Stories Behind the Studio: The Little Guide to Ghibli

Since its formation in the 80s, Studio Ghibli films have enchanted audiences with whimsical worlds, unforgettable characters and timeless stories. This little book guides you through all things Ghibli, packed full of fascinating facts, behind-the-scenes insights and revealing trivia across the studio's legendary films.

From classics like Spirited Away and My Neighbour Totoro to recent masterpieces such as The Boy and the Heron, this little book celebrates the studio's most iconic creatures, famous scenes and distinguished directors.

Whether you're a lifelong fan or just joining the magical world of Ghibli, The Little Guide to Ghibli is the perfect introduction to the iconic studio that has given us 40 years of film perfection.

Sample content:

"The major characteristic of Studio Ghibli - not just myself - is the way we depict nature. We don't subordinate the natural setting to the characters. Our way of thinking is that nature exists and human beings exist within it." - Hayao Miyazaki

One of Hayao Miyazaki's greatest creative projects wasn't a film: it was a Museum. Situated in a pleasant public park in Western Tokyo, the Ghibli Museum is a celebration of creativity, the imagination and animation. Filled with exhibits, dioramas and countless little details designed by Hayao Miyazaki itself, it is a place of wonder that rewards exploration.

Jake Cunningham (Author)
Jake Cunningham is a multimedia writer and producer. As well as Ghibliotheque, he has produced podcasts with NBC Universal, Sky, Channel 4 and Prime Video. He discusses film on the BBC World Service, and has written and voiced video essays for the BBC and Little White Lies. He has written for Empire, The I and NME among others. His first animated short film as writer and producer, made with the BFI, was released in 2021. He recently developed and wrote on a Sky Atlantic documentary and is currently producing his next film. He lives in London with his wife, small dog and baby.

Michael Leader (Author)
Michael Leader is a writer and broadcaster whose writing has appeared in Sight & Sound and Little White Lies, and whose voice has appeared on podcasts and radio ranging from Ghibliotheque and Truth & Movies to BBC Front Row and BBC Radio 5. For several years he was Editorial Director for Film4 Online, and Commissioning Editor of the BBC Arts/iPlayer series Inside Cinema and Inside Games, for which he wrote and produced short-form documentaries about, among other things, Studio Ghibli. He lives in Sussex with his partner and a small child.