Interview with 'AVATAR' Program Creators

Animation Insider recently had the opportunity to speak with Bryan Konietzko and Michael DiMartino, the creators and executive producers of Nickelodeon's exciting new action and adventure series Avatar: The Last Airbender. The two animators took time out of their busy schedules to discuss the origins of the show, their expectations of the crew they've assembled to work on the project, and of course, where the series is heading these next few months. Avatar: The Last Airbender, filled with both action and drama, and adventure and humor, and is a Nickelodeon original television series whose popularity has skyrocketed over the past six to eight months.

Mr. Konietzko and Mr. DiMartino are both experienced writers and animators whose love for the medium has allowed them to pursue their own ambitious projects. Bringing to the production of Avatar: The Last Airbender, the two have an understanding of screen writing, art direction, background design, and much more. Their collaborative creation Avatar: The Last Airbender makes use of eloquent storytelling, refreshing set designs, vibrant characters, and Asian-themed mythology, in order to deliver one of the most intriguing animated television series many viewers have found in years.

This interview follows Bryan and Mike's train of thought concerning the inner workings of their new animated series. From the talented crew of voice actors to the background artwork, and from the outstanding music for the show to what fans might expect from the latter half of the first season as it premieres near the end of September 2005, and on through the fall season. The questions and comments supplied by Animation Insider's senior news person is listed in bold text, while the responses from Bryan and Mike, with attribution, are listed in regular styled text. (Additionally, "Avatar" banners assembled and designed by Cody S; while all Nickelodeon properties; images & titles; (c) Nickelodeon 2005.)

Bryan Konietzko, 29, has proven an invaluable asset to the world of original design and creation throughout the animation industry for a number of years. His precision and devotion to the medium as a character designer, makes him one of the most talented men of his age. Konietzko served as a character designer at the distinguished Film Roman organization for some time, courageously granting his insight and expectations to animated productions, which are some of the most intriguing properties in recent memory.

A character designer for Family Guy, and an assistant director for Mission Hill and King of the Hill, Bryan Konietzko has helped coordinate the inner workings of programs that greatly vary in style. Also with experience as a storyboard artist and art director for Invader Zim, and having studied at a one of the finest film and animation design schools, Konietzko brings to his new co-creation Avatar: The Last Airbender a level of storytelling and artistic talent that is quite a rarity. Serving as co-executive producer with co-creator DiMartino, Bryan Konietzko also functions as the art director and character designer for Avatar: The Last Airbender.

Michael DiMartino, 31, is an animation director whose experience and determination have allowed him to contribute to the medium's industry like few others. His knowledge and experience in helming the entire production of a television series grants him the ability and resources to give back a lot of his creativity to the surrounding industry. Also having studied at a top-of-the-line film and animation design school, and having worked a dozen years at Film Roman, DiMartino is well aware of the creative boundaries of the medium. He has helped direct King of the Hill, Family Guy, and Mission Hill in addition to his own animated short, Atomic Love, which has been screened at a number of high profile film festivals. Lending his directorial experience to an industry in need of young, insightful leaders; Michael DiMartino, in addition to being the co-creator, also serves as co-executive producer and story editor to the animated television series Avatar: The Last Airbender.