Where did the idea come from?
After working on the previous Last Exile project, Koichi Chigira - the director - and I talked about a sequel. Chigira had conceptualised a story and wanted to make it happen. Three year later, Chigira, producers at anime studio Gonzo and I met each month to discuss the content. We went into full-scale production in the beginning of 2009.
What can fans look forward to?
The series involves a completely new story with new characters, so viewers can look forward to enjoying it regardless of whether they have watched the previous series or not. Veteran fans will recognise familiar characters, and we have also created a few scenes that are sure to make them grin knowingly.
What do you hope to achieve with the series?
As in the previous series, the exhilarating feeling of flying off on an adventure in the sky remains the same. Chigira has put a lot of thought and effort into the new series, so I will be happy if the fans can appreciate the ideas after they watch it.
How is this new series related to the original?
Of course, there will be similarities, for example Claudia - the ore mined in the world of Prester. It is used as currency and fuel for vanships in both series. Then there are the popular Last Exile characters like Dio and Tatiana, who will make an appearance in the upcoming new series.
In Last Exile - Fam, The Silver Wing, we wanted to capture the great feeling of an adventure in the sky. However, the story and characters started to change when our creative discussions progressed. For example, the protagonist was initially male, but because his personality and actions became so similar to Claus', protagonist of the first Last Exile series, we thought: 'Let's change him into a female then!'
There have been advancements in 3D CG technology, but it is the artistic passion of the staff making use of this new technology that I find very commendable.
Just as in the first Last Exile series, Makoto Kobayashi is in charge of the vessel designs [and he has done a superb job].
When will the series be available on DVD/Blu-ray and what extras will be included?
I am afraid I cannot comment on this, because the series has yet to be completed.