Phase-Connect isn’t a very large company, especially when compared to the likes of Hololive, so someone wondered if there were any benefits to being a smaller sized company. Sakana explained that he doesn’t see Phase-Connect as a “company of a certain size.” Being a smaller company allows them to have a more direct connection with their community, and he assured the community that, even if they did grow in size, the content wouldn’t change.
Publicly or privately, many VTubers left behind former characters to continue their VTubing career. Someone asked Sakana for advice on rebranding, and they were told that, for a full rebrand, the previous character should be ended. This is so that their new character would not have any baggage. In simpler terms, a redesign such as changing outfits is perfectly fine, as long as the character doesn’t change.
When asked what a talent coordinator does, Sakana explained that they mostly hang out in discord with the team, and help Sakana himself communicate with the talents, merchandise suppliers, and customers. Sakana continued by saying that he dabbles in a bit of everything, but often defers to experts in particular areas. In his own words, he does “everything and nothing at the same time.”
There are many loyal fans who attend each and every stream, eager to see their favorite VTubers. A question was posed, asking if VTubers should give these regular visitors special attention. Sakana explained that, as much as they appreciate these loyal followers, VTubers should not single out individual users in chat, and to avoid the perception of playing favorites.
Sakana has been accused of poaching by so-called “antis”, in which he stole talents from other agencies. Sakana explained that poaching is normal, but he has denied such accusations, insisting that he has gone out of his way to not poach talents, and that he has no intention of poaching from another corporation. It is his hope that VTubing corporations will stay on good terms. To this, Lumi jokingly said that she feels both she and Yuri were poached, but Sakana argued that he preferred the term “saving.”
Sakana was asked to define the terms “bunks” and “strikes,” and further asked how they could be removed, and whether or not they should be implemented in a workplace environment outside of VTubing. The CEO explained that bunks are less severe versions of warnings, while strikes are for repeated offenses. He also said that their use outside of VTubing is common.
Highlighting the popularity of the adult-rated VTuber Projekt Melody, someone asked Sakana if there was an industry for other adult cam VTubers like her. Sakana confirmed that there was, and pointed out that Projekt Melody herself was a proof of concept. With regards to whether or not he would have such a talent on staff, the Phase-Connect CEO declared unequivocally that there would be no “Adult Cam Gen” at his agency. He was, however, open to the possibility of working with such talents, but not under the Phase-Connect banner.
Curious about the business side of things, someone asked about Yuri and Lumi’s contracts, and how they might differ from other VTuber contracts. Sakana didn’t get into the finer, private details about their contracts, but he highlighted that their contracts were mostly the same as others, though they enjoyed slightly more freedom.
When asked how a VTuber comes to life, how their theme and avatar designs transform from ideas to reality, Sakana explained that it’s not that complicated. The agency comes up with an idea of a character that they want. Sakana as the Phase-Connect CEO comes up with a character he wants to have, and then he runs auditions, and he finds someone who fits the general direction he wants.
He then hints at the character he wants, and the people auditioning try to match the personality. Those who pass the audition can help design the character, i.e. clothing, height, etc. The profile sheet is then sent to the artist, who will have creative freedom, depending on how much direction is given, to create the character. After all of that is done, rigging is implemented.
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