Aug. 11, 2025

“I Got to Storyboard On the New Avatar Legend of Aang Movie” – Ep 257

“Avatar is not anime, but it has an anime aesthetic.” Summary In this conversation, Ed has special guest from Powerhouse Animation Studios director Danny Araya. Danny has worked on animation such as Castlevania, The Legend of Aang: The Last Air Bender and Pantheon plus many more. They delve into the intricacies of animation production, discussing the significant role of budget in determining the quality of animated series. They explore the cultural debate surrounding the definition of ...

Show Notes
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“Avatar is not anime, but it has an anime aesthetic.”

Summary

In this conversation, Ed has special guest from Powerhouse Animation Studios director Danny Araya. Danny has worked on animation such as Castlevania, The Legend of Aang: The Last Air Bender and Pantheon plus many more. They delve into the intricacies of animation production, discussing the significant role of budget in determining the quality of animated series. They explore the cultural debate surrounding the definition of anime, particularly in relation to Western productions like Avatar the Last Airbender.

Danny shares his experiences working on the untitled Avatar movie and the innovative storytelling in Pantheon, highlighting a shift in Western animation towards more adult themes. The discussion also touches on the evolution of art styles in Western animation, the impact of 90s anime on contemporary creators, and current trends in the anime landscape. They conclude by reflecting on the emotional connections that great anime can evoke, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and artistic expression in the medium.

Discussion Points

The Role of Budget in Animation Production
The Value of Unlimited Budgets in Animation
The Debate: Is Avatar an Anime?
Behind the Scenes of The Legend of Aang: The Last Airbender
Exploring Pantheon: A New Era in Animation
The Evolution of Anime and Personal Favourites
Influences of Anime on Directorial Style
Nostalgic Anime and Current Favourites
Emotional Connections to Modern Anime
Art Styles and Animation Techniques
The Challenge of Finding Enjoyable Content

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