History Has Its Eyes on You - Avatar Animatic

I had to pick a song from a musical for an assignment in Jay Oliva's Cinematic Storyboard class, and this Hamilton/Avatar board was the result.
Instagram: / andymanley

[@LemurFrenzy212]

Iroh randomly bursting into song with the guards choreography while Zuko looks on in confusion is something I would entirely expect from him. And I love it! This was very well done

[@andymanley4669]

Thanks!

[@carlinh-hmcgovernn8016]

This should have been in a proper and appropriate storyline following movie.

[@ponydragon4304]

They practiced that shit and u know it

[@gailasprey7787]

That’s just what Iroh would do. He’s a theatre grandpa. 😂

[@theasexualsheepofthefamily]

I saw your comment then rewatched the video and couldn't stop laughing😂

[@weaponizedhippie6757]

Shoutout to the random firebenders that helped an old man with his impromptu musical number

[@shadowclaw7210]

I honestly headcannon that half of crew is made troops that Iroh himself worked with.

[@RiskoPlexus]

Hey, they had plenty of practice during their music nights

[@TKG785]

​@shadowclaw7210 Seems very plausible. That most of them were with Iroh during his almost successful conquest of Ba Sing Se.

[@alioktay6834]

I mean when big iroh from the north sun temple breaks out into song you best be helping

[@kendranethery8214]

The scene where he finds his son, the straight ugliness of death, no romantisizing it absolutely beautiful. Bravo.

[@andymanley4669]

Thanks!

[@gamerstheater1187]

I thought his son died young

[@BeyondTrash-xe1vs]

@@gamerstheater1187We don't know an exact age, but he died in Iroh's siege of Ba Sing Se, so he was at least old enough for war, a teenager at the youngest.

[@gamerstheater1187]

@@BeyondTrash-xe1vs Oh, I assumed he died from some illness as a child

[@ohood1788]

@@gamerstheater1187 We see a picture of him as an adult in "the tales of Ba Sing Se" episode when Iroh mourns him on his birthday. In "Zuko Alone," we also see Azula and Zuko's mom receive the letter that let them know that Iroh's son died int he siege of Ba Sing Se. It's why Iroh sings "little soldier boy" for his son.

[@TalkerDudeMan]

"Uncle, this was not what we agreed to when I authorized music nights."

[@saiyasha848]

Okay, listen, this _is_ fantatstic. But I will never _not_ be able to imagine Iroh rehearsing this with the poor Fire Navy Soldiers "Okay, guys, Listen, when I finish the first verse you guys come marching out... no, doubke file, three on both sides..."

[@andymanley4669]

Haha thanks!

[@BrieBoar]

Now I'm just picturing them planning choreography rehearsals and trying to figure out when Zuko won't be on deck so they can practice lol

[@barryfraser831]

@@BrieBoarMusic night. Zuko refuses to attend.

[@Row_of_E]

Imagine the guards talking about it later like "y'know, I always thought Zuko was the dramatic one of them"

[@thenperish]

This is perfect. So fitting for the characters & their stories, and the fade from Iroh’s fallen son into the picture is particularly powerful.

[@andymanley4669]

Thanks!

[@zool7292]

that fade from his son to the picture instantly made me tear up just like i do every time i watch iroh sing at his sons grave

[@alexandreboudraa3278]

“Uncle I just said we have no more tea”

[@calmwaveofchaos1878]

Everything from the framing to the details to the choreography to the expressions is so well done. Absolute shivers

[@andymanley4669]

Thanks!

[@adrianlee7123]

This is one of those things "i didn't know i needed to have until i got it" moments 😂

[@KarniaQueen1]

I simply love the line “You have no control Who lives, who dies who tells your story.” It always give me chills in any antimatic incluidng this one. When Iroh does it (1:03), it shows Zuko’s non burned side of his face. In a metaphorical sense, Iroh is telling that to the “good side” of Zuko. The one that is willing to listen to him and not obsessed with retrieving the honor his father took from him. Well done!

[@andymanley4669]

Thanks! I kept it on that side of Zuko's face to keep the screen direction consistent, but I like your reasoning more.

[@waddlesthepig6457]

Pov: If avatar was a musical and iroh was just a little more emtionaly unstable No but seriously the facial expressions are fantastic your great at conveying emotion

[@andymanley4669]

Thanks!

[@dustyrose192]

there actaully "if avatar was a muscial" music... a lot of it

[@cooltiger2439]

The ember island players had to make some rewrites after zuko became firelord

[@sleepy.timaeus.arts.]

i went from being so sad at iroh’s dead son to giggling at the guards dancing. i love him practicing a number with them and being all dramatic with the fire. simply perfect in every way. and this song always gives me chills. this was paired pretty well together.

[@_naju_]

i'm crying this song fits the story so well that before i read the description i thought it was a storyboard of a scene that didn't end up in the show

[@wordsmith6154]

Zuko's expression at the end there. 🤣🤣He's just like, "What the Hell, Uncle?!" 🤣🤣 Absolutely beautiful. Couldn't have illustrated Iroh's regrets and message better. It shows his regret for what became of his son, his love for Zuko and his wish that Zuko could get his head out of his butt and see the same light he did. That he wouldn't have to make as many mistakes as Iroh did before learning the truth.

[@andymanley4669]

Thanks!

[@Crystalroses197]

I could totally see iroh randomly start singing and getting the gaurds to go along while zuko just sits there so confused

[@kaiatheodore]

The song fits really well and I love this overall. The fire nation soldiers dancing was kinda funny, which seemed contradictory to the tone of Iroh and Zuko, though? and while Iroh's expressions were impressive, I think they looked a little too angry for his character? also how dare you make me see Iroh finding Lu Ten 😭 But I'm shocked this has so few views. Seems like the sort that would have at least ten times as many if not significantly more.

[@andymanley4669]

Thanks! I didn't just want the soldiers standing there, and didn't have time to make them do anything complicated. I tried fitting the expressions more to the singer's voice, not really Iroh as a character. KZbin is weird with views, but glad it's getting a little traction.

[@kaiatheodore]

@@andymanley4669 All valid decisions! Especially if you were doing this for learning/skill purposes.

[@Burgertimee]

Wait, is Lu Ten’s name just a play on the word Lieutenant?

[@dustyrose192]

@@Burgertimee oh my god

[@samuelsouth.]

@@Burgertimee NO NO PLEASE GOSH NO!

[@royrobinson2500]

i've never seen iroh so pointedly emotional like this. I have seen him angry, sad, happy but nothing quite like this.

[@Chiibia]

Honestly, the part where Iroh tells Zuko “I know that greatness lies in you” is such great foreshadowing. Throughout the whole series its clear Iroh knows that Zuko has so much potential, that his nephew can be the one to end a cycle. The one to right the wrongs of his ancestors. And its great foreshadowing to the reveal that Roku is his other great grandfather. To Zuko it would read as his uncle seeing potential in him. And they’re also words he’d need to hear, his own father was terrible and cold to him. Iroh believing in him would heal Zuko, even just a little bit. But its honestly foreshadows the great potential that Zuko himself would’ve never seen, that no one but Iroh would’ve known.

[@pastelcpid3043]

… can we just talk about how even the freaking soldiers had choreography I mean it was like walking side to side but I just think it was very funny because Steven just some random day. It was like a yo-yo we should get some choreography.

[@thatdorkwhodoescosplay]

i got into Hamilton threw an avatar amv and i stay for the avatar animatics. well done

[@andymanley4669]

Thanks!

[@kstar1412]

Same, my dude. Same. Mine first was a "Wait for It" AMV with Aang and Zuko as Hamilton and Burr!

[@kkod1027]

I feel like this could have been a good dream segment for right before Zuko tells his father that he's leaving to join Aang. The only thing I would have added instead of the soldiers dancing they would remove their helmets as they passed to reveal fallen fire nation soldiers like Iroh's son, maybe even a ghost of the previous fire avatar Roku, as the sang and pointed at him before leaving. It would be a good turning point for him deciding to think about just what kind of history he wants to make and how he will be remembered.

[@chrisriley2321]

Honestly i could have seen a moment like this happening Zuki lets his obsession with the Avatar and his honor go too far and Iroh loses his patience and his temper But instead of violence like his brother Ozai he repremands Zuko adding his history for extra wisdom He was once like Zuko chasing glory but that got people killed including his son And reminds him that history is watching and what he does will be remembered for a LONG time

[@danpontello226]

"Uncle.....when did you find the time to choreograph a musical number? You were supposed to watch for the avatar!"

[@astrotheredpanda6989]

This song already gives me chills as it is But… Damn everything was just multiplied with this animation

[@andymanley4669]

Thanks!

[@boomgirlbucko]

I love how they're choreographed like a stage-play

[@spiritkaetzchen9164]

I cant with the firebenders dancing in the background😂😂

[@_zurr]

I choose to believe this is canon.

[@ryanwiebe4096]

I Like How It's Both Serious In Showing Iroh's Backstory and How He Lost His Son,and Comedic By Portraying Realism In the Fire Nation Soldiers Joining Iron In His Musical Number While Zuko Looks On In Total Confusion

[@prestonstanley7736]

It’s the exact tone of Iroh as a character. Seemingly serious, but not afraid to capitalize on a joke, even if it falls flat.

[@badgerfern6469]

The fire soldiers 🤣

[@cringeworthy4755]

The guards... I-I can't.... I-I'm with Zuko. Wtf just happened lol

[@winnethecat]

Something amazing and amusing

[@thana6499]

First off, I didn't need my heart. Second off- the choreography, the firebending, the transitions, they're so beautifully done!

[@ellahustwitt8025]

Iroh as Washington with zuko as Hamilton is perfect, it fits their characters so well.

[@CleverFoxStudios]

Its already incredible but the fact the style looks so much like an actual Avatar storyboard makes me long for the universe where it was an endearing and somber musical

[@sureindubitably3771]

Zuko looking weirded out while random firebenders came out for Iroh's musical number was the best part

[@skullinajar1989]

i see music night on the wani is going great

[@Vanessa_03]

The fricking guards doing a little choreography kills me 😂😂😂

[@cubeinc.thechannel9487]

This gives me chills. The song fits perfectly with Zuko's story. how the everyone did have there eyes on him and the choices he makes could change the course of history. And seeing it as Iroh is telling Zuko some wisdom just like BRO. this is amazing

[@andymanley4669]

Thanks!

[@Ray-ne.]

I just love how at first Zuko is like: wtf is happening rn

[@Row_of_E]

"did they all choreograph this behind my back???"

[@Ray-ne.]

@@Row_of_E 😭

[@Gunganfan]

Zuko: Uncle... was that something you had prepared or... did you just break into song by accident?

[@captaingreen4116]

A fire nation musical intervention for the confirmed theatre kid. Perfect.

[@MrJaydoh]

Bro that part at the end where they beam their flames into the sky with the harmonies sent chills over my whole body. This is excellent and a cinematic masterpiece told in 1 minute and 42 seconds.

[@andymanley4669]

Thanks!

[@gameinsane4718]

I can’t believe this works so well. This feels like a plea for Zuko, now that the Avatar isn’t a wild goose chase to really consider his actions even when he thinks he’s doing the right thing… after all, the right thing is why he’s banished. He tried speaking up for Fire Nation soldier being used as cannon fodder, was accused of the high crime of disrespecting the Firelord. And then when made to fight his father he had too much respect and love for him, but that’s not what his Firelord wanted from him. Hell even reminding him he has no control over his own story is seen numerous times over from book 1 through the comics. His crew in the storm who didn’t even know the non-propaganda version of why Zuko was banished, the earth kingdom village that ran him out of town after essentially freeing them from a gang of earthbending goons, the Gaang needing to be convinced of Zuko’s morality shift, even the Ozai sympathizers in the comics. Everyone has a view of Zuko that’s different in-universe. Even the small stuff like Iroh’s past as a warlord, the dragon of the west, himself to the possible reference to Zuko’s greatness within being his lineage descending from both Sozin AND Roku which Iroh knew. His heritage alone in the time of Sozin’s comet returning is reason enough for history to eye Zuko and I love it.

[@xhaterkillerx]

How an Avatar musical special would have looked like

[@storyxobssesedxnerd]

Mixing two great fandoms. I love you for this

[@captaincrazycreative]

I'm sorry this is amazing but the fire nation soldiers doing their little dancey-dance is just to funny to me

[@andymanley4669]

Thanks!

[@badgerfern6469]

Light fire!

[@kodakromecreations]

That was glorious

[@andymanley4669]

Thanks!

[@Kyanpepper25]

This just makes me wish Avatar was a musical

[@worrywartjupiter]

Masterpiece

[@andymanley4669]

Thanks!

[@mikeydude2600]

At the end, I had the exact facial expression as Zuko which took me out of my shock/surprise and made me smile because when the camera turned to him it was like looking in a mirror lol 😂

[@dnpanimationstudio382]

Thsi is amazing! Very emotional. U can feel the pressure on Zuko.

[@andymanley4669]

Thanks!

[@DrRush-ow4qg]

Man 0:10 - 0:23 is something that you would find in WW1.

[@EnderKingDubs]

God... This is beautiful. Thanks for making this

[@andymanley4669]

Thanks!

[@wafffls]

the emotional pain and loss shown so well, the incredibly expressive way the faces are drawn, and the hilarious moment of zuko being confused at the soldiers his uncle has apparently trained to do a dance number, all come together to make this a spectacular video

[@lemons1522]

Bro this is amazing....ngl at the "Who lives who dies who tells your story" I teared up. Awesome job

[@andymanley4669]

Thanks!

[@tireddaily]

this made me adore this song all over again, perfect premise 🫶

[@-thalianyx298-9]

I love how the entire time Zuko is just like: *What the fu-*

[@rorangarrowson5]

Combineing Hamilton anf avatar. Absolutely amazing.

[@fyrelord7826]

This hit in a different way for me. I already cried when I saw this scenario in the show.....this animatic was no different

[@forgettableanimegirl5253]

At least Toph doesn’t have her eyes on you

[@R3dB0t1]

This song would fit so well when Iroh confronted Zuko right as he was about to save Appa

[@merle25168]

the guards are perfection🤣❤

[@QuokkaWaka]

I like the idea of Iroh having an elite troop of dancing fire nation soldiers

[@magiv4205]

I don't know if I should cry because this is sad and fitting or laugh at the poor soldiers being backup dancers

[@corancoranthemagicalman]

STOP STOP WHEN *THAT* SCENE HAPPENED I ALMOST THREW UP FROM HOW MUCH EMOTION I GOT.

[@morgansauer110]

That was awesome! Loved the part where they controlled the fire so well they pointed it at zuko.

[@andymanley4669]

Thanks!

[@Timmir00]

So this is how the Ember Island Players decided to tell Zuko's story during Korra's era

[@user-ps2po5vs3d]

THIS...THIS IS TOO GOOD. AUTHOR ... YOU ARE WONDERFUL😭😭😭

[@andymanley4669]

Thanks!

[@7L13D]

This....this is beautiful! The animation, how the song fits so well, the geography, Iroh's flashback...this legit brought a tear to my eye. How does this not have more attention!!! (Also despite how emotional this is I couldn't help but laugh a little seeing the soldiers dancing. The dance itself is fine, just seeing them dance in general just made me laugh) History has it's eye on you fits a little too well for Zuko and Iroh. I love this so much

[@andymanley4669]

Thanks!

[@BreezeFoster]

I JUST STARTED REWATCHING ATLA AND I WASN'T EXPECTING TO LIKE THIS SO MUCH BUT HOLY SHIT IT'S SO GOOD !!!! you did so amazingly, everything about this is gorgeous, you timed it all so well, accentuated the right points, everything

[@andymanley4669]

Thanks!

[@fireiron369]

“I know that greatness lies within.” I like how this references Zuko’s ancestor being related to The Avatar

[@darkflame728]

That ending part was unintentionally hilarious and I loved it! Why were they doing that weird little shuffle dance?! 😂

[@keyblademasterclark]

That bit where they bring the fire down on zuko reminds me of when Anakin became a Jedi Knight

[@Nightengale90]

This is so well animated! The facial expressions really amazed me with how good they are! Perfect song for these two characters as well! Iroh finding his dead son was tough!

[@andymanley4669]

Thanks!

[@GlitchGhost1285]

Uncle Iroh Dropping some truth on Zuko.

[@jelina5892]

I’m speecless. The animation, the execution the fire nation shooting a beacon akin to the light in the first episode wow 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@andymanley4669]

Thanks!

[@shmee123ful]

Zuko: uncle, what have I said about singing?

[@Springtrap1987PG]

Holy crap, this is recent?! I was about to say, why hasn’t this been in my recommended already, that’s why😂 this is new and AMAZING!

[@andymanley4669]

Thanks!

[@sweetlemonadstudios3366]

This is SO GOOD!!!! Oh my gosh!!!!

[@andymanley4669]

Thanks!

[@dnpanimationstudio382]

I’m not sued to this stern serious side of Iroh. I’ve seen it but when I do, it always gets me. I love it💖

[@niamooresmith2831]

my soul needed this healing thank you.

[@-zukata-]

"How did u like our music night zuko? Do you want to join us again 😊"

[@Kizzy-qb9si]

I think this is equivalent to a vet reacting or honoring the brothers they lost while fighting

[@wlliamson53]

Now I'm picturing Christopher Jackson as Iroh in the Netflix series

[@MasterThanatos1301]

I 100% believe that this is actually what happened when aang hatched from his iceberg

[@keira6717]

This is incredible! The drawings all look so accurate and the framing is stunning! I love the light work with the fire too. It combines hamilton and atla which is just the cherry on top honestly. Fantastic job!!

[@andymanley4669]

Thanks!

[@cristinazarategonzalez5831]

Am I the only one looking at soldiers dancing in the background? LOL

[@appachaihoppachai1246]

I don't think I can properly express just how on POINT this is. kudos Andy...kudos.

[@andymanley4669]

Thanks!

[@Sjadowlady]

Why does this song fit Iroh so well? It could be something that he could do in the series if it was a musical.

[@ollieneedstherapy]

Man the expressions in this are so beautiful and they fit the characters so well! I can not wait for this to blow up! Please keep up the good work!!!

[@andymanley4669]

Thanks!

[@maxleavitt9745]

Even zoko was shook from the impact of the song! He may be like wtf, but it still left an impression on him. I would have loved it if this was in the show!

[@ItsBrandonAllred]

Didn’t realize this went so viral! Congrats Andy. You’re doing big things man.

[@andymanley4669]

Thanks! I didn't know this was considered viral, but I'll take it haha.

[@evalunaamado7818]

This was amazing, but can we tallk about how out of nowhere the fire soldiers came and started dancing un middle of their discusión. Like they knew that a a badass confrontation pose was coming between uncle and nephew and got into dance group mode. 😂

[@WadzanaiMufunde]

I'm not crying, you're crying 😭

[@Jasrielle]

OMG this is so perfect! I love Avatar and Hamilton so I'm just dying of happiness at this.

[@andymanley4669]

Thanks!

[@candicebrantley2926]

It gave me goosebumps but I will admit I kinda laugh when the the fire nation guards came out walking like that but it was pretty good I like it

[@andymanley4669]

Thanks!

[@Zephirite.]

THE FIRE BEAMS ARE EPIC WOW

[@andymanley4669]

Thanks!

[@shiaraspittall979]

The animation makes it hot so much harder and feel so much deeper. Who could have know that adding ATLA to Hamilton could make me cry more?

[@rachelnerieru1712]

The crew working together with Iroh for his unprompt little musical 😂 I mean Zuko is a Theater Kid, Iroh must know that, from the sheer oddness and with him being a Theater kid sounds a very good way to maske the lesson stick