We sat down with the core team behind the show, including Head Writer Alice Prodanou, Show Developer and Writer Baljeet Rai, Director Franz Kirchner, Creative Producer Dylan Edwards and Designer and Creator Tony Mitchell, to talk about how the series balances heart, humour and adventure, how key creative decisions shaped the final show, and which corners of Lana Longbeard’s universe they would happily escape to for a day.
Balancing Adventure and Comedy
Alice Prodanou (Head Writer):
“Every episode is built around real stakes and a real adventure. We start with a quest, with obstacles and an emotional spine. Once you have a good story and strong characters, you can layer in the comedy through their circumstances, their reactions and sometimes through the terrible decisions they make. Lana, for example, often tries to solve her problems through the wrong solutions but in a sincere way. Andar has his old-school methods and the crew all have their own quirks and coping strategies.
A lot of the humour comes from the fact that they are all addressing the same adventure in completely different ways. Ultimately, the relationships really drive the comedy, while the adventure forms the backbone of every episode.”
The Creative Debate That Shaped the Lana Longbeard
Baljeet Rai (Show Developer and Writer):
“When I joined, the show had been in development for around ten years and I had two months to pull the writer’s bible into shape for TV. At that point, there were nine different crew members on the Mighty Windbreaker. I realised that if we kept all of them, Lana would barely get a minute of speaking time per episode. That led to our first very difficult discussion.
We had to throw some characters overboard. Some character traits overlapped, so we focused on building a smaller, tighter crew that was all very different from each other. It turned out for the best because we ended up with a diverse, unusual group of misfits. The characters we lost found new lives elsewhere in the series as captains of their own ships and adventurers in their own right.”
If You Could Live in Lana’s Universe for a Day, Where Would You Go?
The answers ranged widely, a testament to the depth of the series’ world-building. Twillingate was a popular choice, described as a place of jewels, prestige, and even golf. Weymouth drew interest for its “big city” energy and its spa. Another favourite was the Island of Titans, praised for its moody landscapes, giant mushrooms, and camping potential, though the team warned to watch out for the insects. Lana’s home realm of Shediac, which is inspired by a port town in Nova Scotia, also held strong appeal.
From a creative perspective, Franz explained that each realm is meticulously designed to feel unique. Every location is built to be recognisable at a glance, filled with quirky details and hidden visual details. Some are so subtle that viewers only catch them if they pause a frame. From frozen mammoths hidden in ice sculptures to oversized relics that hint at Titan history, the show rewards close observation just as much as casual viewing.
Which Character Aligns Most With Your Personality?
Baljeet Rai:
“As a dad, I really identify with Andar. I was giving a talk the other day and accidentally called Lana my daughter. I am very invested in the fatherhood side of the story.”
Alice Prodanou:
“As a writer, I have to say Lana. When I decide what she does in each episode, I am really asking what I would do. I share her drive and relentlessness. At the same time, I also carry the world-weariness of Andar.”
Tony Mitchell:
“I would like to say Lana. She is a bit of a role model for me. I am not quite as confident as she is, but I aspire to be more like her.”
What’s Next for Lana Longbeard?
The team confirmed that plans are already in place for a second season. They also teased a major two-part finale to close out Season One. When asked what comes next, the team emphasised that audience engagement is key, pointing to streaming numbers and social media buzz as major factors in the show’s continued success.
The takeaway for viewers is clear. Watch the episodes, tell your friends and continue to show your support.
