The Secret Origin of Studio Ghibli

The 1977 animated adaptation of The Hobbit was created by a small studio called Topcraft. This specific team of animators would later go on to form the foundation of the legendary Studio Ghibli.

Long before Hayao Miyazaki redefined animation, the artists at Topcraft were honing their craft on projects like this musical special. After the studio struggled, the key talent was absorbed into what became the global powerhouse behind Spirited Away. It is fascinating to see how the roots of iconic anime masterpieces are hidden inside this charming, vintage television production. You can still see hints of that classic, fluid style in their early work today.