Scandal’s-a-brewin’. Nick Roy of Wired Magazine recently reported that, while researching the handful of Internet websites currently allowed in North Korea, he discovered what appeared to be a cache of files for animation projects in the US.
The work seems to have been done months ago (the server did not show any signs of use later than February), and for two in-the-works projects: a children’s anime for HBO / Max, and the third season of “an Amazon Prime superhero show.” Wired tried to keep it vague, but..Amazon only has one thing that fits that description.
In case you’re wondering, no, it’s not legal. Unlike just about every other bad decision a business executive can make, this one can actually send them to jail. Current US sanctions forbid any business dealings with the Republic of North Korea.
Invincible’s production company, Skybound Entertainment, was quick to release a statement on the matter. “We do not work with North Korean companies, or any affiliated entities, and have no knowledge of any North Korean companies working on our animation. Our policies strictly prohibit any subcontracting to any third-party without our express prior written consent, which, in this case, was neither sought nor granted.”
“Skybound Entertainment takes these allegations seriously and has initiated a thorough internal review to verify and rectify any potential issues,” they said. “We have also notified the proper authorities and are cooperating with all appropriate bodies.”
It IS possible for this to happen without Skybound’s knowledge. Some overseas animation studios have been known to take contracted work and subcontract it out to OTHER studios to meet a tight deadline. It’s possible that someone at one of those studios might have thought they could get away with quietly slipping some work over the wall.
Hopefully those responsible are caught quickly and this does not result in a delay for Invincible‘s third season, as the wait between seasons 1 and 2 was long enough.
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