating Korean firms from peripheral subcontractors to valued collaborators. By handling substantial portions of in-between animation for Japanese and American series, DR Movie popularized efficient, high-quality Korean production methods that reduced costs without compromising artistic integrity, setting a model for other Asian studios to follow in the and beyond. This shift encouraged a more collaborative ecosystem, where Korean animators influenced final outputs through flexible workflows and innovative refinements, thereby boosting the overall efficiency and appeal of international and productions. In the 2020s, DR Movie has adapted to the rise of streaming platforms and digital content by participating in webtoon adaptations, such as co-producing the Terror Man for , which draws from popular Korean webcomics to meet global demands for fast-paced, serialized . This involvement highlights the studio's role in transitioning traditional skills to original and hybrid formats suited for on-demand viewing, further embedding Korean in the streaming era's multicultural content landscape. As of 2025, DR Movie serves as a legacy model for international expansion among Asian animation firms, demonstrating how strategic global partnerships can sustain growth amid industry consolidation. With offices spanning , the , , and , the studio has exemplified scalable operations that support cross-border projects, inspiring similar ventures by fostering a network of localized expertise for worldwide distribution.

References

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