This is the opening setup for the science fiction full-length animated feature Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex - Solid State Society, directed by Kenji Kamiyama and produced by Production I.G. In a rare collaborative event between an animation studio and an automaker, the feature will introduce animated versions of two concept vehicles The Nissan Sport Concept and Infiniti Kuraza. The Sport Concept, unveiled at the 2005 New York International Auto Show, and Infiniti Kuraza, shown at the 2005 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, are driven by Section 9's team members.

The movie will premiere in Japan on the SKYPerfecTV! satellite television network on September 1st, and successively released on DVD on November 24th. The DVD release in the US and Europe is expected in 2007.

"This film is more than a simple combination of our animation with Nissan concept cars; it's the first full-scale collaboration by the creative people in both companies," said Mitsuhisa Ishikawa, president & CEO of Production I.G. "The zealous effort by our highly motivated creators, from the director right down the staff roster is noticeable in the film. Take a close look at the cars in the film. I'll bet you find them every bit as cool as the actual cars."

"This is a revolutionary collaboration made possible by direct exchanges between both young and more experienced creative talents from both companies and is different from product placement," said Shiro Nakamura, Nissan's senior vice president and chief creative officer. "Japanese animation is being taken more seriously as art every year around the world, and the concept cars in this film are rendered with particularly high quality; they're just wonderful. We hope that besides contributing to a great film experience, these very exciting images will bring the Nissan brand to a new spectrum of customers."

The Sport Concept is a three-door hatchback with a full-custom look to appeal to younger drivers. The dynamic shape of the car's fenders and spoilers, as well as its large wheels, evoke the supercars of video games. Infiniti Kuraza is designed for total comfort for six people and suggests new directions for sport utility vehicles. The car's luxurious interior combines traditional Japanese design principles, natural materials and state-of-the-art technology.

Ghost in the Shell is a series based on the graphic novel of the same title by Shirow Masamune. The novel was animated for movie theaters as Ghost in the Shell in 1995 by director Mamoru Oshii, and reached No. 1 on the Billboard US video chart the following year. It has since influenced many Hollywood movies, including The Matrix, directed by Andy and Larry Wachowski.

Responding to worldwide demand, Production I.G released a sequel in 2004 entitled Innocence, that became the first Japanese animated film nominated for the Palme d'Or at the 57th Cannes Film Festival. The movie received rave reviews, consolidating director Oshii's reputation as a world-class animation director.

In order to expand the reach of Ghost in the Shell, Production I.G created the TV series Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex in 2002. The series, directed by Kenji Kamiyama, has gained fans around the world and has already sold over 1.5 million DVDs in Japan alone.

To commemorate the Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex collaboration between Production I.G. and Nissan, Nissan will hold a special public exhibition at the Nissan Gallery in Tokyo.

© Shirow Masamune - Production I.G/KODANSHA