Avatar Media, Inc.

Bringing ideas to life

About the Team

We are all pretty lucky here at Avatar Media- we love our work! Okay, so we have the odd day or two with long hours and various challenges, but pressure makes diamonds! We like to think of ourselves as fresh talent with a wide range of expertise and plenty of related education and experience. We keep our skills sharp in traditional forms of media and are talented in new forms of media such as 3D design and mobile app design to provide our clients with a stunning range of new media options. We love what we do and we really are a great team to work with. We "check the ego at the door" and as a team we collaborate to deliver great service and solid product to the client. We bring ideas to life!

About the Company Read more about the history of the company

We had the name first- we swear!

Avatar Media has been in existence (with a slight name change or two) since 1996. Originally named Avatar Photography, Jaro started as a one man operation here in Edmonton. Over the years, as the industry has evolved and demand for new media has increased, Jaro and his team have improved and grown as well to meet the clients' needs. In 2011, Avatar Media was incorporated in Alberta and is no longer a one man operation but a staff of seven to 10 people depending on the projects.

  • Jaro Malanowski

    Executive Producer, Director, Writer, Cinematographer

    From the day I got my first camera at age 11, I was hooked. Making pictures and sharing them with friends led me down a path of exploration and creative expression. After receiving a degree in Design and English from the University of Alberta, I had the opportunity to work as an international photojournalist, covering various human interest stories. Although the experience was incredible, I soon felt that I was missing the connection with the people I was photographing. This led to a search of other mediums, including documentary and dramatic film production as well as digital media. As a digital storyteller, I quickly realized how much I enjoyed building teams and collaborating with other creative professionals to produce meaningful media projects together. Having worked with clients such as EA games/ Bioware, CTV, CBC, NAIT, Discovery and the RCMP, has taught me the importance of strong storytelling and how those stories can create change.

    As a life long learner I look forward to continuing to grow and nurture my creative spirit while sharing stories that matter. On our projects, we check our egos at the door and work to bring ideas to life.

    When I'm not creating media, I love to paddle, snowboard, and spend time exploring the natural world.

  • Erin Stevenson

    Producer, Writer, Social Media Specialist

    Finding the perfect way to express an idea is my passion. As a professional communicator, I am inspired to create products that successfully connect the client to their customer. I am continuously motivated to learn and try new things. With 17 years of experience in the Marketing, Communications and PR fields, my work experiences are many. To name just a few, they vary from scripting and producing videos to writing speeches and communication plans to managing projects and celebration events.

    I am a graduate of the Radio and Television Arts program at NAIT, the Bachelor of Arts (English) program at Grant MacEwan University and the Bachelor of Professional Arts in Communications Studies (degree) program at Athabasca University. My work experience includes both corporate, political and not-for-profit environments including for the Government of Alberta as well as for a post-secondary education lobby group in Ottawa. The last few years I have worked for smaller entrepreneurial companies that have provided me with the freedom to be more creative and more connected to the client.

    My passions include trekking (in May 2011, I completed the Everest Base Camp trek), international travel, scuba diving, wine tasting (and blogging about it) and hot yoga.

  • Kendra Huculak

    Production Coordinator, Editor and Business Development Lead

    When I was very young I fell in love with the performing and visual arts. That passion has led me to the place I am today. I have received training in the areas of fine arts, music and theatre arts. I graduated with Honours from NAIT in Digital Media and IT. I have also earned a make-up artistry diploma from Evelyn Charles Academy. As part of the Avatar Media team, I am able to utilize my strong technical and people skills for the production coordination of shoots, script writing, as well as bookkeeping and new business development.

    I am passionate about social issues, particularly those surrounding youth including: racism, equality and human rights. I love collaborating with other artists and media specialists to help raise awareness and educate the public on various topics and issues.

    When I'm not working I'm singing in a band, scheming up new artistic endeavors, jet-setting to new destinations and spending time with my friends and family.

  • Andrea Clark

    Editor, Designer and Videographer

    My love for computers and storytelling began at four years old, therefore; it was only a matter of time before I found the digital media world. Throughout my teens I was often spotted with a camera in my hand, allowing me to develop my style early on. Digital media allows me to share my personal opinions, passions and interests and has provided me with a creative outlet to express and educate viewers on a number of different topics.

    My position as an editor and videographer provides me with a creative outlet and introduces me to new ideas and challenges each and every day. I have earned a national gold medal for television/video production at the Skills Canada Competition and have a diploma with Honours in Digital Media and IT from NAIT.

    In my spare time I like to keep busy sketching, reading, filming, dancing and continually changing my hair style and colour.

  • David Miles

    Web and Mobile Application Developer

    I've been interested in web development since I was 11 years old. I started making small websites and then started programming with Perl. I took my first programming class in high school and soon after began teaching myself PHP.

    Soon after, I worked as the network administrator for a local Internet Service Provider and developed an internal web application for them to manage scheduling and billing practices. After working freelance, I enrolled in the Digital Media and IT program at NAIT. I graduated with Honours and was the recipient of three scholarships.

    In my spare time I like to play video games, watch movies and hang out with friends. Also, I only like cheese on foods that were designed with cheese in mind, like pizza.

  • Rina Mamoon

    3D Concept Artist and Story Development Writer

    Ever since I was able to pick up a pencil, I knew I loved to draw. It felt completely natural and I haven't stopped since. This helped me develop my second passion, writing. I soon discovered that not only do I like to create images, but also stories. These complimentary interests have opened numerous doors for me and provide me with a continuous creative outlet.

    I am a graduate of the Graphic Communications program and the Digital Media and ITprogram, both at NAIT. The skills I have acquired are my greatest treasures. My technical skills include proficiency in Maya, Zbrush, Lightwave, Abobe Creative Suite, and Celtx. As a 3D Concept Artist and writer, I take my passions and skills and apply them into concept art, 3D models, and story development.

    My passions in life are art, writing, videogames, music, hiking and photography. I strive to continue learning and growing as an artist and storyteller.

  • Ashley Witiw

    Graphic Designer, Concept Artist and 3D Modeler

    Over the years, I have worked with several mediums: graphite, charcoal, conte, ink, acrylic, water-colour, and pastel. Most recently I have transitioned into the digital medium. Whether it is painting in Photoshop, designing in Illustrator, or creating three dimensional sculptures in Maya, these new tools have proven to be an engaging way to further develop my skill set.

    I graduated with Honours from the Digital Media and IT program at NAIT. I attribute my success to having truly found a niche where I enjoy the work that I am doing. It is very important that I incorporate both my artistic and technical skills in every job that I do.

    When I need a break from my artistic endeavors, I hang out with friends, read books, play games, or take a walk to a new and exciting location.

  • Scott Franchuk

    Sound Engineer, Sound Recordist

    A sound professional since 1997, I've been involved in all stages of album production - as a recording engineer, mix engineer, mastering engineer and producer on over 40 full length albums and countless demos.

    I've had the pleasure of working with many great Alberta bands, from The Swiftys, Mark Davis, Shuyler Jansen, to Terry Morrison, the Shiftless Rounders and AA Sound System.

    I have worked as the Live Mixer and Production Manager for Juno award winner Corb Lund and Hurtin' Albertans. My work has taken me all over the world and venues such as the Glastonbury Festival in Southern England, Rexall Place, Ottawa Roots and Blues Festival and Mariposa to name a few.

    In my "spare time", I freelance in live television mixes, radio production, film sound, sound design and post production for a number of different clients.

  • Your Name Here

    You could be part of our team

    We're pretty busy here at Avatar Media and always have our eyes and ears to the ground for new talent as we continue to grow as a company. We're a fun group of people to work with (if we can say so ourselves!) and love to deliver great service. If you think you have a skill set, an attitude and a personality you think would be a great fit here at Avatar Media, we'd love to hear from you. Drop us a line telling us why you think you'd be a great asset to add to the company. Be sure to include your resume and provide some sample work that we can take a look at. You just never know, it could be the beginning of a great career for you!