Unveiling the Epic Journey: Inside One Piece's Director Emma Sullivan's Extraordinary Rendition of the Straw Hats

Summary

Acknowledging the immense impact the One Piece live-action series on Netflix has had on the entertainment industry, director Emma Sullivan fully grasped its significance after witnessing her son and nephews' exhilaration.

Emma Sullivan received support from One Piece fans like showrunners Matt Owens and Steve Maeda, as well as creator Eiichiro Oda, as she familiarized herself with the extensive lore of the series. Despite the significant scale of One Piece compared to her previous work on Doctor Who, Sullivan recognized the significance of accurately portraying the story for the dedicated fanbase, while also infusing her own humor into the serious narrative.

The release of the One Piece live-action series on Netflix in 2023 was a major milestone in the realm of television and entertainment. To bring this ambitious project to life, an exceptional ensemble of actors and a talented team of artists and creators, including Emma Sullivan, collaborated on the production. Emma, who directed episodes 3 and 4 of the season, is an accomplished director who has been recognized with a nomination for the prestigious Palme d'Or at the 62nd Cannes Film Festival, as well as numerous awards, including Best Short Film at the Edinburgh Film Festival. In addition to her notable achievements in film, Emma has also made notable contributions to television, having worked on projects such as The Watch and Doctor Who. In an interview with Screen Rant, Emma discusses her firsthand experience tackling the challenges of adapting one of the world's most beloved anime and manga franchises, One Piece, for television.

Emma Sullivan Talks One Piece

Screen Rant: Have you heard this question before? How much did you know about One Piece before being asked to work on the live-action?

Emma Sullivan: Initially, I wasn't familiar with it. However, when I discussed it with my son, I discovered that he had actually read the entire series during the lockdown. His surprise and disbelief at the idea of a show based on a rubber pirate made me realize the immense popularity of One Piece. Additionally, my nephews are die-hard fans, and they made it clear that I couldn't afford to make any mistakes in my work.

How difficult was it to acquaint yourself with such an expansive backstory and a series that has been ongoing for such a long time? I'm certain that your nephews and son assisted you, but was it challenging?

Emma Sullivan: It was indeed challenging. Naturally, I needed to grasp the episodes that I was working on. However, we were fortunate to have Matt Owens and Steve Maeda, who are dedicated fans of One Piece, as our showrunners. Additionally, Oda reviewed the scripts, so I referred back to the manga.

I had to closely examine his writing and the incredible artwork he creates within his frames. I especially adored the front pages, which showcased stunning images of the Straw Hats enjoying each other's company. Additionally, there were fan questions included towards the back. So, I absorbed as much as I could from it all. However, I wouldn't expect me to be an expert on all 1000 chapters though.

Naturally, this isn't your initial venture into extensive TV productions, having previously worked on Doctor Who season 12. But in terms of comparing your experience with One Piece to that, how would you describe it?

Emma Sullivan: Simply put, the world of One Piece is incredibly vast. Our filming took place in the magnificent Cape Town, South Africa, and the sets were breathtakingly grand. The ships themselves are built to scale, and when I laid eyes on the Baratie, I couldn't help but feel a tinge of envy for not being part of that shoot. The sets are truly massive, just like the show and its immense fanbase.

What has been beneficial for me is having previous experience dealing with intellectual properties that hold significant meaning to their fans. It's crucial to get it right, considering the immense passion that One Piece fans have for the series. We aim to ensure that they feel a sense of justice in our portrayal, as well as paying homage to Oda's vision.

Regarding the episodes you directed, these were the two episodes portraying Usopp joining the crew. Usopp, a character who defies the typical tropes of the Shonen genre to which One Piece belongs, stands out as both a liar and a coward. However, despite these qualities, fans were captivated by him and he became one of the most popular characters. What are your thoughts on Usopp and which traits of his character did you aim to emphasize in your episodes?

Emma Sullivan: In my opinion, Usopp's loyalty is what stands out. He displays immense loyalty towards Kaya, and we are provided with the backstory of his motivations for wanting to become a pirate and join Luffy's gang. The overarching theme of the show revolves around pursuing one's dreams, and Usopp's dream is to become a courageous warrior of the seas. Luffy is there to inspire everyone to believe in and pursue their dreams.

Despite his fear, Usopp possesses a remarkable combination of a compassionate nature, incredible inventiveness, and boundless creativity, weaving captivating tales. His unwavering bravery, even in the face of terror, is truly endearing. Furthermore, the actor portraying him, Jacob, exudes charm and warmth.

The directors and writers had limited freedom to change the original story as everything had to go through Oda, the creator. As an example, there was a scene with Kuina and young Zoro fighting, which was initially filmed with Kendo masks. However, Oda requested it to be reshot without the masks, so the team went back to Cape Town and filmed it again, resulting in a better final product.

He was in control of everything. The IP is incredibly creative, so you strive to do it justice by finding the most visually stunning way to convey his stories. However, you also must stay within the boundaries set by the show.

This adaptation focuses on the early part of One Piece, where comedy played a significant role and the characters in the manga were often portrayed as walking and talking gags. In the live-action version, comedy is not forgotten entirely, but the characters and the storyline are portrayed with a greater level of seriousness. Do you believe that prioritizing the serious aspect of the story was necessary?

Emma Sullivan: A significant portion of the decision-making was already done before I joined, as the scripts were written by the showrunners, Matt and Steve. However, I must admit that I gravitate towards any humorous elements I come across, as I believe it adds a lively touch to the overall experience.

Moreover, there is actually a considerable amount of humor present. While my episodes may not be pure comedies, I genuinely enjoy the portrayal of Zoro's lack of direction. He may be a badass character, but he constantly finds himself lost, yet delivers unforgettable one-liners. Maintaining the right balance in tone is always a challenge, but I adapt the scripts I receive to ensure they align with the intended tone.

We aim to incorporate humor and a lighter tone alongside the thrilling horror elements in our content.

In your episodes, the major encounter with the Black Cat pirates, which originally takes place outdoors, now unfolds within a massive house that resembles a haunted mansion.

Emma Sullivan: Yes, it was an incredible experience. We had the opportunity to work with fantastic sets and a massive building. Using the camera to build suspense and excitement for the reveals was especially enjoyable, and as a director, incorporating these genre elements into the project was a lot of fun.

The live-action anime genre can be quite challenging, as seen with the negative reactions to Death Note and Cowboy Bebop. Were you hesitant about delving into this genre when you were approached for One Piece? And if you were, how did you overcome those reservations?

Emma Sullivan: I have watched various shows and a wide range of anime. Being a huge fan of Studio Ghibli, I understand that portraying the big actions and exaggerated facial expressions found in anime may not be feasible for actors. Additionally, attempting to do so would create an awkward atmosphere and detract from the storyline.

In my opinion, the key is to adopt a realistic and emotionally authentic approach. We need to delve into these characters and connect with what resonates with the audience. Especially in today's world, we can all relate to the themes of pursuing our dreams and embracing the positivity portrayed by characters like Luffy.

About One Piece

One Piece, based on Japan's highest-selling manga series by Eiichiro Oda, takes readers on an extraordinary high-seas adventure. Monkey D. Luffy, a young adventurer fueled by his yearning for freedom, embarks on a perilous journey from his humble village to uncover the mythical treasure known as One Piece and claim the title of King of the Pirates. To attain this ultimate prize, Luffy must gather his dream team, secure a suitable ship, traverse the vast oceans, outsmart the Marines, and outmaneuver treacherous adversaries. Currently, all 8 episodes of One Piece can be streamed on Netflix.

Source: Screen Rant Plus

One Piece Manga - Anime One Piece is an incredible adventure-filled series that has captivated its fans for over two decades. It follows the journey of Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew, the Straw Hat Pirates, as they search for the ultimate treasure, the One Piece, in order to become the King of the Pirates. With its compelling storyline, diverse and lovable characters, epic battles, and themes of friendship and determination, One Piece has created a vast and immersive world that keeps fans eagerly anticipating each new chapter or episode. It is a timeless masterpiece that continues to redefine the boundaries of the shonen genre, making it a must-watch or read for any anime or manga enthusiast.