Aaron Augenblick!

Showrunner of PBS show “City Island”!

Welcome to the Piece Of Advice Newsletter!

Good morning! I hope you had a great weekend! Today we are looking into animator and show runner, Aaron Augenblick!

Aaron Augenblick has created himself a unique path in the animation world, blending indie sensibilities with mainstream appeal. Born in Wilmington, Delaware, and a graduate of New York City’s School of Visual Arts, Augenblick gained early recognition for his student films, which earned ASIFA Awards and were showcased on Cartoon Network.  After practicing his skills at MTV Animation on shows like “Daria and Downtown”, he founded Augenblick Studios in Brooklyn in 1999.  The studio became known for its distinctive style, producing cult favorites such as “Wonder Showzen”, “Superjail!”, and “Ugly Americans”, characterized by their edgy humor and innovative animation techniques.

In 2019, Augenblick co-founded Future Brain Media, a company dedicated to children’s programming.  Their flagship project, “City Island”, debuted on PBS Kids in December 2022.  The series features Watt, a curious lightbulb, exploring a vibrant city where every object is personified, teaching young viewers about civics and community.  Inspired by classics like “Sesame Street”, Augenblick aimed to create an engaging educational experience for children.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Augenblick is committed to community engagement. He has taught animation classes to developmentally disabled adults at Brooklyn’s LAND Gallery, fostering creativity and inclusion.  His dedication to both his craft and community underscores his multifaceted contributions to the world of animation.

Augenblick’s journey from indie animator to children’s content creator exemplifies his versatility and passion for storytelling. With “City Island” and Future Brain Media, he continues to innovate, making animation that entertains, educates, and inspires audiences of all ages.

Piece Of Advice:

Giancarlo: What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Aaron Augenblick: Be nice to everyone.

Thank you for reading! Have an amazing week and we will catch you again on Monday!

-Giancarlo