Shinichiro Watanabe to direct Blade Runner Animated Short

Shinichiro Watanabe - best known for series such as Cowboy Bebop, Space Dandy and Samurai Champloo - is set to direct an animated short to tie-in with Blade Runner 2049, the new sequel to the 1982 cult classic Blade Runner. The short is titled "Blade Runner Black Out 2022."

Sony Pictures Japan have begun streaming a preview showcasing some designs and animation tests for the short:

The short will take place in the year 2022, between the original Blade Runner film (2019) and its sequel Blade Runner 2049, and will involve a large power outage on the west coast of the United States.

In addition to directing duties Watanabe is also writing the script. While Cygames Pictures is producing the animation. Shukou Murase (Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie, Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within, Genocidal Organ) is serving as character designer and animation director, with Flying Lotus is composing the music.

Source: ANN