Attention, "Avatar: The Last Airbender" Fans: Don't Miss These Amazing Memories From Voice Director Andrea Romano

Andreas career spans Avatar, Batman: The Animated Series, and SpongeBob SquarePants, making her a guiding force in the animation that shaped many childhoods. In reflecting on the series for its 20th anniversary, Andrea shared the methods and memories that shaped every performance.

Approach to Voice Directing

Andrea emphasized preparation. Before each session, she thoroughly studied the script, envisioning how the dialogue should sound. Yet she remained open to improvisation, allowing actors to bring spontaneous ideas that could enhance the scene.

I always did my homework, Andrea explained. I knew how the dialogue should work for the cartoon, but I also left room for unexpected, organic performances that sometimes reshaped the scene entirely.

Managing a Large Cast

With a show as extensive as Avatar, not all actors could record together. Andrea carefully scheduled sessions based on which characters interacted most, creating opportunities for natural reactions and performances. Automated dialogue replacement (ADR) allowed the team to refine lines, add background sounds, and perfect fight sequences.

Finding the Right Aang

Casting Aang presented challenges. The original actor was too young, and another New York actor didnt quite fit. Ultimately, Zachary Tyler Eisen was chosen, bringing the perfect voice that matched the characters personality and allowed Aang to grow naturally alongside him. Andrea recalls how his evolving voice influenced animation, reflecting his age and developing strength.

Collaboration with Creators

Co-creators Bryan Konietzko and Mike DiMartino provided detailed guidance, producing reference videos for animators overseas to capture precise physical actions, gestures, and nuances. This ensured the animation faithfully conveyed the intended emotions and comedic timing, even across language barriers.

Favorite Episodes and Emotional Moments

Andrea remembers Jet for its beautiful animation and emotional storytelling, and Tales of Ba Sing Se, especially Irohs story, for its profound impact. She described directing Mako in Leaves From the Vine as a deeply emotional experience, highlighting the importance of guiding actors to access genuine feelings in their performances.

The Finale and Voice Work Details

The series finale demanded numerous retakes to achieve perfection. Andrea even lent her own voice to a minor role in The Painted Lady, recording multiple variations to capture the right tone. She fondly recalled the humor and stunning visuals of The Cave of Two Lovers, praising the creativity of the animation and music.

Creature Sounds and ADR Mastery

Dee Bradley Baker recorded animal sounds for characters like Momo and Appa after animation was complete, demonstrating precise timing and emotional impact. ADR was essential in achieving these seamless performances, allowing the team to perfect every sound effect and dialogue nuance.

The Core Skill of a Voice Director

Andrea believes that the most overlooked skill of a great voice director is loving the actors. Understanding and supporting performers, especially when navigating schedules, emotional preparation, and vocal strain, is crucial. Actors are the first step in shaping the story, and a directors guidance sets the tone for the animation that follows.

Andrea Romanos memories reveal the care, precision, and passion that brought Avatar: The Last Airbender to life. Her work ensured the voices matched the heart of the story, leaving an enduring mark on fans worldwide.

Author: Olivia Parker