A-1 Pictures, the animation studio known for the *Solo Leveling* anime, has announced a new initiative aimed at addressing a talent shortage within the anime industry. In collaboration with CloverWorks, the studio has opened FLINT BASE, a new facility designed to train the next generation of animators and bolster Japan's domestic anime workforce.

This development, while not directly revealing a release window for the anticipated *Solo Leveling: Beyond the System* movie, offers insight into potential changes in the production pipeline for future projects like *Solo Leveling* Season 3 and beyond.

FLINT BASE's Mission and Impact

FLINT BASE aims to revolutionize the traditional training model for new animators. Instead of learning on the job from individual teachers, first-year animators will now receive academy-style training to develop their skills before entering the workforce. These new animators will initially work as outsourced workers, focusing on in-between animations for major productions at larger studios.

A-1 Pictures President Akira Shimizu stated that the goal is to find hidden talent after the industry's main job-hunting season and to secure stable in-between animation resources within Japan, reducing the current heavy reliance on overseas studios. Studios MAPPA and Production I.G have also joined the project as partners to support FLINT BASE's vision.

Shimizu acknowledged that a significant challenge for FLINT BASE will be to balance training with business and establish a self-sustaining mechanism. The studio needs to be profitable to continue its operations and cannot rely solely on its parent companies.

For *Solo Leveling*, this could signify a shift where FLINT BASE becomes the primary studio for in-between animation, rather than depending heavily on overseas outsourcing. Shimizu also hopes that some artists will build careers as specialized in-between animators.

Future of Solo Leveling

The impact of FLINT BASE on *Solo Leveling* and other A-1 Pictures productions remains to be seen, but the initiative is intended to benefit the entire anime industry. The upcoming anime movie, *Solo Leveling: Beyond the System*, is currently in production, though an official release date has not been announced. Seasons 1 and 2 of *Solo Leveling* are available for streaming on Crunchyroll.

Key points

  • A-1 Pictures and CloverWorks opened FLINT BASE studio.
  • FLINT BASE aims to train new animators in an academy-style setting.
  • The initiative seeks to reduce reliance on overseas outsourcing for in-between animation.
  • MAPPA and Production I.G are partners in the FLINT BASE project.
  • The *Solo Leveling: Beyond the System* movie is in production with no release date.

Source: CBR · Anime · Nov 1, 2026