0 - COUNT TO A/Z

Source: Crunchyroll
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(Please feel free to edit the speaker names if incomplete or inaccurate. Names are handled on a best-effort basis depending on the info on the source file. Dialogue is left as is.)
[00:15] ---
    Creators wielding
[00:20] ---
    overwhelming power gather
[00:25] ---
    to declare
[00:27] ---
    to declare war
[00:47] ---
    I heard that Tokyo had surrendered to the attack
    from the Martians. We are in danger too.
[00:52] ---
    I wish for a symbiotic relationship
    with my faraway homeland.
[00:57] ---
    Princess... You wanted peace
    more than anyone else.
[01:02] ---
    Let's leave this place at once.
    Missiles are coming.
[01:09] ---
    In March 2014,
[01:12] ---
    "Aldnoah.Zero," an original animation series, was
    announced at the animation event "Anime Japan."
[01:19] ---
    Considering it is an animation title
    with no original work to base it on,
SIGN    SECRET DOCUMENTS
[01:23] ---
    the leaflets at the event, that gave
    an image of secret documents,
[01:25] ---
    and the website promotions, that had widgets that gave
     the visitor a feeling they were decrypting code,
SIGN    CODE
[01:30] ---
    caused a big stir in the industry.
[01:34] ---
    The story, robots, characters... So much of
    the title is still shrouded in mystery.
[01:40] ---
    Today, to prepare for the
    coming premiere, I, Sora Amamiya
[01:45] ---
    who voices Asseylum, will guide you
    through plenty of the charm.
[01:50] ---
    The Hypergate found on the
    moon's surface in 1972
[01:55] ---
    opened the path for humanity to
    emigrate to and colonize Mars.
[01:58] ---
    They didn't know back then that this would
    become the cause for prolonged warfare...
[02:03] ---
    "Aldnoah.Zero."
[02:11] ---
    The director for this title "Aldnoah.Zero" is...
[02:15] ---
    ...Ei Aoki, who has brought
    many popular titles into the world.
SIGN    EI AOKI
[02:20] ---
    With Gen Urobuchi, who was in
    charge of the original story concepts,
SIGN    GEN UROBUCHI
[02:24] ---
    this will be the second time
    they collaborated since 2011...
[02:27] ---
    ...when they created the renowned
    anime "Fate/Zero" together.
[02:31] ---
    The current challenge for the two who have
    many popular titles under their belt...
[02:36] ---
    ...is an original robot animation.
[02:38] ---
    For Director Aoki, this will be the very first
    original television animation title.
SIGN    Interview with Director Ei Aoki
[02:44] ---
    Well, I had gotten an offer
    from Mr. Iwakami, Producer at Aniplex.
SIGN    Q: How this project came to be
[02:50] ---
    He asked me "I want to make a robot show.
    Would you like to direct it?"
[02:57] ---
    And back then, Mr. Gen Urobuchi's
    name was already on the table.
[03:02] ---
    So the three of us started talking.
    That was the start of it all.
[03:09] ---
    This project started right when I was
    directing another title called "Fate/Zero."
[03:16] ---
    So we've worked on it for a
    long time before it first aired.
[03:20] ---
    For about two or three years.
[03:25] ---
    When I first received the offer for this project,
SIGN    Q: About robot animation
[03:30] ---
    Mr. Iwakami had already stated the
    theme would be a robot animation.
[03:35] ---
    So the first thing we had to decide was
    the direction of this robot animation.
[03:40] ---
    We kept discussing it with Mr. Urobuchi.
[03:45] ---
    We had several key words on the table.
[03:47] ---
    But there was a part of us that wanted to aim for
    the tried and true "traditional way" to say.
[03:54] ---
    And using that "traditional way" as the keyword and
    the concept, we started to build up on this story.
[04:02] ---
    The various robots that appear within this series.
[04:05] ---
    They are another reason why
    this title is so appealing.
[04:10] ---
    These robots, called Kataphraktos...
SIGN    KATAPHRAKTOS
[04:13] ---
    ...are weapons used by the Martians back in
    the previous war between Earth and Mars.
[04:20] ---
    In the universe of the series, which takes
    place 15 years after that war...
[04:25] ---
    ...both sides use these robots to enter a second war.
[04:30] ---
    It looks like the designs for the Terran robots
    and Martian robots are different.
[04:35] ---
    This may be one of the key points in the story.
[04:40] ---
    There are a lot of robots in the show.
SIGN    "Kataphraktos", The Key to the Story
SIGN    Voice of Inaho Kaizuka
SIGN    Q: About the "Kataphraktos"
[04:43] ---
    They're humanoid-shaped
    robots called Kataphraktos.
[04:49] ---
    The robots' fighting scenes are
    pretty intense, and are very spirited.
[04:55] ---
    When you watch, you get drawn into the show.
[04:58] ---
    I think that it's one of the
    points to definitely watch for.
[05:04] ---
    Mr. I-IV (Ai-Four) does
    the Kataphraktos designs.
[05:08] ---
    It's his first time, I believe,
    to work on an animation title.
SIGN    Q: About the "Kataphraktos"
[05:17] ---
    In any case, he really loves robots.
[05:20] ---
    When we first approached him about this
    project, he didn't have to think twice.
[05:27] ---
    Mr. I-IV's robot
    designs are very solid.
[05:33] ---
    Plus, since Mr. I-IV himself loves robots...
[05:36] ---
    ...for instance, the details like "this robot uses this kind
    of drive system, and this is how it moves around"...
[05:42] ---
    Or like "the engine is right here...
[05:44] ---
    ...and the energy is generated in this
    way from here" and things like that.
[05:49] ---
    First off, the main characters...
SIGN    "Three Children" Swayed by Destiny
SIGN    Q: About the main characters
[05:52] ---
    There are three main
    characters in the show.
[05:57] ---
    The first character is Inaho Kaizuka.
[06:01] ---
    The outer frame of the story for this series
    is a war between Earth and Mars.
[06:08] ---
    He's the main character on the Terran side.
[06:11] ---
    To establish Inaho's character...
[06:17] ---
    ...we talked extensively on what kind of character
    we wanted, as he is one of the main characters after all.
[06:22] ---
    It may perhaps be my preference
    for certain character personalities,
[06:29] ---
    but the bottom line was that I didn't
    want him to be too passionate.
[06:33] ---
    Ultimately, I spoke with Mr. Takayama,
    the screenwriter, as well.
[06:39] ---
    We ended up with someone who deals with
    things in a relatively cool and collected manner.
[06:45] ---
    His character solidified into
    that of an intelligent child.
[06:48] ---
    In contrast, Slaine is the
    main character on the Martian side.
[06:53] ---
    He's the opposite of Inaho, and is a
    character that acts based on his emotions.
[07:02] ---
    And he does get roped into the battle after all.
[07:06] ---
    I can't really say much about him at present yet.
[07:10] ---
    But he's a character that plays a key role
    in the second half of the show.
[07:18] ---
    Between those two boys is Asseylum,
    the princess character.
[07:24] ---
    She is a dignified character,
    who wants a peace treaty with Earth.
[07:31] ---
    I feel that the actions of this princess will
    play another key role in the story later on.
[07:41] ---
    That's right. The story revolves around Inaho...
SIGN    INAHO KAIZUKA
[07:45] ---
    Slaine...
SIGN    SLAINE TROYARD
[07:47] ---
    Asseylum...
SIGN    ASSEYLUM VERS ALLUSIA
[07:48] ---
    ...these three children.
[07:51] ---
    The story draws out the destinies of the children,
[07:55] ---
    who are at the mercy of
     the flames of war between Earth and Mars.
[08:01] ---
    We've already finished recording up to episode 5.
SIGN    "Three Children" Swayed by Destiny
SIGN    Q: About the main cast
[08:05] ---
    Each recording session hasn't
    taken that much time.
[08:09] ---
    All three have captured the essence of the
    characters well, from the first episode.
[08:18] ---
    Usually, the recording session for the first episode
    of an animation series takes quite a long time.
[08:23] ---
    Like having the actors grasp the
    overall structure of the character....
[08:27] ---
    ...or how that character speaks, their emotional guidelines,
    all those components are built through trial and error.
[08:33] ---
    And in the end, the voice starts to get closer to the image
    of the character. That's the usual flow of things.
[08:37] ---
    But for all three of them, they sounded
    pretty good from the very first take.
[08:45] ---
    The recording sessions
    all went fairly smoothly.
[08:48] ---
    And their acting was very good
    too, so it's well worth the listen.
SIGN    After Commercial Break: Cast Interview!!
[08:58] ---
    After the commercial break,
    the three cast members will tell us
[09:02] ---
    about the characters they play,
    as well as the show itself.
[09:13] ---
    We won't have time to prepare
    ourselves even when that time comes.
[09:18] ---
    To just wait and see what kind
    of regrets we'll have then...
[09:21] ---
    I wouldn't be able to bear that.
[09:25] ---
    "Aldnoah.Zero."
[09:27] ---
    In 1999, the Vers Empire finally declared
    war against the United Forces of Earth.
[09:33] ---
    As the result of the fierce battle, the Hypergate lost
    control, and collapsed along with the moon.
[09:38] ---
    Fifteen years later...
[09:40] ---
    "Aldnoah.Zero."
[09:48] ---
    Now, let's ask the three cast members
[09:52] ---
    about the characters they play,
    as well as the show itself.
SIGN    Cast Interview
[09:57] ---
    Hello everyone, I'm Natsuki Hanae,
    and I play Inaho Kaizuka.
[10:01] ---
    Hello everyone, I'm Kensho Ono,
    and I play Slaine Troyard.
[10:05] ---
    Hello everyone, I'm Sora Amamiya,
    and I play Asseylum Vers Allusia.
[10:09] ---
    Inaho is a very cool and collected character.
SIGN    Q: About the characters you play
[10:15] ---
    He's very neutral and
    speaks matter-of-factly.
[10:19] ---
    I was directed not to make it feel like
    he's having conversations with other people.
[10:24] ---
    He calculates everything in his head.
    Everything is internal for him.
[10:30] ---
    He's the type that bases his
    actions on his internal calculations.
[10:34] ---
    He's very human in nature,
    and does have some emotions.
[10:40] ---
    He can be very kind as well.
[10:44] ---
    But in the end, he always acts based
    on what he calculated in his head.
[10:48] ---
    So to others, he gives off a dispassionate air, and
    leaves an impression that he's just the collected type.
[10:55] ---
    He's somewhat docile,
    or rather gentle.
[10:58] ---
    But it's not that he's gloomy, either.
[11:01] ---
    It feels like everything he does is
    for Princess Asseylum's sake.
[11:06] ---
    Because he cares for Princess Asseylum.
    That's how I feel lately.
[11:13] ---
    Well, Asseylum is the first princess
    of the independent empire on Mars.
[11:19] ---
    She has a very strong will, so if I falter in any
    way while voicing her, I think it will show up.
[11:28] ---
    So when I'm acting as Asseylum,
    I hold myself steady. Really steady.
[11:33] ---
    So even if I horse around a lot
    during break times and stuff...
[11:37] ---
    ...when we record, I try to keep
    myself very steady as I act.
[11:42] ---
    The atmosphere is very comforting so I can
    concentrate on what I do while acting.
SIGN    Q: About the atmosphere of the recording sessions
[11:51] ---
    The main cast members are pretty close in age range,
    so the conversations really hit close to home.
[12:00] ---
    At first, I felt hesitant to
    attend the recording sessions...
[12:06] ---
    But once it started, that wasn't the case at all.
    I look forward to the recordings now.
[12:10] ---
    I think we have a very good
    atmosphere at the sessions.
[12:14] ---
    Me, Mr. Hanae, Ms. Amamiya...
[12:18] ---
    There are many young actors, but also the great
    veterans of the industry are at the sessions.
[12:29] ---
    And so I feel we're all able to work in a
    positively tense environment.
[12:35] ---
    Let's see, for the overall
    atmosphere of the sessions...
[12:39] ---
    It's not too rowdy, but everyone
    gets along with each other.
[12:43] ---
    I get a very calm,
    warm feeling from them.
[12:47] ---
    Everyone on the cast is very candid,
    and approaches me to chitchat.
[12:52] ---
    So, we have a very harmonious,
    comfortable atmosphere at the recording sessions.
[12:58] ---
    Let's see... first off,
    the theme of "Aldnoah.Zero" is war.
SIGN    Q: About the world view and impressions about the series
[13:06] ---
    Things suddenly happen within the show that will never,
    or almost never, happen as we live our everyday lives.
[13:15] ---
    In that aspect, the show
    settings can be a bit grim.
[13:20] ---
    When I first read
    the scripts and scenarios...
[13:27] ---
    ...I found this story to be very complicated.
[13:30] ---
    The settings were very detailed.
[13:33] ---
    The world view was written in a way that my first
    impression was "I want to know what happens next."
[13:40] ---
    The animation is very dynamic,
    and it made my heart race.
[13:44] ---
    It's war on a large scale,
    but within it, the Martians...
[13:48] ---
    ...and the Terrans have varying thoughts
    and motives, and their beliefs become intertwined.
[13:56] ---
    Even things like that make me look forward
    to seeing how this story will unravel in the future.
[14:06] ---
    It's not only the cast voices that
    color the world of "Aldnoah.Zero."
[14:11] ---
    At the helm of the music is someone who has composed
    pieces for many animation and live-action drama titles...
[14:16] ---
    ...as well as contributing to various artists. Hiroyuki Sawano
    is a composer that is active in a vast number of different fields.
SIGN    HIROYUKI SAWANO
[14:23] ---
    For this show, not only is he in charge of the background music,
    but also wrote the lyrics and composed the ending theme.
SIGN    Interview with Hiroyuki Sawano
[14:30] ---
    I'm not one to always have a concept
    in mind when I start to compose music.
SIGN    Q: About the images you have in mind
[14:38] ---
    But from the director, I was simply told
    that he wanted something masculine.
[14:44] ---
    I had heard that it was partially why
    I was offered to become the series composer.
[14:51] ---
    When you especially
    listen to my past pieces,
[14:55] ---
    that was probably what
    the director had felt.
[14:59] ---
    So it's not like I approached it in any way
    in particular just because it's "Aldnoah.Zero."
[15:03] ---
    I think I was able to compose music simply being myself,
    and making the music that I usually feel is my music.
[15:11] ---
    The sound I create has been influenced
    by music from Hollywood movies.
[15:18] ---
    I tend to make music that stresses the rhythm.
[15:22] ---
    And by rhythm, I mean the ones with
    big, extravagant booming sounds,
[15:26] ---
    like the soundtracks of
    Hollywood movies as of late.
[15:30] ---
    I assumed that that was the kind of sound
    the director had in mind for this series.
[15:36] ---
    The first song I composed
    was to be used for the trailer.
[15:40] ---
    And when we had a meeting, there was
    a slight request for music of that sort as well.
[15:44] ---
    So that ended up being my overall approach,
    when I made the orchestral pieces.
[15:49] ---
    From about last year, I started holding
    live concerts for my own music.
SIGN    Q: How did you come about creating the ending theme?
[15:55] ---
    And those concerts were about...
[15:59] ---
    ...titles I've previously worked on.
    A lot of them had songs that had a vocal track.
[16:05] ---
    So those concerts were basically
    gathering all the songs with vocal tracks
[16:11] ---
    in my previous titles, and having
    them sung by guest vocalists.
[16:14] ---
    I was actually thinking that it would be nice
    if this one day evolved into a project where
[16:19] ---
    I became a producer for a vocalist,
    and that's when they showed interest.
[16:22] ---
    And I was asked if I wanted to give it a try.
[16:25] ---
    Furthermore, it just happened that I was assigned to
    compose the music for "Aldnoah.Zero" right around then.
[16:31] ---
    And those talks evolved into them allowing me to
    be in charge of the ending theme as well, I think.
[16:37] ---
    The vocalists for my songs that
    have vocal tracks are rather constant.
SIGN    Q: About the ending theme
[16:44] ---
    There are a few people that I always rely
    on... that usually ends up being the case.
[16:50] ---
    But somehow, Ms. Mizuki felt like she had a
    different image compared to my usual vocalists.
[16:56] ---
    I had thought that was very interesting
    when we did the first vocal check.
[17:02] ---
    And, just as I expected, when we
    had her sing to the completed track...
[17:06] ---
    It was different from something
    I've made in the past.
SIGN    "Hiroyuki Sawano's new vocal project
    SawanoHiroyuki
    「A/Z」 9/10 on sale"
[17:09] ---
    I guess you could say how
    the world spread itself.
[17:12] ---
    I really feel like that's what
    she's done for me this time.
[17:17] ---
    Furthermore, the riveting sound effects, and the deeply
    emotional background music are also important elements.
SIGN    Q: About sound effects
SIGN    "Sounds" Enriching the Story
[17:24] ---
    The dubbing process is
    moving along smoothly as well.
[17:28] ---
    First off, let's talk about
    the sound effects.
[17:36] ---
    The deep sounds of the Kataphraktos,
    the robots, moving around.
[17:39] ---
    They're very detailed when
    they're adding those sounds.
[17:42] ---
    And it sounds very
    awesome and deep.
[17:44] ---
    It's an exciting, good sound that
    goes with the animation.
[17:48] ---
    As for the background music...
    Mr. Sawano's music is just amazing.
[17:54] ---
    When I received the tracks,
    I thought that they were cool songs.
[17:58] ---
    While I worked, I uploaded them onto my computer,
    and kept listening to them on repeat, over and over.
[18:04] ---
    And when they got dubbed onto the film,
    they added the next layer as the background music...
[18:11] ---
    ...it felt like this title stepped up another
    level as a show. It got me very excited.
[18:17] ---
    I thought it was really awesome.
[18:20] ---
    So that music definitely is worth lending an ear to.
[18:25] ---
    About Mr. Sawano, let's see...
SIGN    Q: About Mr. Hiroyuki Sawano as a composer
[18:28] ---
    We talked about the world view.
[18:31] ---
    We've also had several conversations
    about what kind of songs I wanted.
[18:36] ---
    But I didn't give him specific orders, like I
    didn't give details on what kind of songs...
[18:42] ---
    I really don't recall giving any detailed orders.
[18:49] ---
    I myself was a fan of Mr. Sawano.
[18:52] ---
    So I thought: if Mr. Sawano makes something awesome
    that he feels is a fit for the show, then there's no mistake.
[18:58] ---
    And actually, something even more
    than what I expected was given to me.
[19:02] ---
    It'll probably give you a refreshing feeling.
SIGN    After Commercial Break: Newest Promotional Trailer!!
[19:11] ---
    After the commercial break, we'll be showing
    you the newest promotional trailer.
[19:24] ---
    Allow me... to go into battle!
[19:31] ---
    Are you...
[19:34] ---
    ...my enemy?
[19:36] ---
    "Aldnoah.Zero."
[19:38] ---
    It truly is a lovely world.
[19:51] ---
    "Aldnoah.Zero."
[20:03] ---
    It truly is a lovely world.
[20:07] ---
    Earth...
[20:09] ---
    The birthplace of all humanity.
[20:14] ---
    It's been 15 years since the Heavens Fall.
[20:16] ---
    Those Martian bastards
    really went crazy, huh?
[20:21] ---
    I thought I asked you to refrain from
    drinking on military drill days, Lieutenant.
[20:24] ---
    This is just a game.
    Don't get too into it.
[20:27] ---
    F-Fire!
[20:30] ---
    What's going on?!
[20:32] ---
    Right now, someone must
    take that first step...
[20:35] ---
    ...towards Earth and Mars
    reaching a compromise.
[20:38] ---
    We won't have time to prepare ourselves
    even when that time comes.
[20:42] ---
    To just wait and see what kind
    of regrets we'll have then...
[20:48] ---
    I wouldn't be able to bear that.
[20:53] ---
    We must resolutely bring down
    the hammer of righteousness!
[20:56] ---
    Pumping those kids' heads full of
    this stupid crap, you call this a job?
[21:01] ---
    You're actually a fine soldier.
[21:05] ---
    Hear me, proud knights of Mars!
[21:07] ---
    The time has come!
[21:09] ---
    The grand task that has spanned
    generations, the Earthfall Operation
[21:12] ---
    will now be carried out with justice on our side!
[21:16] ---
    Allow me... to go into battle!
[21:32] ---
    And that was the newest promotional footage.
    How did you like it?
[21:36] ---
    The production for "Aldnoah.Zero" has been progressing
    well, heading towards the first airdate on July 5th.
[21:43] ---
    "Aldnoah.Zero," a title that will engrave a new
    chapter in the history of robot animation.
[21:48] ---
    The outcome of Earth and Mars,
    and the destinies of the three children...
[21:53] ---
    Please see through it to the end for yourself!
[21:56] ---
    Please look forward to the airing!
[21:58] ---
    Your navigator has been Sora Amamiya,
    playing the role of Asseylum.
[22:07] ---
    Until now, I have never had a chance to go this far
    as to be in charge of the ending theme as well.
SIGN    Q: A message to the viewers
[22:14] ---
    So I am taking a new approach
    and trying to have some
[22:17] ---
    synchronization between the ending theme
    and the songs used within the show.
[22:20] ---
    If you could enjoy those aspects
    as well, I'd be honored.
[22:25] ---
    Yes, we're getting very close to
    the airing for "Aldnoah.Zero."
[22:29] ---
    With a foundation of a wonderful story and visuals,
    we all are working as one to create the show.
[22:34] ---
    Please see for yourself the dramatic
    turn of events that happen in each episode.
[22:39] ---
    No matter what title, we get most nervous around the
    time period right before the show goes on air.
[22:45] ---
    Of course, we're concerned about whether the
    audience will properly accept the show we've made...
[22:50] ---
    ...or whether they'll
    understand all the concepts.
[22:53] ---
    Things like that, we really can't tell
    until we open it up and look inside.
[22:55] ---
    We've done everything we needed to do.
[22:57] ---
    It's not like we're making the show and we think,
    "Oh maybe we should have done that after all."
[23:03] ---
    I don't feel that we have piled
    up regrets of that sort.
[23:06] ---
    This is a story we've made from the ground up.
[23:09] ---
    I hope that many people will come to enjoy it.