Transformers News - Interviews

TFW2005 Interviews IDW Publishing Editor Andy Schmidt

Sol Fury — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:26:13

Andy Schmidt, IDW Publishing�s senior editor overseeing the Transformers series, recently sat down with us to talk about the upcoming Transformers ongoing series, his history with the franchise and his work in the comics industry as a whole. He also takes some time out to address some of the concerns fans have raised about the artistic direction of the series, assuring us that other artists and styles being used on the Transformers books, and the potential benefits that the shift to an ongoing format will bring with it.

Check out the full interview below, and don�t forget to pick up the first issue of the new ongoing series when it hits comic stores this Wednesday, 18 November.

TFW: First of all, thank you for agreeing to talk to us.

Andy Schmidt: My pleasure, Simon, thanks for giving me the opportunity. You guys run a very cool site.

TFW: How does working on a property like Transformers compare to working on something like Star Trek, GI Joe or Marvel's Annihilation event? How do you feel your work as an editor has prepared you for this gig?

AS: TRANSFORMERS is hands down the most difficult property I�ve worked on. There�s a combination of factors for this. G.I. JOE recently had the advantage that we were rebooting it when I came on board so I didn�t have 75 plus issues to read and make sense of. Oddly, it�s not as big a deal on the Marvel characters that you read everything because there�s so much of it going back for decades. But for TRANSFORMERS, it was a lot to take in and try to make sense of.

On top of that, TRANSFORMERS fans are extremely precise and passionate, which is great on the one hand, but they are also very critical. And there are two ways to react to that criticism�the first and easiest reaction is to get a huge pit in your stomach as you read how the work you�re putting into something just isn�t any good. It can be paralyzing. But the second, and the one all editors and creators have to remind themselves to do, is to take it in, analyze each criticism and determine how we can use that to make our comics better. And that�s what we�ve been doing.

Comics are an ongoing medium and so they are an ongoing process. Books can always be better, and so we�re always making adjustments and we�re always trying new things.

TFW: Is there a particular buzz involved when you see a comic you worked on out on store shelves and you think to yourself "I made this happen"?

AS: There used to be a huge buzz about that. Now, with the economy the way it is, I�m just hoping that people are reading them and liking them. For the most part, I�ve been very fortunate to work with extremely talented creators who make me look good. Ha ha.

TFW: In terms of the Transformers toy line and series, do you have a particular favourite incarnation or series?

AS: When I was a kid, I was obsessed with the original American cartoon. I still have whole episodes memorized. So, that�s kind of a default starting point for me. I also read the entire Marvel run of the comics, but I didn�t love them the way I did the cartoon itself.. I recently got the re-released original OPTIMUS PRIME and he�s a bit clunkier than I remember him�but still just so darn cool! I keep it in my office at work and whenever my two-year-old son comes to the office, that�s what he wants. He just yells, �Truck!� until I give it to him. Then he tries to change it, gets frustrated, and says, �Robot!� and I change him to robot mode. It cracks me up. I see those wheels turning in his head. He knows how cool they are. He�ll be a TRANSFORMERS fan soon, I�m sure.

TFW: Do you have a favourite Transformers character? Will you be pushing for this character to make an appearance in the ongoing if they are not there already?

AS: For no good reason�BLUESTREAK. Actually, it�s because he�s the first one I ever owned, but I can�t point to a great BLUESTREAK story and say this is why YOU should love him, too. But I do also love MEGATRON and OPTIMUS. They�re just awesome. Many others rotate in and out as favorites�at different times I�ve really enjoyed SIDESWIPE, and SUNSTREAKER, GALVATRON, SKYWARP, OMEAGA SUPREME and others�

TFW: Are there any characters you're looking forward to working with? Any you're dreading? Why?

AS: I like working with the characters who are under-defined because I enjoy figuring out what makes them unique and showing why they�re cool. I kind of dread working on the ones with large fan-bases for the same reason�they are so well defined in some people�s minds that nothing ever feels like its right to everyone. It often feels like a no-win scenario.

TFW: Does an ongoing series allow for more freedom with storylines and character developments? Are there any particular drawbacks with an ongoing format compared to a miniseries format?

AS: It does allow for more options. For longer character development if that�s needed and shorter stories too. It allows for more variety of storytelling than mini after mini does. We�re not as constrained by the format. So we�ve got some more-or-less stand alone issues coming up after the first arc and before we dive into the next multi-part arc. The only real downside is� well, there�s not much of a downside now that I think about it.

TFW: What can we expect from the new ongoing series that will justify the "jump" to the average comic buyer? How will it appeal to the new reader?

AS: That�s a great question. TRANSFORMERS, and this is true of almost all major comic properties, has a tendency to get wrapped up in itself and so it will at times lose relatability to what I call the casual fan. Our take on the characters is, hopefully, very relatable. We�re dealing with emotions and concerns that are more universal. As much as I enjoyed the �Dark Universe� saga, it isn�t easy to jump into for a new reader. As an editor, I have to split between my own inner fan and my professional best to reach a wider audience in addition to the core fans. It�s not easy, but it is possible.

TFW: What do you feel are the strengths of the franchise, and how do you and IDW intend to capitalize on them?

AS: It�s so widely recognizable and such a simple concept that I think it�s attractive to a lot of people. Cars that turn into robots are cool. A war between two factions�I get it. They�re in disguise and can be anywhere? Awesome. We�re getting back to some of the simpler concepts with the franchise, but have no fear, we�re not ignoring what�s come before nor are we rewriting it. In issue #1 of the ongoing, there are references to both Simon and Shane�s work. If you know of the work, you can pick up on them.

But yeah, I want to make comics about the most popular characters like OPTIMUS PRIME and BUBMLEBEE and STARSCREAM and such. But I also, as I said above, enjoy the characters who aren�t as developed. I think that wide cast of characters can be a bonus but if we�re not careful, it can also quickly devolve into a bunch of action figures on the page�none of whom have any personality. I really want to avoid that and I think the ongoing is off to a great start.

TFW: What do you want to bring to the Transformers franchise that hasn't been done before?

AS: In the first issue of the ongoing, we�re doing something that changes the status quo in a way that opens up many possibilities to explore these characters. I think that�s exciting. We�ve also found what, to us, makes Earth so darn important. It�s not a McGuffin, it�s something real that only Earth has. And I think that�s something new that also has limitless possibilities. Really, I just want to tell fresh stories and get fans excited again.

TFW: With the new series, how would you respond to some of the concerns that fans have raised?

AS: Give it a shot. I really hope you like it�we all do. We�ve worked hard to make it work and to give it a real launch that�s true to the core of the characters and to what�s come before, but also to bring something new. If it�s not perfect�heck, even if you flat out don�t like it�we�re all trying to make the books better and better. Again, I hope you like it as is, but if not, we�ll fix it.

I�ll say something about continuity too because I see that a lot. The first story I had any real impact on as an editor was the four issues of CODA at the end of ALL HAIL MEGATRON. Some of those stories I wanted to build to patch up some continuity issues. They�re not all fixed (and in one case I made a mistake that made things worse�ugh!) but we�re working on it. It�s important to us that the continuity works. I can�t change what�s come before, but moving forward, we�re really trying to keep it all together and be respectful of all the series and creators who have built the foundation.

TFW: How are the artists for each of the multiple Transformers series IDW publishes determined? Will we be seeing more of the fan favourite artists such as Alex Milne, Don Figueroa, and Guido Guidi?

AS: It�s pretty simple, based on the story in each of the books, we try to figure out who would be the best fit for that story or which artists like certain characters or writers. There are a lot of factors�scheduling being one of them.

Alex is currently working on the movie universe books, Don is working on the ongoing series, and Guido is currently supplying covers for the BUMBLEBEE series and working on something else down the line that he�s the interior artist for. Casey Coller will be back soon too. And I�ve been talking with a few others who are busy on other projects but would like to come back at some point. And we�ll see some new faces occasionally, as well.

I love seeing different artists work on the same characters. Right now, I�ve got three different artists working on three different stories that are all running in the ongoing. So, the art in the ongoing is sort of like the weather in St. Louis�if you don�t like it, just wait five minutes�

It�s great to see the differences each artist brings to the characters. And with Transformers, they get to interpret the body frames differently, which the artists really like doing. They�re glad they don�t have to follow one particular design. It gives them the freedom to create, and that�s what they are�creators. So I think it makes for better stories all around.

I loved those arguments with my two older brothers when we were kids (and truthfully still have) about which artist drew the best Spider-Man or Batman or whomever. (my money is on both of the Romitas for Spider-Man and on Neal Adams for Batman�they�re go to answers, but hey, there�s a reason for that!). But I think those different interpretations all add something to the characters in the long run.

TFW: Once the initial story arc wraps up, what direction would you like to take the series in?

AS: The initial story arc sets multiple events into motion. The main thing I�m concerned about from a story standpoint is that the stories come from character�that they are about unique characters and their personal decisions. I think that makes for more emotionally charged stories and more entertaining ones.

At the same time, I�m a bit of a geek myself, so I�m interested in things like what death means to a TRANSFORMER, or what effect living for thousands of years has on them, and all of that kind of stuff. There�s the really strange notion of the female TRANSFORMERS that were created�like Frankenstein monsters or something. It�s not clear, but I think there�s a cool story to tell there someplace.

TFW: How far in advance (in terms of numbers of issues) do you plan the storylines for an ongoing series?

AS: That�s a tricky one to answer. In broad strokes, we�re planned usually about a year and a half to three years out. But those can be very broad strokes. The danger of planning that far in advance is that things change, so if they�re planned too tightly, that makes working on the books more difficult. There�s a plan, I should say, for quite a ways out, but part of that plan is being flexible enough to turn the ship quickly if need be.

To give a quick example, I was working on a book that had very specific art assignments�things like one artist did scenes in one time period and another artist in a different time period. One of the artists had a personal tragedy and couldn�t work for several weeks. So instead of just handing off his pages to someone else, breaking the illusion we had created, the writer worked out an issue with a third time period with a third artist. It wound up adding a very cool and important layer to the story, and allowed the artist time to get back on his feet. It wound up making the story better.

There are other things that come up that we need to build the flexibility in to adjust to, so are plans are well thought out, but also flexible. Sorry if I�m babbling. I find this stuff interesting because it�s my job, but I might be boring the pants off you guys.

TFW: Is there a desire to maintain long-going story arcs or will things be more episodic?

AS: There are long-term character arcs, but most story arcs will be relatively self-contained. There will be connective tissue from a plotting standpoint of course, but we�re not building one long and endless saga if that�s what you mean. The danger of doing that is that the individual issues can start to lose impact and I�m hoping that we can get something cool in every issue of the ongoing book.

TFW: Are there any juicy tidbits you can let us know about, to look forward to in upcoming issues?

AS: Mike Costa is determined to give ROLLER a time to shine. It�s been 25 years. He�s due. Ha ha. Sorry, besides that my lips are sealed for now�

TFW: Are there any plot threads / series mythology elements from past Transformers series you do not want to work on (for example, Unicron and Primus the Transformers "gods")?

AS: I�ll admit I have a little bit of trouble with the gods thing. Doesn�t mean it�s not there, and I won�t ever tell a writer absolutely not without at least hearing him or her out first. If someone makes a great case for how that works, I can go with it. So, no, there�s nothing off limits, but there are story elements that are tougher sells than others. Do you realize you�re asking this question to part of the editorial team who approved Bucky coming back to life in Captain America? Ha ha. Nothing is absolute!

TFW: On the subject of the mythology of the series, will the proposed miniseries dealing with the first 13 Transformers ever see the light of day, given that it was reportedly on the back burner, but Hasbro has since mentioned in Q&A sessions they are planning to tell the story of the forefathers of the Transformers. Is this something IDW is involved in?

AS: That was a project that was sort of shelved before I got involved on the series (sorry, being honest) so I don�t have all the facts on that one. It�s not currently on our publishing schedule but I wouldn�t write it off completely. It could still happened. I figure that if Simon or someone really had their heart into it, they�d contact me and try to resurrect it, but no one has ever brought it up with me.

TFW: Would you like to revisit the "what-if" style concept of the Evolutions series?

AS: I would, yes. But I also don�t want to flood the market with too much TRANSFORMERS product and I think we�re getting close to that already�ha ha ha. If there�s enough time in the day, I�d love too. It�s more a matter of logistics and focusing out energy on the main line right now.

TFW: If you could edit any comic series or character out there, who would you want to work on and why?

AS: Jack Kirby�s New Gods! Because they�re the coolest! Those books were just sheer creative energy�hardly able to be contained on the comic book page. I�d love to work on them. And they have such classic characters that remind me of the Illiad, which is my favorite work of literature that I�ve ever read. Love those guys!

I would also say the big toys at DC Comics, but technically I got to work with most of them on the JLA/AVENGERS books from a few years back. Technically.

TFW: Will IDW be attempting to relaunch any other 80s properties besides TF/GI Joe?

AS: I�m focused on TRANSFORMERS and G.I. JOE, friend. Was there anything else from the 80s worth resurrecting? I think not.

TFW: With Transformers and GI Joe both under one roof, can we expect any crossovers in the near future?

AS: Near future? No. But hey, like I said, nothing is off limits forever�

TFW: What part of the process of creating a comic do you feel is least understood by the fans, and what should they know about it?

AS: I�m an editor, so don�t think people understand what I do. But I don�t know. As an editor, my job is not to dictate content. My job is to help writers and artists tell their story in the best possible way. That�s really what I do. That, and you know, be a traffic cop for things like scheduling and getting the work in on time. But that part kind of stinks. Editors have to wear many different hats and that�s what makes it both fun and challenging. But I do love it.

TFW: Lastly, please say a few words for the fans who visit the Transformers fan sites.

AS: Wow, what a great request. Okay. So here�s what I�ve been seeing on your forums lately. You guys are really into this. You know more details than my brain is capable of holding�but we (the creative and editorial teams and Hasbro) are all doing our best to improve the comics with each issue. We are listening.

I�ve been reading your reactions to the IRONHIDE announcement last week and I�m curious to see the response once you all can take in the whole picture. TRANSFORMERS is a big huge thing and it takes time to get things right, but that is our goal. Great and consistent characters. Continuity. Big events. Big themes. All of it.

There�s a huge world to explore here. If we�re not getting to your favorite corner of it right away, let us know and give it some time. We�ll get there. All of your feedback and criticism is appreciated. It really is. It can sting like the dickens sometimes, but there�s always something in it to learn from that can help make the comics better.

So, at the end of the day, thank you for being fans. Your passion for TRANSFORMERS gives me the opportunity to work on the best characters in the world. Thanks for the opportunity and I hope I�m able to repay you guys the favor by helping make better and better TRANSFORMERS comics.

Thanks again to Andy for taking the time to answer our questions!

TFW2005 Interviews Generation 1 Perceptor Paul Eiding

Super_Megatron — Sat, 3 Oct 2009 13:36:27

Paul Eiding, best known among TF fans for his work as the voice of Perceptor in the original animated series, recently graced us here at TFW with an interview. Answering questions posed by some of the users on the site, Mr. Eiding mused about the original series, his work in the video industry, and his love of the stage. Read below to check it out!

TFW:
First off, how did you get the role of Perceptor? As he was a character that appeared in the second season, had you heard any buzz for the Transformers series at that time?

Eiding:
Nothing too exciting here. I auditioned along with many others. I was doing a stage play at the time playing 3 characters with different accents, one a Brit. Someone recommended me to the casting director and I got called to audition. I had several friends doing characters so I knew of the show, but honestly, didn�t know too much about the show.

TFW:
What was the audition process like, as a character being added to an already large cast? Do you think the process would have been any different if you had been auditioning at the beginning of the show?

Eiding:
The process, as I remember, wasn�t any different from usual. I was shown a picture of the character and told they were going for an effete proper English accent. Something along the lines of C3PO...�but not really.�

TFW:
Do you have any stories about the recording sessions of Transformers? Any favorite memories or anecdotes about the other cast members?

Eiding:
Early on the sessions took HOURS. Wally Burr, the vo [voiceover] director had very specific sounds he was after, and made many an actor irate by pushing and pushing, and giving �line readings� (actors hate line readings), and having us do innumerable takes grunting, screaming, shouting, etc. We all felt like we were bleeding from the throat when we left the studio. I remember one session we were all voicing Insecticons who were eating buildings, etc. We were all making munching, crunching, slobbering mouth sounds, as if we were devouring metal, etc. At one point, I looked up to see Greg Berger, Chris Latta, Michael Bell, and others, faces contorted, bodies hunched over, arms and hands gesticulating wildly...just as I was doing. The absurdity of what we were doing just hit me as incredibly funny. Simultaneously, others felt the same way, and of course, uncontrollable laughter ensued ruining the take. Were we really getting paid for this?!

TFW:
Was it strange to voice an �intellectual� character in a cast of primarily action-oriented roles? Do you feel you were treated differently because of it, by the other cast members or the director? Has anyone ever given you any ribbing about being �the nerd Transformer�?

Eiding:
I wasn�t treated differently, except for the fact that Wally Burr seemed to enjoy what I was doing and almost NEVER gave me line readings. It�s been kind of a bummer that, as in life, the thinking person hasn�t always been thought of as cool. The bad guys and the ones with �fire-power� are the sexy ones. Perceptor is often considered boring by the uneducated. :-)

TFW:
Perceptor was one of few characters from season 2 of Transformers who survived his appearance in the animated movie and was featured in season 3. Why do you think he was brought back?

Eiding:
Oh, this one�s easy. It�s because of my incredible talent and charm. I became Perceptor and he became me.

Okay, that was all bulls**t.
The real answer is, I have no idea. I wish I could give you a definitive answer, but I ain�t got one.

TFW:
What did you base the voice for Perceptor off of? If you were given an opportunity to reprise the role, would you voice it the same way? Similarly, have you been approached for any other Transformers projects? Are you interested in being a part of the franchise again?

Eiding:
As I said, they wanted a C3PO sort of voice. I also thought he could be an absent-minded professor kind of guy. Never had an audition for ANY of the new Transformers projects. Kind of irritating, but what can you do. I�d love to be involved with the franchise again. The Transformers occurred early in my Los Angeles voiceover career, so it holds a special place in my heart.

TFW:
Many of the intellectual characters you�ve voiced have had extremely specialized vocabularies, but Perceptor stands out as the one with most �techno-babble�. Do you do any background research to learn these kinds of terms? Is there any improvisation in these kinds of lines?

Eiding:
No improv with Perceptor. Some of the sessions were hairy, because we didn�t get the scripts ahead of time. As I recall, we�d get to the studio, get the script, do a read thru, then record. Some of the stuff was tough to wrap my mouth around. The only research I had was my experience doing industrial films (training films) for companies like 3M, Control Data, and Honeywell, when I was living in Minneapolis, Mn. where I worked at The Brave New Workshop, and improv theatre.

TFW:
The Transformers brand has lasted for 25 years and shows no signs of slowing down any time soon. Why do you think the brand has lasted this long?

Eiding:
Because they�re COOL! C�mon giant robots, who TRANSFORM into other things?! And they have big guns! Well, most of �em. Plus, they have a lot of personality. They don�t sound like robots. The fact that some are good and some are bad is also cool. It�s the never-ending tale of good vs evil. Human beings, I believe, are also naturally drawn to mythology, and the Transformers� is great fun.

TFW:
The character of Perceptor has had some longevity as well, with appearances in the current Transformers comics by IDW, an upcoming re-release of the original toy, and a new version of the character (although heavily influenced by the original) on the Transformers: Animated series. Do you follow characters you�ve voiced, and if so, had you heard about his Animated appearance? What do you think of the Hawking-esque computer voice used for Perceptor in Transformers: Animated?

Eiding:
I haven�t watched TF: Animated. I was too pissed off. I am getting a new Perceptor (the re-released original).

TFW:
Have you heard about Michael Bell's "animated" comic campaign for IDW? If so, are you at all interested in participating?

Eiding:
I�ve heard Mike�s stuff. Very cool. He�s one of my buddies and someone I�ve always looked up to. When I grow up, I want to be Michael Bell! I�ve told him I�d love to be involved any way I can.

TFW:
How does working in live action differ to voice work, aside from the idea of working on a set vs. in a recording studio? What about working on stage? Do you have a favorite medium?

Eiding:
I love what I do, whether on-camera, vo, or stage. On-camera work is wonderful, but I find it a bit limiting. Unless you have a director who wants to work �outside the box�, your roles can be limited by your age, height, weight, and other physical characteristics. Voiceover work is limited only by your talent. I can be a dwarf, a demon, a 90 year old invalid, a 6�4� Marine Colonel, an absent-minded professor, a dimwitted ogre, an number of aliens, and I could go on and on. However, stage work is still my favorite medium. I love the rehearsal/discovery part of the process, the bonding with fellow actors, the immediate reaction one gets from an audience, and the ownership the actor has over the process. Once a show opens, it belongs to the actors and the audience. No one else. I love it.

TFW:
You've played a lot of learned characters over your career, do you think there's a reason for this? How do you approach a role to make it seem "smart"?

Eiding:
I�ve played my share of dummies, as well. I attempt to play every character at the top of their intelligence, whatever that may be. Even the big dumb brutes. My sense is no one thinks of themself as dumb...no matter how thick they may seem to others.

TFW:
Have you ever done a voice that really hurt your throat? Have you ever been forced to change a character's voice because of that reason?

Eiding:
I haven�t had to change a character�s voice...yet. There have been instances that I�ve passed on an audition because I knew it would be a throat ripper. I did a game about a year ago which came close. Don�t remember the name of the game, but it was a monster, named �Baby�. It was always having tantrums...growling, attacking and screaming at the top of it�s lungs. Luckily, most everything was done in one or two takes. Had it been Wally Burr directing, he or I would be dead now. :-)

TFW:
Do you ever ad-lib while doing voice work, and has it ever caused a good / bad result?

Eiding:
Used to get to ad-lib a lot doing animation, back in the day, but not as much doing games. Every once in a while the opportunity comes and I love it. The results are almost always positive because if you�re into your character, �he� speaks through you, so the character can become more fully developed.

TFW:
Is this where you saw yourself when you were young and asked "what do you want to be when you grow up?" What would your dream role be? Out of the projects that you�ve worked on over the years, what would your favourite have been and why?

Eiding:
When I was young I wanted to be a musician. String Bass. I�ve always said that my dream would be to do a film role that is appreciated by my peers, in a movie that truly affects society in a positive way, that changes people�s actions for the good, that is both a financial and critical success...and that makes me FILTHY RICH! What do ya think? Too much to ask for? Seriously, my favorite role has been Tevye, in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. I did the show for 11 months, many years ago. For a character man, it�s a show that has everything. You sing, you dance a little, you make people laugh, and you make people cry. Loved doing the show and would love to do it again, before I�m too old. There are many projects I�ve had great fun doing. I�m a very lucky man!

TFW:
Is a voice actor working on multiple projects for the same studio, either simultaneously or in succession, common? Does it depend on the director, the studio, or something else?

Eiding:
Yep, it�s common. I�ve worked on several projects in succession at Sound Deluxe, and others. It can depend on the casting director who brings you in to audition for different projects, the director OR the studio. Some of it is just happenstance. Tomorrow, I work on Starcraft, and just finished working on Warcraft. Next week I�m doing BioShock.

TFW:
Lately, you�ve been doing a lot of work in video games. Is there a reason for this? What are some of the differences you�ve found between voice work done for a show or movie, and for a video game? Is there a particular genre of games you prefer to work in (RPGs, action games, etc.)?

Eiding:
I�m an actor. The games I prefer are the ones that involve story. The more cinematic, the better I like it. I enjoy working with another actor in the studio. It�s always more fun to work off one another. The difference between games and films is becoming harder and harder to define. And that�s a good thing. Games to me are becoming more and more like movies.

TFW:
What was it like working on the Metal Gear Solid series? Were recordings done individually, or in group sessions? Were you able to work again with any of the numerous other Transformers cast members who worked on the games?

Eiding:
I�ve loved MGS. Making friends with folks like David Hayter was a special treat. The first game was done ala radio drama, actually recording with the actors. I�ve gotten to work with David on all the sessions, but not the other characters. Mainly for scheduling reasons, I think. Over the years, I�ve worked with most of the Transformers cast on other projects. I�ve done lots of Pixar stuff with Jack Angel, cartoons with Charlie Adler, Sue Blu, Corey Burton (another hero), Scatman, Jim Cummings, my dear friend Walker Edmiston, Laurie Faso, Linda Gary, Dick Gautier, Ed Gilbert, Danny Gilvezan, Jerry Hauser, Casey Kasem, Mo LaMarche, Alan Oppenheimer, Rob Paulsen (most recently on Ben-10), the wonderful Tony Pope, Frankie Welker, and others. Many of the games are recorded one actor at a time. I always laugh when I find out, after the fact, that I�ve worked with Greg Berger, or Clive Revill, or whoever, on the same project.

TFW:
What is it like working on many of Blizzard�s extremely popular games franchises, such as Diablo, Starcraft, and Warcraft? Have you been approached for any of their upcoming projects?

Eiding:
oops...I�ve answered this one. It�s been great being involved with Blizzard. Diablo and Starcraft were a couple of my first games. Chris Metzen is still a great guy.

TFW:
Some of your credits are for �additional voices�, what exactly does this mean? How are these roles usually filled, and is this any different from other roles?

Eiding:
Some of the �additional voices� listing on IMDB are incorrect, they were actually, guest stars. The Pixar work, however, is �additional voice� work. It�s basically ADR [additional dialogue recording], but usually there are characters that have actual lines written for them...or lines we get to improv...that either move the story along or add comic relief to the movie. This is different from adding crowd noise or fight sounds or background walla to scenes. Additional voice stuff is intended to be heard as stand alone. For instance, in Monsters, Inc. I was one of 3 trainees who were afraid of little kids. I was also a huge eye, a little business man monster who flies off to work and says something to his wife. Each has their own little moment. Whew...hope that makes sense. The parts are usually filled by members of special ADR groups. I work with one called Lipschtick. We�re all animation vo actors.

Thanks again to Mr. Eiding for taking the time to answer our questions!

TakaraTomy Staff Interview Translation: Hisashi Yuki (ROTF, RiD Prime, BT Skids and BWN Unicron)

Sol Fury — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 00:18:17

Only the Transformers movie comes with this many robot toys - Hisashi Yuki

- "Revenge of the Fallen" is finally in the cinemas!

Yuki: We, as the members of the staff, were able to watch the movie at the Japanese Premiere in early June, which was a bit earlier than the public. Though, to be honest, I was surprised that we could not get to watch it until then.
There were many aspects of the story we didn't understand even though we were supposedly more informed than general public; such as the connection between the combiner "Devastator" and its individual Transformers, or why there are many similar looking Transformers. We didn't get the answers until we saw the movie ourselves. It was a story which defied our expectations and went way beyond our imaginations.
So many TFs has appeared (in the movie) that it is impossible to spot everyone in a single viewing. I am sure we find something new every time we watch it!

- Tell us your candid opinion of the first movie.

Yuki: I wasn't a part of the toy development team then, so I had a less involved point of view. I was very impressed nonetheless, the graphics such as CG were very advanced. Not that the anime shows we have had were low quality, but I did acknowledge the realistic presence unique to live action movies. I do not think everything would look better as a live action movie, but since Transformers feature vehicles motif, the style fits so perfectly. I have never spoken to the graphics creators in the US, but I am sure they belong to the generation where kids grow up with TF toys and cartoons. I believe that they had been very happy to be able to work on Transformers, and that brought everyone's determination together to create the best.

I wanted to follow the designs by the movie staff as closely as possible

- I would like to ask about the toys you were responsible of developing.
What was your first impressions on "the Fallen", who is the key character in the story?

Yuki: When we first heard that the Fallen would appear in the movie, we thought of the American comic character with the same name right away and wondered if he would be in the story, but the robot design we were given was different from what we imagined. His design looked like something from an ancient civilization.
I understand while he is a homage only hardcore fans would appreciate, his design is completely original for the movie.

- With the Fallen design, which part did you have trouble with, or put the most thoughts into?

Yuki: For the most of the TFs who appeared first in the second movie, we were only given the images of the front and the back views of robot and vehicle modes. We had to develop (the toys) without any knowledge of what roles those characters would play.
As for his robot mode, I tried to re-create the images as closely as possible. When we started (with ROTF toy development), the rise of the crude oil price was at its worst. Also to make the re-creation of the robot mode easier, I was not able to allocate many parts to the vehicle mode. Those were the difficulties I had.
As for the characterization ideas, we hardly had any information as to how he would be featured in the story, which made it very difficult for me to come up with a character-based gimmicks. Among the small amount of information we had was a tidbit that there would be a scene in which the Fallen crushed a primitive man under his foot. That's how I came up with his toe gimmick, and it made me grin when I actually saw the scene in the movie.
When developing his "Mech Alive" mechanism, I thought his could be different from other characters' since his body is made with more exoskeleton. We reached an agreement among the members of the staff, and I designed the protruding clear red parts, which is a homage to the flames the Fallen wears in American comics.

- Tell us about Sideways.

Yuki: He was the first I designed from this line. He does resemble Barricade (from the first movie), but in the earlier stage his character sketch had a completely different look from Barricade. I was going along with it and had no regards (to Barricade design), and a prototype had already been built. Then we received a new robot design with some major changes. He had tires on his arms where he had none in the earlier design. I had to rush to alter the design to hide the arms inside the body while in vehicle mode.

- Tell us about Scalpel.

Yuki: Perhaps the most intelligent of all (ROTF Transformers). (*laughs) Most of the scout class characters do not appear in the movie, but he has a role as "Doctor". I wasn't informed how his microscope mode looked like at all, so the toy's microscope mode is quite different from the one in the movie....
Well, he has a little hidden fun feature. His face looks as if he is wearing the glasses to begin with, and I made the glasses part detachable.
- So he can do "Where are my glasses" gag?
Yuki: I had a little fun as a designer without an extra cost with this typical Japanese joke, "The glasses are meant to be dropped and desperately looked for". (*laughs)

- Tell us about the development of Mixmaster.

Yuki: It took me a while to come up with the best way to store the arms inside the mixer drum. You can see it once you have the toy in hand that his level of complicity is rather high. In the movie robot mode design, the caterpillars separate, but unfortunately that couldn't be done with the toy because of the cost, the probability of even more intricate transformation and such. I could include the "Artillery" mode we were given the design sketch of, and I was glad to see it in the movie. It does make me happy to see the same features as the toys' gimmicks in the movie.

The people who are not "the fans" are smoothly introduced to the franchise thanks to the live action movie

-How do you allocate the tasks of designing each product among the members of the staff?

Yuki: We don't decide beforehand who takes care of which character, but simply allocate the job according to the release schedule, the number of the products and their size, and each designers' skill. The only exception is that Hasui (Shogo Hasui) always wants to design Starscream and we let him. (*laughs)
Because bigger, more intricate figures like Optimus take longer to complete, the designers who take care of those have less number of the figures to design, while some others design lots of smaller products and help with the items whose deadlines are closer.

- Which do you think is more difficult to develop, a Transformer with a futuristic car mode or one with a licensed actual car mode?

Yuki: There isn't much difference in futuristic and realistic designs when I think up the transformation. It is easy if I am just given a robot mode image to come up with a cool looking vehicle mode for it. As for the movie toys such as Sideways, both of their robot and vehicle modes had already been decided, and to make the figures true to both modes was a big struggle. I can see the movie designs do have some regards as to which part of the vehicle goes to which part of the robot, and I try to re-create them as closely as possible.
Also, we always have to keep the product cost in mind. If it is a 1000 yen figure, it must have the 1000 yen class measurements and parts number. It is very difficult. Especially a car TF requires at least 4 parts just for the tires, and the challenge is to think of the best way to allocate other parts.

- What is different "now" in the development section compared to "then"?

Yuki: I began working at the toy development just before G2 series, if I may use TF chronology. (G1) Transformers anime had finished in Japan, and there were not many domestic products. I started working on TFs in "Beast Wars II", and I was practically the only one who was working on domestic TFs, though after a while there was another member.
We do have more people now, but the number is still quite small considering the amount of products. The team still only consists of selected few.

- What did you think of the (movie toy release) Countdown event?

Yuki: More people attended to that event than the first movie's Countdown, and I thought there were more younger attendees and more female customers. I wonder if the generation who enjoyed Beast Wars when they were little has come back to the franchise. Because of the live action movie, people who are not the fans of the (TF) anime or toys also casually walked in to buy some "movie merchandise". I did feel the impact of the movie's huge success.

- Who are your favourite movie characters?

Yuki: It has to be Optimus Prime. In the first movie, he did not have enough scenes to himself and he left less impression than Bumblebee, who had plenty of actions. Some long-time fans might feel that's quite like Convoy. (*laughs) In ROTF, Optimus was so cool, no need to say more!
Of course I also like the Twins (Skids and Mudflap), whose toys I was responsible for.

- What gave you the most headache during the development stage?

Yuki: Actually, I don't recall much hardship about product developments. In a way I just forgot, because the speedy work is a must and I can't remember each one specifically. I think it is harder to think of the way to promote (the products).

- What are your favourite among the products you developed?

Yuki: Fire Convoy (Car Robot /Robots in Disguise Optimus Prime). I was consecutively responsible for the main characters of the anime series; Lio Convoy (Beast Wars II), Big Convoy (Beast Wars Neo) and Fire Convoy, but Fire Convoy has a special place in my heart. I really wanted to realize his "Shake Hands Combination" with God Maguns (Ultra Magnus), and even went to the anime staff meeting to personally ask the director to include such combining scenes. I also consider myself fortunate that I was involved in the production of Car Robot items, which, as "Robots in Disguise", contributed to the renewed popularity of Transformers overseas.
My another favourite is Binaltech Skids, because I bought the actual car! I had always wanted to own a car I created a toy of, but most of the Binaltech lineup were several million yen class sports cars.... Then finally the lineup included a model with an affordable price tag and at the same time my old car had to have an expensive compulsory automobile inspection. That prompted me to go ahead and buy bB (Toyota bB/Scion xB) and I was very happy.

-What do you wish to transform, even though there is no product of it?

Yuki: I would say "Unicron", which I created during "Beast Wars Neo". "Micron Legend" (Armada) version which was released later was done by another designer (Hironori Kobayashi). "Neo" Unicron was mine. The prototype was built and made public at an event, and the character had an appearance in anime...then the release was cancelled due to various reasons. I am still rueful when I think how close it was (to the release).
- I have seen that prototype, and I was very impressed with the number of the parts used and the attention to the detail.
Yuki: I did put everything into it back then! When I look at it now, I see some areas that are unsatisfactory and wish I could change them, though. So that is why I want to do "Revenge of Unicron". (*laughs)

-Lastly, please send a message to the fans who visit Transformers site.

Yuki: "Head to a toy shop after watching the movie, while the excitement is still vivid...!" Because the unique thing about "Transformers" is that there are so many robot toys released from just one line. If you haven't seen the movie yet, please do so. I guarantee it will solve all the mysteries, and make you want to own all the toys!

TFW2005 Interviews Frank Welker Part 2 of 2

Super_Megatron — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 15:32:53

INTERVIEW PART 2:

In this continuation of our interview with G1 voice actor extraordinaire Frank Welker, we discuss the origins of many of his most beloved G1 characters, the studio antics of the original transformers series, his golden voice, and the past, present, and future of his amazing career.

TFW:
Where do you draw your inspirations from in creating a voice? What inspired you to come up with Megatron's voice?

Welker:
I find that I respond more visually than verbally and looking at a drawing or seeing pictures of the characters evokes an automatic reaction which suggests a voice or attitude. If there is a description and history it helps form a point of view that adds to the overall voice. I think I enjoy looping to picture...looping is the process where you record in a studio with the film or project on the screen and you voice over to what you are looking at...because you see the action on the screen and you just go for it. The character is there and it helps the director as well since he just has to show you the scene, it is a very liberating and creative process. When I auditioned for the Transformers show, there was a sign at the door that said �pick three�. There were piles of drawings of the characters on this table so I just picked up a bunch of the Autobots and Decepticons and had at it. I was drawn to the evil characters since a lot of my work had been mixed with way too many good guys. When I saw Megatron he stood out and I liked the fact that he was the leader of the Decepticons. I tried to make his voice different from what I thought the other actors might do in hopes it would stand out. In the case of Megatron it was the first voice that came to me and the powers to be said "Hello Megatron."

As it turned out I got seven of the original parts...Autobots and Decepticons. I think Wally Burr the director was so busy doing other shows plus working this one he didn't realize he cast me in all those parts...hey, I was lucky!!

TFW:
Could you cite some other notable examples?

Welker:
Well, Soundwave was a very bad impression of Barry White but again I wanted something different and it was another weird sounding voice. I think now I was not going with visual as much as trying to create a voice that was different from what I had already done and from the rest of my fellow actors. I didn't realize until the middle of the season that Scotty, our engineer, had processed the shorts off that voice and added large amounts of that "vocal harmonizer thingy bobby"...that's tech speak for "lots of sound stuff." So anyway, it really was fun to do but I could have done Snooky Lanson and it still would have sounded the same. The younger folks will need to look Snooky up on Wikipedia.

TFW:
Please describe some of your most memorable experiences working in this field. What's the hardest time he ever had in the studio? Why?

Welker:
Well the thing that makes for good memories is good people. And it is no exaggeration when I tell you that the actors I have had the pleasure of working with in the voice business are flat out fun, talented, weird people. Mike Bell who is a trouble causer from way back will make you laugh in all the wrong places...he could make me laugh at a funeral. Tress MacNeille, Jim Cummings, Rob Paulson, Jeff Bennett, Kath Soucie, Maurice La Marche on and on they are what make it memorable. It would be impossible to separate or delineate all of the great times. One of the worst times I had was doing a Michael Jackson video....I hated wearing that veil...just kidding. All I had to do was scream for MJ as he morphed from and old white man into a werewolf. Sounds easy enough right??? Wrong, the director had me screaming at the top of my lungs for 22 takes. The first take was the same as the 10th and the 22nd, the director, a Mr. Westmore, thought the screams were wonderfully unique and he was waiting for just the right quality...I think he was trying to have my lungs cover the microphone. I had worked for him before and I think he was trying to get even with me for drinking his coffee and accidentally parking in his parking spot. He won, I was hoarse for two days...

TFW:
What are some of your fondest memories working on the original Transformers series?

Welker:
I know it is cliche, but as I mentioned above, it was a hoot working with Mike Bell who loved to pick on Peter Cullen. Peter is such a good guy and has the best laugh in town. We all tried to get his number and he was pretty easy. Of course he could dish it out too and was very funny with great stories of the Great White North. He does a French Canadian that puts me away. It was an odd cast of characters literally...and that kept it fun.

TFW:
Is there a particular episode of Generation 1 you remember enjoying the most, and if so, why?

Welker:
I have to be honest with you...I was just happy going to work. I know we did several seasons, and I can't really tell you about any of the specific shows. It was back in the 80's and it all kind of runs together when you do that many shows. I do remember some shows where I was playing about seven or eight different roles...I found out what it was like being "Sybil."

TFW:
Can you tell us some interesting stories from the recording sessions with Wally Burr and the rest of the Generation 1 cast?

Welker:
Well I don't know how interesting this is but I remember we used to be booked all day for Transformers sessions. Most of us, as I mentioned before, had a lot of work to do in other shows at other studios and they wanted us and we needed to get out early. So we would stop the session, Wally, the director, would pick up our lines and off we went to another recording. This was very common in those days because sessions could be booked for eight hours but almost none would go more than three to four hours and now there is a four hour limit to a recording session. Wally was known for long sessions but he was considerate of those of us that had to leave. But on this one particular day lots people were leaving right and left and interrupting Wally's flow. He was a very hard worker and this constant, "may I leave at 11:00 I have a Smurfs session?" started driving him crazy. Well, the day was running very long and people were still leaving...it was getting past 6:00 p.m. with no end in sight. Wally finally said, "Well that looks like that is the last of the interruptions!" then he added with a slight smile and pained relief; "Anybody have any more sessions I should know about?" I couldn't resist, I raised my hand and told him, "Yes, I have a midnight at Hanna/Barbera!"

TFW:
In other interviews, many other voice actors have said that you were a joker and a prankster. Can you tell us some of the best stunts you pulled?

Welker:
Just rumors : ) I am a very serious actor.

TFW:
Similarly, Peter Cullen talked about a "game" you and he played during the recording of the recent Transformers video game, where each of you tried to make the other laugh during their lines.

Welker:
That Peter, he is forever the youthful "Peck's" bad boy. He was always trying to get into my head much the way golfers do when the opposition is putting. But me being evil had its advantages...he was never sure if I was mad at him or just mad...or insane mad. It was the later, of course. We always have fun together because of our great mutual respect and a long history of working together. I don't know if you or many folks out there are aware of how broad Peter's talent is...he used to host a TV show in Canada, he does great impressions, sound effects, he is a great horse man...oh and he can laugh water through his nose!!!

TFW:
Can you tell us anything about this? Are there any recordings of these out takes, or out takes from Generation 1?

Welker:
You know the G1 sessions were a lot of fun and there was plenty going on...unfortunately, I don't think there are any out take reels...too bad.

TFW:
Also, have you succeeded in making Mr. Cullen squirt water from his nose yet?

Welker:
Yes, and I am damn proud of it!!

TFW:
Who was more fun for you to play, Megatron or Galvatron?

Welker:
Megatron, I never really cared much for Galvatron. I was asked to do it and to try sound just a certain way which painted me into a corner...I think they wanted to use Nimoy but of course he couldn't do it, he just wasn't available. They wanted me on the Enterprise but I was busy doing Megatron ; ) (not)

I ended up working for Leonard when he was directing one of the Star Trek movies and he was great to work with...he is my kind of director.

TFW:
Were there any other transformers that you enjoyed voicing even more? Were there any that
you preferred to voice as little as possible, and if so, why?

Welker:
I think we started doing dinos and rocks and prehistoric bugs it was getting a little out of hand. Those kinds of creatures will eventually put you in the old voice actor�s home. But all in all it was very enjoyable.

TFW:
Did you ever in your wildest imagination think that the Transformers would ever be going this strong over 25 years after you helped start everything off?

Welker:
Uh, no.

TFW:
What do you do to keep your voice in shape, especially for roles (such as Megatron and Soundwave) that can really hurt after a while?

Welker:
Not much really. I try and warm up on the way to sessions by doing the scales...and sing in my car (windows up of course) and sometime read aloud.

TFW:
Why do you think your voice is so versatile?

Welker:
Desperation....really, most of my voice actor buds can do voice gymnastics.

TFW:
Are there any sorts of exercises you can attribute this versatility to?

Welker:
No, not really. I think it is a gift, or in my case, an aberration.

TFW:
Are there any voices you find you are unable to do anymore?

Welker:
Can't really think of any. It's funny, as you get older you get more range. I find that I am doing all the same high voices I did like Freddy Jones from "Scooby Doo" now celebrating 40 years of being 17, and Curious George which is super high little squeaks and still have Soundwave who is at the other end of the spectrum.

TFW:
You've played a lot of villains over the years, what was your favorite "evil" role?

Welker:
Probably would be Megatron because he has been the longest running and most widely known. He is fun to do because there are no limits...he can be over the top and still work, or low and subtle and make wee ones have nightmares. And note, around this voice there is controversy, that is a good sign. I think it is important that you don't sound like people expect you to, always good, unless you are running for public office!

TFW:
Out of all your work, what has been your absolute favorite role? Why?

Welker:
That would be like trying to pick your favorite girlfriend. In the end they all have value and meaning and are special for who they were and how you danced with them. It would be unfair and unwise to pick one over the other.

TFW:
Please describe some of the work you've recently completed. What are some projects you'll be working on in the near future? Are there any projects coming up you'd like to be a part of? Are there any characters you haven't voiced yet that you'd the opportunity to voice?

Welker:
We continue on with a new season of "Curious George," number four actually, after winning an Emmy this past season. Great cast and crew keeps this show in top of the ratings and assures me of more bananas since I am Curious George. It keeps my acting chops honed going from the most evil of characters, Megatron to the sweet little monkey George. Along the way, we continue to do more Scooby Doo movies and Garfield the cat shows. I am a dog (Scooby Doo), and Freddy Jones (a teenager forever eighteen), a monkey and a cat (Garfield) along with other oddities which keeps me just slightly abnormal. Also, if you look closely you may see me in the "Informant", Matt Damon's new film. Other than that, it's mending fences and avoiding the draft.

TFW:
Are there other cartoons you've worked on through your career besides Transformers you would want to be a part of if they made it to the big screen?

Welker:
Hey the sky is the limit...with technology and imagination nothing is off the table, I just hope I can make the meetings!

TFW:
What advice would you give to someone wishing to become a voice actor?

Welker:
Know thy self, sage advice from old...but true. Don't wish you could do this or that, be honest with yourself. If you have the talent and inclination, no one can stop you. If you feel it inside that you can and must do this that is the first good sign. There are a lot of people who just want to do this...I had a dentist tell me he wanted to get into voices, I hear it all the time. It is a lot harder than folks think and you have to compete with some very good people.

Technically, I would first say...you should read, read, read, and try reading aloud. Practice doing commercials and animals (not too good please) and develop a range. Some actors are born with a beautiful voice and that is pretty much all they do. That is wonderful, but when you are born with an average tin voice like mine...you will need to develop a range. I can go from a baby to a 100 year old man with accents and dogs along the way that has saved me and given me a life in this business. Don't tell Peter Cullen I said this, but he is one of those guys born with a hauntingly good natural voice plus, he has a great range. He also consumes less food than most actors which makes him a triple threat!

TFW:
Which animal/creature did you find it hardest to make sounds for?

Welker:
A horse, a real horse whinny. I can do all the other stuff (nose clearing etc.) and you might believe you are listening to a real horse. But the whinny I can only do for a limited time and then like Flicka, she's out the barn gate and gone. I met a wonderfully talented young lady who does the most accurate birds calls I have ever heard, Nicole Perretta. I think some day she will do great things it is fun seeing new faces. I always prided myself on trying to be as authentic as possible when it came to working in film and looping animals. By the way, Nicole does a red tail hawk that blew me away and I am still trying to do it and others in her repertoire that put me to same.

TFW:
Having provided so many voices for an impressive number of projects, do you ever find it hard to give each of your different roles a unique "sound"? Have you ever re-used a voice from one show for a different character in a different show? Have you ever been asked to do so?

Welker:
Yes, it can be difficult coming up with totally new voices. I think we can vary them with accents and tricks of the trade, but physically you are simply who you are and there maybe limitations. But if you think about the incredible godfather of voice, Mel Blanc, he used a very similar voice for Sylvester that sounds a lot like Daffy Duck...and I don't think you would find anybody who would complain. His acting and the writing took you down different road and both characters stand out as unique and are classic.

TFW:
You've worked in voice acting for almost 50 years. How have you seen the business change over that time? Do you think that these changes have been for the better, the worse, or a mixture of the two? Similarly, how do you feel about the current state of animation?

Welker:
How could that be if I am only 39???!!!!! I am not sure how to answer that really...life is always morphing and there is good and bad to that. There are a lot of great new technical advances that allow artists to do more innovative things but I will always miss and appreciate the old style of animation.

TFW:
Are there any roles you are not so proud of, or would like to forget?

Welker:
Yeah, let's forget about them shall we!

TFW:
Are there any times you've heard yourself in a role and wished you could go back and redo it?

Welker:
Do you have an adding machine???

TFW2005 would like to thank Mr. Welker for sharing his time with the fans.

TFW2005 Interviews Frank Welker Part 1 of 2

Super_Megatron — Mon, 9 Mar 2009 16:13:27

INTERVIEW PART 1:

TFW2005 was given the opportunity to talk to the legendary voice actor Frank Welker recently, the result being an interview so epic, we had to split it into two segments. In this first segment, Mr. Welker discusses the 2007 Transformers movie and video game, as well as his long and successful career in voice acting.

TFW:
What was your reaction, when you heard about the out-pouring of support from the fans for you to reprise your role as Megatron in the recent movie?

Welker:
Well, I was absolutely blown away. I really had no idea how big the Transformers were, let alone the size of the fan base. Their passion and knowledge of all things TF is pretty awesome. For me, knowing the fans felt my G1 Megatron was original and important to them and should have been included in the feature production was humbling. That loyalty has pretty much increased my hat size about two fold. Of course I realize it is "Megs" ultimately...not me.

TFW:
How did you feel about the role of Megatron in the recent transformers movie going to Hugo Weaving?

Welker:
Hey, if it can't be me or an immediate member of my family playing the role of Megaton, Hugo Weaving is not too shabby. He is a superb actor who always brings interesting interpretations to his work. His agent Smith from the Matrix series was an example, he used a very slight robotic twitch and underplayed it so nicely...top notch. The clips I saw of his Megatron seemed to work just fine, but it was pretty heavily processed and made the voice sound typical of what you might expect of a 40 foot mechanical villain. I think it would have been more interesting to hear less process and more Hugo.

TFW:
Can you describe what kind of interactions you had with the producers, and were these related to your later work on the video game adaptation?

Welker:
I really had no interaction with the producers or the director. We tried to get together several times to do an in person interview/audition but couldn't make our schedules meet. I sent a couple of lines in via audio tape but never saw or read a script. From what I heard, the ultimate decision came down to the director and he did not feel my G1 Megatron voice would work with his vision. As far as the game...no, my work on the game was separate from the film group.

TFW:
Have you been approached at all for any further work with the franchise, either with the movie
(Soundwave?) or another incarnation, such as Transformers: Animated?

Welker:
Well it is a little too early to be specific but I will say yes and no. No, I have not been approached by the movie folks but yes I am still involved in the franchise...more on that later.

TFW:
How did it feel reprising the role of Megatron for the Transformers Movie video game?

Welker:
It was great. It was a lot of fun to see my old buddy Peter Cullen and the folks at Activison are a very cool group and a pleasure to work with. Talk about loyalty...they insisted on the G1 Megatron voice and felt strongly that it was integral to the game and important to the fans.

TFW:
Was it hard to get back into the old voice? Some fans have noted that they feel your current Megatron performance for the video game and animated prequel comic was somewhat different from the old 80s performance.

Welker:
No, it wasn't hard getting back into the voice. I did watch some of the old shows for home work and I enjoyed seeing and hearing my friends and arch enemies again. As for the voices, the reviews of the game that I read were specifically very favorable to the voices and considering the blending of two different mediums with different ideas and personnel and voices I thought that was remarkable. I do remember reading that one reviewer thought Peter and I sounded more mature and this especially worked for a more evil Megatron and a stronger wiser Prime.

TFW:
Did you consciously go a slightly different way with the delivery, or is any difference a matter of different post-production editing?

Welker:
Whenever you work with a director, there is a good chance you will be asked to go on acting adventures ...but no, other than doing what is asked of me, I tried to stay true. As far as production and sound are concerned I don't believe Activision did much to the vocals. In the old TV shows we had an echo effect rolled in over our voice tracks. This was done by our sound designer and engineer Scott Brownlie. It gave the voices an interesting metal and other worldly quality. It was subtle but I liked it and it worked well with the scratchy Megatron.

TFW:
When you're not behind the mic, what does Frank Welker do in his spare time?

Welker:
Think about why I'm not behind a mic!

TFW:
Did you ever buy any toy versions of the characters you voiced? Were you ever given anything from Hasbro or any other companies?

Welker:
Yes, I once took bought a toy doll of Stripe from the "Gremlins" and used it as a prop on the Merv Griffin Show. It was a fantastic little creature. I went off and left it at the show and was totally bummed. Then about three years later my secretary gave me another one for Christmas. I still have it. I had a Megatron that Hasbro gave us in the 80's but it is gone...I have no Transformers stuff at all.

TFW:
Which voice actors have you felt most privileged to work with over the years? What was is like working with legends like Mel Blanc? Do you find that a lot of younger voice actors now look up to you? How you feel about this?

Welker:
I worked with Mel a few times and Daws Butler and Stan Freberg, Bill Scott and many others. Of course it was an honor working with these giants, and I will never forget it. Bill Scott, Bulwinkle and Dudley DoRight, was one of my all time heroes and we became friends and were planning a screen play with Mark Evanier, the premier director/writer of Garfield, and many other shows. I was so excited to be working with Bill and we had a deal with a major studio to develop our script. It was a complete shock but Bill died of a heart attack and we never got to page one. I really enjoyed his company and working with Mark and Bill was a dream that unfortunately didn't last. Bill used me as Boris, the announcer and other great Jay Ward characters for some commercials so at least we did get to voice together for a short while.

TFW:
What differences do you find in voicing animals, as opposed to "speaking" characters?

Welker:
I think people have more of a preconceived idea of what a human voice's should sound like but when you do animals there is more freedom of artistic movement. You are creating sound the listener hasn't pigeon holed ....directors are more apt to leave me alone with my etch-o-sketch and I like that.

TFW:
Recently, it seems like you've been voicing more animal roles. Do you feel that you have been typecast? Would you prefer to have more speaking roles?

Welker:
Yes and Yes.

TFW:
You've done a number of roles with characters that other actors have previously established, such as Barney Rubble and Ray Stanz. How do you approach such a role?

Welker:
First I try and replicate them as close as possible if that is what the show requires. Then over time you can change them carefully into your own� carefully. After all, it is you and your own personality and humor that will through osmosis rearrange the gene lines, but you are mixing with someone else's DNA. I look at it as a privilege and an honor, not a right.

TFW:
Is there any difficulty in doing multiple roles in the same show, especially all at once? How do you feel about times when you end up "talking to yourself"?

Welker:
I used to be very good at it. Now that I am older I talk to myself all the time just as a matter of course. I guess all those years were training. Most actors are good at talking to one's self and doing back to back characters...Jeff Bennett is very good at it. I have been in a session right next to him and thought there were two other actors, it was just Jeff.

TFW:
In the past few years, you've been given the opportunity to revisit some of your roles in a comedic fashion (Robot Chicken, Harvey Birdman: Attorney At Law). How did you feel about that?

Welker:
It is always great fun, I like working with the young blokes and they always treat me with great reverence. It is interesting to hear the stories of how they grew up listening to me...a bit disconcerting considering I am now growing up listening to them!

TFW:
Do you stay in touch with many of the other voice actors you've worked with?

Welker:
Not enough, I actually live within minutes of Rob Paulsen and Jim Cummings and we never see each other, only at sessions. We do get in the occasional round of golf in fact the team of Rob Paulsen, Jeff Bennett, Sue Blu and I won first place in the annual Cartoonists golf tournament representing Universal Studios this past year. Peter and I see each other a couple of times a year and spend more time talking about getting together than actually being together. It's just one of those things...

TFW:
What do you think makes a good voice director?

Welker:
In my opinion, the best directors hire people they know can do the job and then get out of the way. Too much time is wasted on interpretation and line readings and character building. Get folks who know what they�re doing and let them do it. All most actors need to know is what is the action and where is the microphone.

TFW2005 Interviews Transformers Comic Artist Marcelo Matere

Super_Megatron — Fri, 2 Jan 2009 18:49:32

TFW2005: Hi Mr. Matere, thank you for agreeing to do this with us! You're a very well respected artist around here and it's an honor to have this interview with you!

First of all, as you were growing up, is toy design and comic art what you hoped you'd be doing in your future career?

Matere: Actually no! I did always want to work with drawings and illustration, but in Brazil it's not so easy to make a living doing that. You have to draw a lot of stuff, not only things that you want or like (in my case Transformers!) So, I'm very happy and pleased doing what I do now for Hasbro and IDW!

TFW2005: I spent nearly my entire childhood scribbling out crude Optimus Prime drawings, and I'm sure many fans could say the same. Were Transformers influential to your art early on at all?

Matere: I always really liked the designs of Prowl, Rumble/Frenzy and Grimlock. I had a TF sticker book and I used that as an early reference. Later on I found the classic TF comics.

TFW2005: What were your other inspirations? How would you say your style developed over the years?

Matere: I think most of my inspirations/references have come from comic creators like Jim Lee, J. Scott Campbell and Joe Madureira. Then I discovered some manga artists and the studio Ox artwork. Nowadays I�m following some concept artists, particularly guys that work for traditional 2D and 3d animation. They have a great sense of movement that I�ve been trying to put in my some of my works, particularly in the Animated stuff!

TFW2005: Could you tell us a little about how you first came into your working relationship with Hasbro? How did that lead to your work with packaging art?

Matere: Sure! It was back in 2002 I think. I had posted several drawings at TFW2005�s fan art boards and after I posted one of my Cosmos drawings I received a PM from Aaron Archer asking if I was interested to do work for them. Dreamwave was behind on some of the Mini-con artwork for the Armada website, so they asked me to do one as a test.

The assignment was Jolt, Hot Shot�s partner. They approved that one really fast! After that they started sending me more and more Mini-cons. When I finished all of those, they started sending me some Armada package art. I started with the repaints of BW Rhinox, Terrorsaur, and Megatron.

From there, when the first Universe line was created I was moved to that. I think I did most of those packages. Then they sent me Energon stuff and later Alternators. It was like a natural move from line to line as I started working on the Cybertron and BW 10th anniversary lines, Star Wars TFs and recently Classics 2.0, Marvel TFs , Animated, and the Revenge of the Fallen Fast Action Battlers.

TFW2005: What specific reference point are you generally given for the characters featured on card and box art? Amidst the likes of prototypes and production sketches, what is usually most helpful?

Matere: They usually send me a lot of pictures from the grey models, the deco sheets with the color specifications and sometimes a few 2d sketches. For Animated I usually ask for all the 2D references that they have. That way I can match the cartoon style and details instead of only the toy details.

TFW2005: How much freedom are you usually given in the composition of the finished piece? We've heard Hasbro specifically requested the more static poses for the Universe/Classics 2.0 Toys. Are you always assigned to capture specific moods like that or have there been exceptions?

Matere: For the composition, sometimes (well, most of the time) I have to follow a lot of guidelines. They have a specific space for the artwork so I have to do the illustration to fit there in accommodation to the toy display, the box lettering and the rest of the layout. It�s not so easy.

There are some exceptions though: I can change the position of a weapon or a limb of the robot to fit better on the package. I can even change a little bit of the overall design where needed.

For Universe I first sent them two poses. One was pretty close to the 25th anniversary Prime and the other showed more of the robot�s face and chest. They chose the second one because it was totally different from what they had done before. They have to do that. Every time they have to create something new for the kids. It enhances the feel of a new toy with a new style of illustration.

TFW2005: Another of the Universe art's quirks is the movie-style turbine eyes the characters are sporting. Is this to serve as a connection point for children only used to that look for Transformers? How do you feel about that style over the traditional but less detailed "glow"?

Matere: Yes, Hasbro requested that I try to connect this new line with the movie style. The things that I really liked about the movie design were the eyes, the hands and the robot�s expressions, so I tried to put them into these illustrations. I like the final result, with classic characters still different from what we have done with other package artwork.

TFW2005: There's already been a notable progression in the more current Universe artwork with somewhat livelier facial expressions and gestures. Is this a result of your personal input?

Matere: A little bit. Hasbro asked me to try to put more facial expressions on them, particularly after the fist wave. Once I started to change them it looked a little bit weird only altering the expressions and keeping the bodies totally static, so I started adding in more gestures. Some of them worked really well.

TFW2005: We've seen Universe style art featuring the original Classics Optimus and Megatron. Was this strictly for promotion?

Matere: No, those were my first test for the Universe line. I first did Optimus� head and chest. Hasbro liked it a lot and then asked me to work on a Megatron chest shot. It was approved. After that I had to finish Prime�s body. They told me that those might be used for package art�but not for sure. It was really weird and cool when I saw those pics on SDCC Hasbro�s booth. Like �Hey! I did that!� :D

Universe Packaging Concept - Optimus Prime

TFW2005: As a whole, what is generally the main goal of the packaging art? Is it often requested that the piece highlight a specific action feature or gimmick of the toy, or is it more often about simply capturing the character and adding to shelf presence?

Matere: It�s a mix of all of that. For some I have to focus more on the toy�s gimmick, like the Fast Action Battlers. Usually though I try to capture the character the most and then add something needed or requested.

Fast Action Battlers Optimus Prime

TFW2005: Shifting to design, we've heard about your involvement in the Robot Heroes line. Which of the toys did you design, and which were most fun?

Matere: I love that line. I did the design for most of them, like 99%, but I only did the initial concepts. Bill Rawley, the guy who takes care of the line, usually changes some parts of the toy when needed, like expressions or weapons.

TFW2005: Did you find it difficult to make these serious, warring robots look "cute" or were you able to just let loose?

Matere: The first ones yes, because I was still finding the style. Now I love to work on them! I�ve always liked to draw fun stuff like Looney Tunes with cartoony styles, so it�s not too complicated for me to work on them. Sometimes it�s a challenge, particularly with the movie guys. I have to make them fun and at the same keep most of the details. Overall though it�s been really cool.

Robot Heroes - Movie Ironhide

Robot Heroes - Movie Dispensor

TFW2005: You've also done design work for exclusives such as the OTFCC Roulette/Shadow Striker heads. What was that experience like? How much input were you given?

Matere: That was only my second job for Hasbro so it was awesome for me to do design work for exclusive toys. I had never expected do it so soon. I couldn�t sleep well for a few days. It was hard at first trying to figure out how I could make them cool and functional at the same time. I even bought the base molds to see how much detail I had to work in. I first did several head designs, the OTFCC guys chose one, and then I had to do the different angles as needed. I really like those toys, they mean a lot to me.

TFW2005: As a final design related question, were you at all responsible for the somewhat more classically styled head on the movie line's Cyber Stompin' Bumblebee? If so, was this a form of fan nod or merely a personal design preference?

Matere: Yes, and it�s a bit of both! At that time, I didn�t much like some of the movie aesthetic (as a fan of course) so I tried to put as much classic style into the toy design as possible. Some of it was approved, but I had to rework the head and face to make it somewhat closer to the movie design. After re-watching the movie I changed my mind and now I really dig some of the robot�s details, particularly their eyes and Prime�s hands.

TFW2005: You've also had experience with penciling Transformers comics! What are your thoughts on the place of comic books in this particular franchise?

Matere: Drawing Transformers was a dream come true for me. I always wanted to draw comics and at the same time was a huge TF fan�but you know, I had never planned in my life to draw a TF comic! That�s weird, heh.

I was really enjoying the Dreamwave TF universe before the company closed, mostly because I�m a huge G1 fan and those stories were sort of following a more classic G1 storyline. Now after working on a few IDW books and following most of their series, I think IDW is doing a great job reinventing the franchise. They�re keeping most of the old attributes and mixing in new concepts and situations. It�s been really fun to read and be a part of the modern TF comics.

TFW2005: What was it like to work on the Spotlight comics for such huge fan favorites as Grimlock and Soundwave? Any pressure there at all, or did it simply allow you to get into the gig even more?

Matere: Those were great experiences for me. There was pressure mostly from trying to do my best on two of my favorite characters, like drawing them the best way I could and trying to put some of the old G1 feeling on them, you know what I mean?

TFW2005: Yes, and you�ve done a wonderful job!

So far, have you encountered the famed "Marvel style" of writing where you merely get plot points, freeing you to flesh out the panels at your own pace, or has it been stricter than that?

Matere: I�ve been working with writers that describe most of the scenes and panels in the way they want. But - at the same time I have had the freedom to change or adapt where needed without any problems.

TFW2005: Would you say you�re naturally tempted to push those boundaries as an artist?

Matere: I�ve been doing it a lot lately, specifically trying new things in some action scenes. I feel that IDW likes it a lot when we try something fresh and more artistic.

TFW2005: That�s great that they�re open to your input!

When you�re not laboring over your own comics, are there other books you actively follow just for fun?

Matere: Besides TFs I�ve been following most of the latest Marvel stuff, manga like Naruto and Death Note, the Robot�s vs IDW books, and I generally like any new stuff that I can find when I�m out buying comics really. I always try to find something new that can inspire me in some way.

TFW2005: That�s definitely important!

Now, let�s wrap up with some reflection on your work so far, and where it might lead! Of all the work you've done on Transformers, from packaging, to design, to comics, what are you proudest of, or what is your personal favorite?

Matere: It�s really hard to decide. I like a lot of stuff that I�ve worked on so far. All the package art since Armada has been fun, as well as the Robot Heroes concepts (especially the latest movie 2 ones�they will rock!) One situation that comes to mind is when I did the concepts for the Beast Wars Optimus Primal and Megatron 10th anniversary toys and Hasbro also asked me to do the package art for them. That was an incredible experience for me.

I think my proudest so far though is the work I�ve been doing for the Marvel/Transformers Crossovers. I started with the initial concepts to seal the line�s basic idea and now I�m even working on the designs, transformations, AND package art for them. I�m working on almost every process for those toys :)

I�m really enjoying working on the Animated box art too!

Marvel Crossover Transformers - Wolverine Concept Art

TFW2005: What would be your "dream assignment" for the future of your Transformers based career? Are there any favorite characters you'd love to design toys for, or perhaps specific types of comic stories you'd like to pencil?

Matere: Well, I�ve already gotten it. I really wanted to work on the Dinobots comics because they are my favorite TF team (Lucky Nick!) I think I�d also like to do designs for the next TF movie!

TFW2005: We'd also love to hear about your "dream" project as an artist in general, outside of the Transformers franchise!

Matere: Doing my own graphic novel is my goal to the future. I don�t know when�but I really want to get into that. I�d also like to work with concept art for movies and video-games, maybe some animation stuff as well. That would be awesome for sure.

TFW2005: We all certainly wish you the best of luck with that!

Finally, are you able to give us a small tease of anything exciting you're currently working on?

Matere: Hmm�I think so! Next year I�m gonna work in something�really BIG for IDW. I�m also working on the TF Animated package art for 2009 and the Revenge of the Fallen Fast Action Battlers line. Those are really cool!

Roadbuster Ultra Magnus Box Art

TFW2005: Sounds great! Thank you so much for taking the time to sit down with us Mr. Matere!

Matere: Thank YOU so much for the opportunity! TFW2005 was really important for me to start working with Transformers and Hasbro. Many thanks guys!

Derrick Wyatt Interview

Kickback — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 05:05:09

TFW2005.COM's very own Kickback was given the opportunity to ask Derrick Wyatt, character designer/art director for the hit show TRANSFORMERS ANIMATED, some questions about himself, his career, what's it like being a part of Transformers lore, and of course, questions about the as-of-yet unaired Season 3!

Learn some tidbits about Rodimus Prime, Shockwave, Waspinator, and more!

ABOUT DERRICK WYATT:

TFW2005: Where did you grow up and what hobbies and activities did you enjoy as a youngin?

Derrick Wyatt: I grew up in a tiny village in southern Michigan called Paw Paw. I pretty much did the same things as a kid that I enjoy doing now. Collecting toys, watching cartoons and movies, reading books and comic books, and drawing.

TFW: Every one has fond memories of their childhood and the forms of entertainment growing up. Did you have a specific cartoon, toy, video game, etc., that you just couldn�t get enough of?

DW: Transformers is definitely at the top of that list. I was also into Star Wars, G.I. Joe, MASK, Ghostbusters (the movie) and the Real Ghostusters cartoon, Super Friends, Mighty Orbots. All that stuff and lots more.

TFW: How did you first get in to the business of animation and design?

DW: I worked as an intern, p.a., then artist at Spumco. After that a design job opened up on a little Warner Bros. show called Mucha Lucha. After I was in at WB, more opportunities like Teen Titans popped up.

TFW: How did you get your start with Cartoon Network?

DW: I had been doing freelance development design while I was still on Teen Titans and Legion for Sam Register (who was still at CN at the time) and Tramm Wigzell (CN development exec). They had both liked my Titans designs, and would often hire me to get my design take on various projects they were developing. Sam and Tramm are into a lot of the same geeky stuff that I�m into, so they are always fun to work for.

DERRICK�S CAREER:

TFW: Some of your credits over the past few years have included some animated programs that proved to be big hits such as Teen Titans, Legion of Super Heroes, Mucha Lucha, Ben 10, and even Foster�s Home for Imaginary Friends. Of those credits (my apologies if I�ve left some out), which one would you say is your own personal favorite to have worked on?

DW: Transformers has been my favorite so far. Teen Titans comes in a close second. That was a really fun show to work on too. Some of the shows like Foster�s and Ben 10 I only did freelance character design for. I think the only thing I ever did for Foster�s was an old lady in a rocking chair!

TFW: How much of a difference is there designing animated characters for say Teen Titans, which was primarily a televised project, versus something like Transformers Animated, where the designs have to have an aesthetic to be close to a transforming toy?

DW: Well, I wouldn�t say there was a huge difference. Designing robots or designing superheroes, you are still designing a character and trying to get across a personality with a drawing. It also feels a little similar to me because on Titans I would look at the old comics, and take what I liked from the different character�s incarnations and put it back together in a way I liked. I would also get input from Glen Murakami, Jon Suzuki, and Brianned Droughard on the stuff I would draw for Titans, much like the input I get from Eric Siebenaler on Transformers. I guess the real difference is that I got to set the style for Transformers myself, and I am a bigger fan of Transformers.

TFW: Have any projects come up that you wanted to do but, for whatever reason, you weren�t able to be a part of?

DW: Sure. That happens all the time.

TFW: What is your dream project/job/aspiration?

DW: I think Transformers Animated is it! I am really just trying to enjoy this as much as I can while it lasts. It has always been my biggest dream to work on a show like Transformers and have toys made based on my designs. I guess my next aspiration would be to have a living room big enough to display all these toys.

ALL THINGS TRANSFORMERS:

TFW: You posted a really insightful look at how the design of Lockdown and Prowl evolved. Are there any other characters who went through similar radical changes?

DW: I think Lockdown went through the most radical change. His case was probably so different because Eric and I had such radically divergent ideas in mind for what the character should be. In the end we sort of fused our ideas into one design, and ended up with the Lockdown we now know and love. Prowl went through some pretty big changes too. Most characters go through minor changes along the way. A lot of the time it�s just some small details, like the placement of wheels or something that affects the toy conversion engineering.

TFW: Are there any characters that you designed who never made it past the concept stage? We have heard of a character called Stiletto originally planned for the show being used in the comic, are there any others who just never worked out?

DW: Yeah. Octopunch! Matt Youngberg and I have been trying to work in Octopunch really since day one. I keep hoping some day he will make the cut. Unfortunately I lost the sketchbook I had done the Octopunch concept art in. Otherwise I would have put him up online. Maybe someday I will get the time to draw him again, and give everyone a glimpse of what might have been. Marty had wanted to do the Wraith since the get go too, but his episode also got cut for time. At least Marty got to write him into the IDW comic, and I got to design him. I have tons of doodles of characters I�d like to put in Animated. There are always more ideas that we just don�t have time to do. There are never enough episodes in a season!

TFW: Can you explain a little about the process of coming up with the original idea for a character and how they become a full-fledged design? How much do you and Eric (Siebenaler, Hasbro Designer) look back to the originals in this process?

DW: My first instinct is always to look at the G1 character. I have very fond memories of the original series, and I want those memories to be reflected in the new design for a classic character. I will also look at any other version of a character with the same name to see if there is any design elements I would like to use. Then there are characters like Inferno and Rampage where I like the later Beast Wars versions much more than their G1 counterparts, so I would probably use their later selves as a jumping off point. Eric usually likes to break new ground rather than retread the past. So we try to fuse our ideas together making something new that still has ties to previous incarnations.

TFW: So far, characters are mostly characters from the original series. If the opportunity presented itself, would you reach a bit further into the mythology and use some of the more unusual characters, say for example from the Japanese shows?

DW: Oh yes. Just you wait.

(TFW2005 EDIT: Recent speculation from our Chinese friends suggests that Derrick may be referencing Dai Atlas, who is rumored to appear in Season 3 as a ninja-like character, similar to Jazz and Prowl, but way more powerful)

TFW: The Headmaster's robot head, in my opinion, seems to look a lot like a purple, visorless version of the G1 Scorponok head. When that character was introduced, did you look to the original Scorponok for inspiration or is it foreshadowing the possible introduction of full-fledged Headmaster Transformers down the road (if everyone decides to pursue that idea).

DW: Well, speaking of Japanese Transformers, I was really looking at the Headmaster Warrior, Loafer, when I designed the Headmaster head mode. I really like how Loafer has the really tall brainy forehead and the weird broad grin on his face. The purple color and the antlers probably do come from Scorponok. Design is always a mesh of conscious and unconscious thought. We have talked about what kind of possible progression the Headmaster could take, but for the moment we are pretty happy with him just being a body thief. Although I do like the idea that someday there could be a �Masterforce.�

TFW: In other interviews, you've been described as a major transformers resource for the rest of the production staff. Do you feel this is accurate? What kind of questions do you get asked? How often? How deeply are you included in the writing of the show due to this knowledge of the franchise?

DW: I guess it�s pretty accurate. I get a whole range of questions about TF lore. A lot of the time it will be Marty Isenberg asking me for a character to fit a situation. Like Marty would come up to me and say �I need an Autobot who would be good to act as a sort of military police type, any suggestions?� Then I would think of who would fit, and who I would like to see in the show that we haven�t used yet, and I would say something like �How about Warpath? He would be a good fit.� I am involved in all the story break meetings. I make suggestions; though most of my suggestions are to do with what character I want to see in the show, and what kind of personality they would have. The Headmaster was my idea. I wanted to have a human villain in the show that would go around stealing Cybertronian bodies. Then Marty came up with the idea of him being a disgruntled Sumdac employee, and worked the story around that idea. So, I do make some plot or subplot suggestions, or maybe have an idea for a character moment, but my favorite thing to do is suggest characters and to be the nerdy fact checker.

TFW: Similarly, it was said in a TFW2005 interview with Marty Isenberg that you have a "long list" of established transformers characters you'd like to put into TF: Animated. Would you care to comment at all about who's on this list, and how this list fits into how the series has progressed / where it's going?

DW: Well my top favorites have always been Swindle, Ratbat, Galvatron and Waspinator. Having gotten 3/4s of those guys in, my list shifted to other characters from various series that I really like a lot like Strika, Cosmos, Blot, Rampage, Optimus Primal, Grandus, Dai Atlas, Sludge, Deathsaurus, Dino-force, basically every Soundwave and Blaster cassette, and all of the �86 movie characters. So anyway, yeah it�s a REALLY long wish list, and I do my best to lobby for inclusion of certain characters. My list also shifts according do what Transformers I�m into at the time. No one would have ever even considered Swindle if I didn�t care. But I would have been really heart broken to have worked on this show and not gotten a new Swindle toy!

TFW: What are some of your favorite TF stories from other shows/comics/etc.?

DW: Well, the original �86 Transformers the Movie sticks with me the most. It�s the one that I go back and revisit the most. There have been times when I would watch it once, then just rewind it and start it over again. Sometimes my other G1 Transformers story memories are a little hazy. The episode �B.O.T.� was one I always remembered from when I was young. But the thing is, I had just remembered the story focusing on Swindle selling off the other Combaticons, and I had totally mentally blocked out the whole school science project part of the story! Wow was I disappointed when I went back and watched that one! I really did love a lot of the stories in Beast Wars. That series had really great, character driven writing. I think the characters and personalities are really what end up sticking with me the most. That�s what I focus on. Character design and character personality really go hand in hand and rely on one another. That�s probably why I like the 1986 Movie so much, the personalities and the character designs are so strong, they really carry it.

TFW: In the last couple of years, Transformers information from the animation side of things has leaked out at a much more frequent rate(Transformers Cybertron, now Transformers Animated). What are your feelings on those leaks -- do you think it is harmful or misleading to the more �hardcore� fans who keep up on all of this? Or is the �hype� a good thing?

DW: Hype is one thing, but I do not like the leaks. Especially when it spoils an entire season�s worth of show surprises like the whole Dubai debacle did. It seems like the leakers only ever have the worst quality stuff too, so every fan�s first impression comes form some horrible 12th generation 17 dpi jpeg copy. That�s just not the way I would want a character�s debut to be.

TFW: What role do you play with Eric Siebenaler (Hasbro designer) in terms of Transformers Animated? How much of the character design goes back and forth between the two of you?

DW: Eric and I work back and forth together on pretty much every single Transformer in the show. Sometimes he will start the design, and sometimes I start. We try to work everything out so the toys can actually transform, and still look 90% on model with the animation. It�s generally a really fun, collaborative process.

TFW: Hypothetical scenario. You�re at work, whatever time it may be during the day, and you get a phone call/E-mail/carrier pigeon from Hasbro�s team � they want to make a grasshopper Transformer named �Kickback� in Transformers Animated. Walk us through how a description becomes a fleshed out character in the cartoon.

DW: First I would work with the memory I have of the character. I would probably do a few sketches based on what I remember. Then I go look for reference of the G1 version, cartoon and toy. This is where Jim Sorrenon and Bill Forster�s Ark books come in handy! I will also look to see if there are any versions of him other than G1. Sometimes I will use certain elements I like from later versions, or meld all versions into one new one. I am pretty fond of the OG Kickback design, and would probably use that as a starting point. I would guess he would probably be some kind of techno-organic. Perhaps one of Blackarachnia�s experiments. At this point, assuming I am the one initiating the design, I will do a rough sketch that takes all the parts I like from all the previous little sketches I�ve done, and then email it to Eric. Since Kickback would have a beast mode instead of a vehicle I would be drawing the alt mode as well as the robot. Eric would tell me if he likes the design rough, or if it sucks. At this stage he will also work out a rough transformation and send it to Takara to fine tune. They will let me know what will work and what won�t for the transformation. Once Eric and I have gone back and forth with the design enough that is it functional and we like the looks of it, we will take a color pass. And voila, there you would have Kickback: Animated.

TFW: Follow up -- would you make Kickback totally awesome, or a total wimp?

DW: Decepticons are never wimps in Animated. They are war machines. Kickback would be a total instrument of destruction. He would be a grasshopper of death.

(TFW2005 EDIT: Check out the sketches Derrick did of what Kickback would look like in Transformers Animated! Thanks Derrick, those are awesome!!)

TFW: Is there anything you would like to say to the fans who have a hard time adjusting to the designs of Transformers Animated (because of the difference in style) or to those who have seemingly been turned off to new characters coming out (a la Jetfire/Jetstorm)?

DW: I do get a little frustrated with people who equate a more cartoony style with being kiddie or pre-school. It�s a weird trend with American fanboys that I don�t understand at all. Like they only way to go for these guys is to do it uber real world, dark and gritty. It�s strange to me because you look at places like Japan or Europe, and they have no problem with a broad range of styles. Most animation fans around the world realize that having a more pushed or cartoony design in no way makes it just for kids. We have done our best to make TFA a show that both kids (a new generation of fans) and longtime fans alike can enjoy. I know by now from seeing fan reaction so far that at least 85% of Transformers fans will come around once they see everything in it�s final form. For the other guys that only like the first 14 episodes of G1, season two, with the exception of the ones featuring Seaspray, and everything else is heresy, I know I�m never going to win them over. And that�s fine. I am very picky about Transformers and Transformers lore too. There are some things I will never accept either. So I understand. But it�s a great time to be a Transformers fan. If you don�t like Animated you have Michael Bay, the IDW comics continuity, Classics, and some great Takara reissues. And for those of us who like it all, this is the best ever!

TFW: Is there anything you�d like to say for fans who are eagerly awaiting what happens to their favorite Animated characters in Season 3 of Transformers Animated? (Throw them a bone, get them excited, etc.)

DW: Well, from an art director�s point of view, we added two new TFA crew members to help me out in season 3. Our former director, Irineo Maramba is doing amazing character designs for us this season. Between Irineo and myself, we probably expanded the cast by two or three times. Irineo is a big Transformers fan too, and he got to add a bunch of his old favorites in to the show. We also added a full time color stylist, Claire Lenth, to our team. With Claire�s help we were able to do many more special color scenes and control the FX color a little more. One example I can point to is Blurr�s FX. We were never quite happy with how his speed powers came out in season 2, but he is really amped up for the new season. He moves as fast as he talks now.

DW: Other than that you can expect to see the Chosen One face off against the great Decepticon General of Destruction in a desperate battle where the young leader is hopelessly out gunned. You will see Autobot scientists, under orders from the Elite Guard, conduct a high risk experiment to merge Decepticon technology into the bodies of Autobot twins. Witness the traitor on Cybertron stop at nothing to destroy anyone who tries to get word of his treachery to the Autobot High Council. Meanwhile the poor bot who is being hunted as a traitor will see his luck go from bad to worse, and then things really get ugly. Autobots we are close to will be forced to relive painful memories of their past. Both Friends and foes will return. You will see characters from nearly every previous Transformers series. There will be more new characters than I am physically able to draw in time to meet my deadlines!

MISC.

TFW: In the 90s, the use of computers in television animation led to shows like Beast Wars that had a dramatically different style from traditional cel-based animation. In recent years, the animation style has seemed to move back to a more classic look. Where do you think animation will go next? How do you feel about the rise of programs like Flash in television animation? How will the internet, combined with the availability and ease of these programs, affect both the business and the art of cartoons?

DW: I look at traditional style animated shows in Japan, and I wish the US animation industry would go more in that direction. CG is fun once in a while, but there is such a glut of horrible unwatchable computer generated movies out there at any given moment, that it�s really hard to get excited about any of them. Unless maybe it�s a Pixar movie. I know Flash can be used by people who know what they are doing to make great looking stuff. Unfortunately that rarely happens. The truth of the matter is that both these digital ways of producing cartoons are just usually used as a crutch to crap out more junk that no one wants. Not that traditional animated cartoons are 100% gold either. Jeez, that question was a real downer.

TFW: What's been your most memorable experience in the animation industry so far?

DW: Oh, I try to forget those.

TFW: What would you like to do after Transformers: Animated?

DW: Transformers Animated: VICTORY! Or NEO. Or something.

TFW: Are you a comic fan as well? How has this affected your work on the two DC cartoons you've worked on?

DW: Yes. I really like comics too. It was a lot of fun to redesign some of my favorite super heroes and to see them animated. Although I seem to be reading less and less superhero fare as time goes on.

DW: Can we expect to see an original show completely designed by Derrick Wyatt someday soon?

DW: Anything is possible. Maybe if I ever have an idea that doesn�t involve a transforming robot.

TFW: What other television shows do you watch?

I like old �70�s game shows. Match Game is my all time favorite. I also like detective shows, like Mystery! and Monk. Lots of old British sitcoms like Are You Being Served? and Keeping Up Appearances. Mostly I just like to watch old movies and PBS. All shows your grandmother would approve of.

-------------------------

TFW2005.COM would like to thank Derrick Wyatt for taking the time to work on this interview over the Thanksgiving Holiday and for the awesome sketches he did for this interview and to Cartoon Network for the overall okay, of course!

You can check out TRANSFORMERS ANIMATED airing on Cartoon Network now. Watch for new episodes of the highly anticipated Season 3 storyline starting in Spring of 2009!

Thanks again, Derrick!

TFW2005 Interviews Transformers Animated Story Editor Marty Isenberg

Super_Megatron — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 22:52:05

TFW2005 content contributor Aernaroth recently had a chance to interview Marty Isenberg, the Story Editor for Transformers: Animated. Check out what he had to say by reading on!

TFW2005: What is the current status of Transformers: Animated season 3? In production? Greenlit? On a shelf? Can you give us any hints about what's going to happen? Are there any characters (such as Soundwave) we can expect to see?

Marty Isenberg: I'm still not entirely clear on what we can and cannot say about Season Three. So I will just say that we have not yet begun work on Season Four.

As for what MIGHT happen if there were to be, say, a THEORETICAL Season Three? Well, let's just say that many questions from Seasons One and Two would have to be answered, now wouldn't they?

TFW2005: How do you determine which "G1-esque" characters to fit into the Transformers: Animated story?

Marty Isenberg: Usually, I figure a story needs a certain type of character and then I ask Matt Youngberg (our Supervising Producer) and Derrick Wyatt (our Art Director) what character might fit the bill. Derrick in particular has a long wish list of characters he wants to do, so usually his wants and my needs find an intersecting point. Swindle was a character Derrick really lobbied for, so we made sure to work him in.

TFW2005: How do you balance between the narrative that goes through the whole season and the story of a single episode?

Marty Isenberg: The single episode story always takes precedence. I like to have a general idea of where a season is headed, but I also like to leave room to discover things as they develop in each individual story and see how that can be built upon in subsequent episodes. As I always say, you want to reward the loyal viewer without punishing the occasional viewer.

A perfect example is "Autoboot Camp". (Spoiler alert if you haven't seen Season Two) The initial idea was simply to do a boot camp comedy ala "Stripes" with Bumblebee and Bulkhead, and that Bumblebee has all these ambitions to be in the Elite Guard, while all Bulkhead wants is to be a SpaceBridge repair bot. Derrick came up with the idea of rounding out the platoon with all "repaint" characters (Ironhide, Cliffjumper, etc.). Then we saw the perfect opportunity to set up Megatron's mole on Cybertron and reveal him as Shockwave. Hasbro sent us a list of suggested names for Shockwave's Autobot identity, and among them was "Longarm". That gave us the idea of giving him the ability to extend and contract his robot body and cover the difference of scale that would allow him to fit in as both an Autobot and Decepticon. As for how Wasp got in there, the original idea, believe it or not, was that the falsely accused traitor would be Cliffjumper! Hasbro nixed that idea, so we had to come up with a new name for the "fall-bot". Since we still wanted him to be a Bumblebee repaint, it didn't take too long to get from Bumblebee to "Wasp" -- which suddenly opened up all kinds of possibilities for the future. Later, when I was figuring out the season finale, it occurred to me that Megatron would need some Cybertronian expertise for his SpaceBridge, and wouldn't it be funny if Cybertron's leading SpaceBridge expert turned out to be Bulkhead. A lot of ideas for this show start out with "wouldn't it be funny if..."

TFW2005: Do you prefer single, self-contained stories or longer, multi-episode story arcs?

Marty Isenberg: I like self-contained stories that can be built upon in future episodes. I'd rather not have everything planned out for the entire season. You want to call back things from previous episodes, but not interweave them to the point where you can't enjoy the episode without having to see every single episode that precedes it.

TFW2005: In a recent interview Corey Burton mentioned that Shockwave's role in season two came about after he mentioned the lack of screen time given to Shockwave in the original cartoon. Are there any other minor characters from G1 that you would like to give more screen time to in season 3, 4, etc?

Marty Isenberg: Quite a few actually. But you'll just have to wait and see which ones.

TFW2005: What can you tell us about the decision to include human villains in Transformers: Animated? How do you compare using these characters as opposed to the more traditional Decepticon villains?

Marty Isenberg: I think I've talked about this pretty extensively in the past but I'll say it again. We wanted to slowly build the threat of the Decepticons in Season One, give our guys a chance to establish themselves on Earth so that when they did ultimately face Decepticons it was a major event. I didn't want Megatron getting defeated in every single episode, because it just makes him a lame, ineffectual villain.

Also I wanted a little variety in the kinds of threats our heroes faced. And since our series started out as a "fish out of water" hero story, we needed Earth villains for them to fight. The important thing was to make them credible threats to giant robots. Meltdown and Headmaster worked pretty well on their own, but I realized pretty quickly as I was writing the Nanosec story that we were going to need a bigger threat than just the fast guy that nobody could catch. He had to be carrying something dangerous that they needed to get away from him. And then making him an unwitting pawn of Megatron upped the stakes even further. That's where the unstable Destronium came in.

Originally, Meltdown and Prometheus Black were going to be two different characters. Prometheus Black was going to bio-engineer a bunch of super powered villains to take on the Autobots and take down Sumdac Systems. Nanosec was going to have been one of Black's creations -- a bio-engineered super speedster rather than a guy in a turbo suit. Colossus Rhodes is the only Black-engineered character that actually made it into the show, although another character intended for that lineup, Stiletto, will appear in the comics, but with a different origin.

TFW2005: What would you say is your biggest accomplishment so far on Transformers: Animated?

Marty Isenberg: Upping the character, humor and fun quotient in the property. And not losing (most of) the fans in the process.

TFW2005: Which Transformers characters do most you enjoy using in your writing?

Marty Isenberg: I love them all, but I probably most enjoy writing Starscream, Sentinel and Wreck Gar.

Why?

Strong personalities and the ability to surprise myself with them.

TFW2005: Are there any characters you would prefer not to include in a story?

Marty Isenberg: Ones that are superfluous to the story.

TFW2005: How involved are the directors and editors in the business side of creating a show like Transformers: Animated?

Marty Isenberg: Other than the fact that we get paid, not much.

TFW2005: Are you able to tell us how much an average episode costs to produce?

Marty Isenberg: No. Because I honestly don't know.

TFW2005: Are there any instances you can talk about where something has had to be changed due to cost?

Marty Isenberg: Less about things being changed and more about being budget conscious as we write. We can't afford to design huge crowds of new characters and design lots of new backgrounds for each episode. We have a limited number of voice actors we're budgeted for per episode. This limits the cast size and the number of new locations we can put in any given story. That's why most of the action takes place in a single city. But as the production continues, we build up a library of characters, backgrounds, etc. which allows our universe to expand along with it.

TFW2005: You've previously acknowledged that Captain Fanzone is based off someone you knew in real life. Are there any other characters in Transformers: Animated (or the other shows that you've worked on) that are based on real people?

Marty Isenberg: None that I'll admit to. There are occasionally a couple of background characters that are caricatures of some of our crew, but that's a staple of pretty much every animated show. And just so it's clear, I only borrowed the NAME Fanzone. The character design looks nothing like the real guy.

TFW2005: Are there any references to fictional characters from other sources in Transformers: Animated that we've likely missed?

Marty Isenberg: No, but there's probably a few that I'VE missed.

TFW2005: Beast Machines took a vastly different approach to the Transformers universe than anything before or since. How do you feel about that, and looking back, what would you have done differently?

Marty Isenberg: Mostly, I just didn't want to repeat myself by doing things on Animated that I'd already done on Beast Machines. As for what I would have done differently, it's hard to second guess yourself in retrospect. I do wish we had more time to develop the show up front and more access to episodes of the original Transformers show (this was in the days before DVD box sets), or at least access to a Transformers expert like Derrick so we could have gotten more of the Cybertronian names right off the bat (i.e., The Oracle vs. Vector Sigma, Cybertropolis vs. Iacon).

TFW2005: Were you at all responsible for any of the major plot twists that occurred during the show?

Marty Isenberg: Yes. That's what a story editor does.

TFW2005: Similarly, what were the major differences you experienced working on Beast Machines compared to Transformers: Animated?

Marty Isenberg: I've said this before, but the major difference is that I'm working in the same building with the artists, directors and supervising producer, which leads to much better communication and collaborations than when the writers are in LA and the production is in Vancouver (as was the case on Beast Machines).

TFW2005: Where exactly does a story editor fit in how an episode gets made?

Marty Isenberg: Story Editor in this case is just another term for "head writer". That means I come up with all the basic story springboards for each episodes, hire the writers, work with them to further develop their stories and edit their work. We don't have a writing staff, so we hire freelancers. This means I'm also the liaison between the writers and the artists. Every draft of every premise, outline and script goes through me before it gets handed off to the rest of the production for notes.

TFW2005: Where do they fit in the overall show? How involved are you with other aspects of the show (such as the voice recording)?

Marty Isenberg: I attend all voice recording sessions, sometimes make casting suggestions and give notes on the various takes, where appropriate. I've worked with our voice director Sue Blu for a long time, so we have a really good rapport. After that, the shows are in the capable hands of our Supervising Producer Matt Youngberg, who supervises the directors, designers, post-production, etc. I might chime in with the odd note on a storyboard or animation rough cut, but it's pretty rare.

TFW2005: Do all the ideas come from the writing staff and directors and editors, or are other members of the production staff encouraged to contribute ideas, or does it differ from show to show?

Marty Isenberg: Generally we start with a story break session that includes me, the episode writer, Matt and Derrick. Sometimes the directors join us as well. Usually we don't have a full production crew of character and prop designers on staff during the writing stage, so there really aren't many more people around who could contribute ideas.

TFW2005: What are some of your approaches to editing a story?

Marty Isenberg: I try to take a collaborative approach. I like the back-and-forth of ideas between me and the writer, and between the writers and directors/designers. Ultimately the final draft of anything is on my shoulders, so at that point I take a very hands-on approach, especially in making sure that all the action and dialogue is in keeping with the characters and the show.

TFW2005: What have been some things that you have found to be hard to cut out of a given story, Transformers or otherwise? Were there any concepts in a show you're worked on that you'd have liked to explore further? How is it decided what stays and what is cut?

Marty Isenberg: The biggest factor is time. Not every great idea, moment, line of dialogue or bit of action can fit into a 22-minute episode of television. I've had to cut in script -- or Matt has had to cut in storyboard -- some stuff that absolutely pains us to cut. There are several stories we really want to do that for one reason or another we haven't had room for in a Season. Sometimes I've managed to put stuff back in the comics that had to get cut for the show.

There are a couple of funny trick-or-treat bits we had to cut from "Along Came a Spider" for time. "Velocity" lost a really nice scene where Sari distracts Bulkhead and allows Bumblebee to sneak out. "Megatron Rising" lost a significant scene, but not for time. The animation that came back from overseas was simply unusable. So I can reveal here for the first time that the Dinobots were SUPPOSED to join the battle in Part Two, only to have Megatron singlehandedly defeat them one-two-three -- basically to show what a badass Megatron is in his new body and how our heroes don't stand a chance. Ultimately the episode worked fine without that scene, and I suspect there would have been some disgruntled fans upset about how easily the Dinobots were taken down.

TFW2005: How did you become a writer? What kind of an educational background do you have?

Marty Isenberg: I started out wanting to be an actor and majored in heatre at Northwestern. Many very successful actors come out of Northwestern. I gradually realized I wasn't going to be one of them. So I decided to try my hand at playwriting. That eventually led to the Master of Professional Writing Program at USC.

As far as animation, I always say that every writer gets into writing animation the same way: completely by accident. Mine was a temp job answering phones at Fox Kids Network.

TFW2005: What was it like working on the new Ninja Turtles show?

Marty Isenberg: It was a lot of fun and a great experience if for nothing else than the sheer volume of scripts that I had to write in a very short period of time. The Turtles are fun characters to writer for, although with the writers in LA and the production in NYC it suffered from a bit of the same disconnect for me as Beast Machines.

TFW2005: Did you feel that the old animated series had any effect on how you approached writing for the new one?

Marty Isenberg: I'm assuming you're still talking about Ninja Turtles here. Like Transformers I wasn't entirely up on the old show, so I didn't have any preconceived notions about it. The original comics were more my reference point, since the mandate from above was to make it more like the comics, but with the strong individualized characters that the old show had.

TFW2005: How does the business of writing for animated shows work? Is it mostly freelance, or are you hired to work on a show for its entirety, or employed by a studio, or is it something completely different?

Marty Isenberg: The vast majority of kids animation writing is freelance, although some shows -- mostly those at Nickelodeon and Disney -- are staff written. Primetime animation is generally all staff written, since they usually follow the sitcom model.

As a story editor I'm hired for a season's worth of episodes, but I'm still technically a freelancer, since I don't receive a weekly salary. I'm paid a flat rate per script.

TFW2005: You've worked on a number of shows that have drawn their stories heavily from comic books (Spiderman, X-men, TMNT). Are/were you a big comic book reader?

Marty Isenberg: I was a big comic reader as a kid, but I'm probably a much bigger comic reader now. My background is largely comedy, so I had to kind of learn comics as I went along, especially on X-Men, which I had never read as a kid. Fortunately for the early part of my career I was blessed with a writing partner with an encyclopedic knowledge of comics.

How does that differ, if at all, from writing an episode from scratch?

The biggest difference is when you write from scratch you have to make more stuff up, rather than pull it from a vast pre-existing universe.

TFW2005: What show are you proudest to have been a part of?

Marty Isenberg: In chronological order: Batman: The Animated Series; Danny Phantom; and Transformers Animated. The latter two because they turned out well and I feel I made major contributions to them. Batman because he's such an iconic character and we really felt like we were making animation history at the time.

TFW2005: What show would you have wished you could have done more episodes for?

Marty Isenberg: I had a brief opportunity to write for The Tick, but unfortunately scheduling, coupled with my own fear of not being able to write anywhere near as funny as Ben Edlund, got in the way.

TFW2005: What do you want to do next?

Marty Isenberg: Something surprising, something that I can learn something new doing.

TFW2005: What are your influences when it comes to storytelling?

Marty Isenberg:
Comedy: The Marx Brothers, Monty Python, early SNL, Buster Keaton.
Animation: Brad Bird, Paul Dini, Jay Ward/Bill Scott
TV: Lost, anything by Joss Whedon

Again, TFW2005 would like to thank Mr. Isenberg very much for taking the time to do this interview.

TFW2005 Interviews Transformers Voice Actor Garry Chalk

Super_Megatron — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 20:14:01

TFW2005: First off, how are you doing after your accident?

Garry: Oh, well I�m still in a brace, and I can�t get around. I have to have people drive me around, and a shower is a logistical nightmare. Just not fun. It just always hurts, I hate it. I�ve got it (the brace) on for three months altogether, and then I�m in rehab for five months. I tore my quad muscle 87 percent. It ended up in the top of my thigh and they had to go in and get it to re-attach it. It was just a mess.

TFW2005: So you were just out walking your dogs? Did they ever thank you for that? Say �Hey Dad sorry we did that?�

Garry: Yeah, well. Daisy, my female, laid on my neck and Nike was about 20 feet away. They�re very sweet. They didn�t do it on purpose.

Garry: Well, you�ve got a gazillion questions so where do we start?

TFW2005: Well I�ve got my list right here and we can start from the top: First off, how did you get into acting and voice acting?

Garry: How did I get into acting, well I�ve been acting since I was seven or eight years old. My theatrical debut was �The Shoemaker and the Elves� in grade two, and I felt my calling then. Then I sang in a choir that was on TV it was the boys club choir. And then I did theater productions in school, then went and did a bunch of other stuff and decided that I was no good as a stock broker or a restaurant guy or any of those other jobs that I did. So I went back to school to see if I could be a teacher in English Lit and Anthropology, I discovered the Theatre department, went down there, saw the shows, loved it. Said I want to do this. I auditioned for the Theatre Department, at Studio 58, at Langara College in Vancouver. And Anthony Holland who was the head of the Department at that time, looked up at me after I did my audition. He goes, �Well you�ve got some talent, not much, but some. Alright, you�re in.� And Bob�s your uncle.

My first voice job was narrating an informational video for a senior�s home, here in Vancouver, that I got from Anthony at the school. My first cartoon job was a thing called Hiawatha, for Kenner Classics, for Nickelodeon. I did several, 3 or 4 characters on the cartoon, including the title role, Hiawatha. That was back in 1981 or �82. I thought, oh my god, I might be onto something here, then I went on to do oh I don�t know how many episodes of cartoons. I think a few thousand anyways. And that�s how I got started.

TFW2005: So which do you prefer? Traditional acting or voice acting?

Garry: I like voice acting because it�s a lot of fun, it�s easy, and it�s the purest form of acting. You can�t get away with anything. You have to deliver with voice acting because they have to draw around your voice, and people will either believe you, or not. I like voice acting because I like the camaraderie of the cast, and it�s usually a long term venture. It�s lots and lots of fun.
I like film acting because I like the technical aspect of it. I just love performing period. I love being on stage, but there�s no money in it, but I still love being on stage. I just love to perform. I don�t really have any real favorite as long as I get to practice my craft. (into haughty voice) �Practice my craaaaft.� I enjoy it.

TFW2005: Alright, so do you have any advice for aspiring voice actors? Quite a few Transformer fans I know feel that they have a gift, and so is there anything that you can suggest that would help them develop it or to get the foot in the door.

Garry: Yes I do. If you want to become a voice actor, remember this. Acting is 90% of it, voice is 10%. If you are a really good actor, and a really good reader, and can get the lines off the page, the acting will cover you. It will carry you a lot farther than your voice will. Everybody can do a funny voice, but can everyone do a funny voice doing Shakespeare, or Chekov? If you can do Chekov as Foghorn Leghorn or some other cartoon character and make it believable and make people care about you then you�re doing your job. So it�s not totally necessary (into deep booming voice) The Voice Of God or (into high voice) a tricky funny voice. What�s really important is to have really good acting chops and really good reading skills.

TFW2005: Great answer. How do you decide on the personality of a character you�re voicing? Is that something that the Voice Director gives you, or do they give you some freedom and tell you �We want a powerful voice, go for it?�

Garry: Well, there is that. (goes through different voices) The stock powerful voice, the big boomy powerful, the slow and sweet powerful. What you�re looking for, the tone of the voice is great, if you�ve got a big powerful voice then that�s great. It�s what you do with that big powerful voice that brings me back to the acting. You see, when you find a character you determine what the character is about. Well it sounds kind of method, but they�ll give you a brief history of the character as they envision it. �He hates cats, loves eating ice cream, is delirious whenever he gets his own way, and completely psycho when he doesn�t.� And you determine from that how the voice is going to sound. And as they used to say, if you find how a character laughs, you�ll be on a strong foundation for the character.

TFW2005: Are there any roles that you�ve had before, or people that you use for inspiration, or do you just develop the character from the direction you�ve been given?

Garry: Well, there�s several people that I really admire, as far as voicing goes. I�ve always been a huge fan of Peter Sellers, Alec Guinness, and this�ll be a good laugh for you, I love Maurice LaMarche, and Billy West. I think that Billy and Maurice are two of the great unsung voice actors in the US. They�re really tremendous voice actors, and I love listening to them and watching them how they design. I�ve had the pleasure of working with both of them, and I think they�re tremendous. I think that Peter Sellers is, to me, one of the greats. I like watching them. They are, well they are my idols.

TFW2005: Do you ever follow a show after you�ve done voice work on it? Did you actually sit down and watch the Beast Wars shows at home?

Garry: I�ve watched most of them, but I don�t make a point of watching them. I do sometimes like to watch Shadow Raiders, because it�s kind of fun and I like the animation on it. And I do occasionally, if they show up on TV, I like to watch the Sonic shows. But for the most part I never get to see them. Like the latest one I did, 3-2-1 Penguins! It�s very funny and I quite like it, but I�m never around to see it.

TFW2005: So not there, excited on the couch with your bowl of cereal first thing in the morning.

Garry: (chuckles) No, no. First thing my wife would tear my head off, if I was sitting watching TV in the morning, because it�s out with the dogs or doing something around the house.

TFW2005: Do you keep in touch with the people that you work with on some of these projects? Will you call up people that you�ve worked with?

Garry: Oh yeah! I just saw Scotty McNeil today. I was chatting with him just an hour ago. We were supposed to work tomorrow, but I�m not in the show tomorrow. Yeah, I do keep in touch with them because they are all wonderful people. I don�t say that lightly, they really are terrific. One of them, Matt Hill, he�s going to be running around North America. He�s one of our cartoon guys. He�s doing Run for One Planet. Him and his girlfriend are going to run a marathon a day, running all across the United State and Canada.

TFW2005: That�s really cool. So what character archetype are you most comfortable with, as far as improvising and adding your own touch to.

Garry: Straight hero guy. As far as improvisation goes� comic sidekick. You may not know this, but if you ever watched Reboot all the stuff between Hack and Slash, is pretty much all improvised. We made it up on the spot. We�d get a script outline, and they�d say �Just say this, and then make up your own lines.� We�d improvise around that, and more often than not they used our lines because they were pretty fun. I�m quite comfortable with comic sidekicks.

TFW2005: OK then, the flip side of the coin, are there some that it�s just a lot harder for you to get into?

Garry: Pixious kind of characters, like Smurf kind of characters. Those voices are usually higher pitched and faster, where my voice is deeper. When I try and do those high voices they just come out kind of strained. So I have a hard time doing those, but for the most part no. I�m really comfortable with any kind of character, except for those, high pitched ones.

TFW2005: What�s your dream job. If you weren�t an actor, what would you want to be?

Garry: My dream job? You�re going to laugh, but teaching anthropology, or being an anthropologist. I think it�s the greatest thing. (chuckles) That or being a rock star.

TFW2005: (chuckles) Yeah, well there�s that.

Garry: Being an anthropologist I think is just the most amazing thing. I love the whole idea of being a sort of cultural, historical detective. It�s pretty fun.

TFW2005: Yeah, I kind of do that on the side. I�m a historical re-enactor. French Fur Trade Era here in the Mid-West, it definitely is fun putting that on, and doing it for a weekend or two a year.

Garry: Yeah, I love it when they do the Civil War re-enactment. When they do that at Fort Astoria, in Oregon, and the big Civil War re-enactment down there. With the big battlefield and cannons and camp followers, the food and everything. I just find it real interesting.

TFW2005: Yeah it is, I�ve known people that are really deep into it, and know their character�s history and back-story, and can gossip on stuff that their character would have known.

Garry: So there you go. Yeah, I know the one. (starts a Southern Drawl) �I�m Cletus LeFond, I�m with the Hundred and First Volunteers CSA army.� It�s just tremendous, I love to go and watch that stuff.

TFW2005: Alright, so now into the more Transformers questions. Do you remember how your original interview went for Optimus Primal went?

Garry: My original interview for Optimus Primal� When I went to apply for the job?

TFW2005: Yup

Garry: Yeah, they went �We like that, can you make him a little older?� I said yeah. Then �A little warmer?� �Yes, we like that, but can you do it with a hint more compassion?� Then they just said �That�s the guy!� And I got hired.

TFW2005: OK, so what was your take on the change from the end of the Beast Wars Primal to the Beast Machines Primal? Going from the leader of your group to a Messiah, if that�s the right word for it.

Garry: Well, a part of me was just wow, this being a Messiah was pretty cool. But the other part of me went, wait a minute, this is an action show. I�m the head of an action team, and now all I do is sit on my butt and contemplate my navel, and listen to all my team members complain all the time. So I guess that was Season 3. I just really was not happy with it. It just became �The Seeds of the Future lie buried in the Past.� �Wait Rattrap.� Instead of �Shut up Rattrap,� it was, �No, choose a wiser path.� I just went aw man come on.

TFW2005: Yeah, I just wanna blow something up.

Garry: Right I just wanna blow something up. And when we went back to Energon, it was cool. It was a nifty exercise. It reminded me of a character I played on Exo-Squad. I played this character that was a mystical good guy. A super human, neo-human. He was very similar to what Optimus was in Season 3 or 4 or whatever it was. I liked the character in Exo-Squad because he was always that way, he was always the seer. I just didn�t like it with Optimus. The guys would just stay the same, but Optimus just sort of morphed from this action, go to, tough but fair kind of guy, into this mystical fellow who just was some quixotic quest to restore Cybertron. And I didn�t quite know what to make of it. I was just always wondering if anything was going to happen. After that, I didn�t mind it. My least favorites were doing Armada, Energon, and Cybertron. I didn�t like doing those because they were ADR. So I was just filling in someone else�s performance. They wanted it different than the character I was playing. I thought, �Well aren�t they all the same character?� but I guess they�re not. And they wanted a character on that, and it sort of stuck in my craw. But I don�t like doing ADR anyways so there you go. And I got a lot of shit for it anyways. When I was doing those ADR shows I got a lot of disappointed fans. Fans who hated my performance in it. I said, well it�s not really mine, I didn�t have any input.

TFW2005: Yeah I�ve heard that before from other voice actors. They always say there�s a big difference between getting to do it as �Theater in the round� which is how I�ve heard Wally Burr put it a while ago, and just having to match the lip flap.

Garry: Yeah! I hated it. Having to match these words in 8 seconds. It always� makes you sound� a little� bit strange. And I don�t like� that because it�s not� my rhythm.

TFW2005: So are there any memorable moments from the recording studio from Beast Wars or Beast Machines?

Garry: Crazy stuff that happened? Well we used to have stuff like (chuckles) I think it was Scott one time that fell asleep on the floor of the studio and we covered him with paper. That was pretty fun. Actually, to tell you the truth, nothing really happened in the studio because, I really hate to say it, we�re all a bunch of pros. We just did our job and got out. Though it was a bunch of fun embarrassing Venus Terzo every once and a while. Because she was just the studio fox. Such a hot hot woman. She would get a bunch of teasing, and the bulk of the attention of the studio.

TFW2005: I just have to ask, since you mentioned seeing Scott today, is that crazy in real life? Whenever he�s been at a show he�ll go through 3 or 4 voices and have an argument with himself. Is that just something he puts on?

Garry: (chuckles) No that�s just a put on. When you get Scotty at home he�s just Scotty at home. You know, he might have something, and be a bit flamboyant, but when he�s at a show, he�s on a mission. Well, that�s how I�ve seen him. Though I have seen him at a show and just been surprised. He really can go through all of them, but that�s all for the fan�s benefit.

TFW2005: OK, so talking about Armada, Energon, and Cybertron, did you have to interview for all of them, or did you get the role because of Primal?

Garry: Yeah, well I did have to interview for the role. But I just went jeez, I�ve been playing the bloody thing for years, what do you want? And so I went in and did the voice they wanted. They said, �Ok, you�re doing it.� And so I got it.

TFW2005: So, the inspiration that you used for the Prime voices, was it different that what you used for Primal? Or was it just �Be strong and watch the lip flap?�

Garry: For the Optimus Primes? I just referred back to the original character, the Cullen character. (in Prime voice) �Just a minute kids, I�ve got to go over here for a moment.� �Jetfire Come here!� Basically that, crack the heroic stance and let it rip. I just found with those, there was no imagination with the voices. Nothing that I could identify with. I hated them actually, to tell you the truth. (laughs) Though that�s just me.

TFW2005: That�s alright, so do you have any favorite episodes from any of those Transformers episodes?

Garry: I have to say my favorite Beast Wars was when I changed into a real gorilla. What was it called? Primal Primal? Something like that.

TFW2005: Gorilla Warfare?

Garry: Yeah, that one. That was my favorite one. Oh what else? There were some funny ones in there. Oh it the death of Dinobot.

TFW2005: Code of Hero. Yeah that�s one that I know that there are some fans that can�t watch that particular episode without tearing up because of the way that Dinobot goes out.

Garry: Yeah, that was a great great episode. I liked it a lot.

TFW2005: OK, so when you started Beast Wars, did you think that you�d end up with this 5 or 6 or how many ever years that you�d be doing?

Garry: To tell you the truth, no. I thought I�d be doing it for a season and that�s it. To tell the truth, I had no idea how big the Transformers really was. I remember that I used to the voice for the commercials way back when. You know (booming voice) �Transformers Generation 2� I used to those thing, but a long time ago.

TFW2005: So kind of a swap then with Cullen then. Where Cullen did the voice back then, and now he�s doing all the bumpers for Cartoon Network.

Garry: Yes, I used to do those, way back when. But I never had any idea how big it was. I got to do it for 10 years, and I was excited about it and enjoyed it very much, but now it�s over.

TFW2005: So did you ever end up with any of the toys?

Garry: Yeah, I�ve got lots of them. I�ve got the blue and red truck, and I�ve got the Gorilla, and the Transmetal, and another truck somewhere. I�ve got them downstairs. I used to have them on my toy cupboard, but my wife dismantled it and packed away all the toys. I donated some of it to a children�s hospital to raise some money. So I got rid of a few of them.

TFW2005: So did you have a favorite out of all of those?

Garry: You know, I like the original Optimus Primal. It was just a neat little machine. But I love the truck. The anniversary edition, the big metal truck. Oh, awesome.

TFW2005: It�s a good thing that you have them, because if you didn�t you�d have to prepare for an avalanche of people wanting to give you some.

Garry: Oh I know, I�ve got to tell you I�ve got a great fan out there. I don�t know if I want to give her name, but she�s a huge Transformers fan. She lives in Pennsylvania. But anyways she�s given me a couple of drawings of characters of mine from Transformers. She drew an inked drawing of Primal, that�s just brilliant, and fantastic. And she sent me another one of Slash from ReBoot, and oil painting, absolutely fabulous. I just have to say that she�s a very talented artist. She draws a lot of great things, and just a huge fan. But yeah, they do send me stuff, or give me stuff when I go to show. I know I got a really great response from everyone when I hurt myself. On the websites, that there was a lot of stuff on there about me getting better, and I�d say to them, thanks very much for all your support and well wishing.

TFW2005: So are you following the new Transformers: Animated?

Garry: No, all I know is that David Kaye is playing my part. But I hope he�s doing a good job.

TFW2005: OK, so did you see the movie by any chance?

Garry: I did.

TFW2005: What�d you think of it?

Garry: To tell the truth, I didn�t like it. I liked it for some reasons, I loved the CGI. The CGI was some of the best work I�ve ever seen. I thought Peter Cullen was very funny, and great as the voice of Optimus. I mean he did it first. But all the other ones were so treated that you couldn�t tell, were there any character differences in those? I couldn�t see, there was just so much treatment. I just found the transformations were just so fast, I just felt that part of watching the Transformers was watching them transform. But these ones transformed so fast you never got to see anything.

TFW2005: I�ve heard that complaint quite a bit.

Garry: I was a bit disappointed with that. I found it very dark, almost psychopathic. But there were some funny parts, where they were having to hide around the house was kind of silly. The cars were cool, but I don�t know. If you weren�t a Transformer�s fan you would have no idea what it was about.

TFW2005: That could be true. And I have to ask because I�m a Stargate SG1 geek. Did Colonel Checkov die in the Ori attack.

Garry: (chuckles) We don�t know. We think he died, because since SG1 is no longer around, but he died an honorable death. He might show up in some kind of regenerator at Atlantis, but we don�t know.

TFW2005: Aren�t there still 2 direct to DVD movies to be done?

Garry: Yeah, the movies. But they�ve already been shot and I wasn�t in them so sounds like he�s gone.

TFW2005: Well, I�ll cross my fingers for Atlantis then. Do you have anything else in the works?

Garry: Right at the moment I�m doing a cartoon series called RollBots, which is quite fun. I�ve been doing Care Bears for the last little while, where I play a rain cloud named Bumpety. Which is kind of cute. Other than that I�ve just finished a movie with Michelle Pfeiffer and Ashton Kutcher called Personal Effects. I had a small role in there as a wrestling coach. And I did one with the guy from High School Musical. Corbin Blu. Called Free Style, about moto-cross racing. Beyond that, not much. I�m kind of laid up right now.

TFW2005: Yeah, hard to do much acting like that.

Garry: Yeah I�m house-bound basically, with my leg. I just get to go out when someone comes and picks me up. Just slowly but surely, it�s been the worst year for that though. But you know, it happens. Any more questions for you?

TFW2005: No not really, that�s end of my list. But it�s been a real pleasure getting to chat with you. Is there anything you wanted to say, or comment on that I didn�t ask about?

Garry: Nothing that I can think of at this point. I�ll just say, keep the faith, and hope you enjoy the new generation of Transformers, and hope it continues on ad infinitum. And we�ll see you at the conventions if they�ll ever have me. Though I don�t go to too many.

TFW2005: Well this year�s is in Cincinnati at the end of April.

Garry: Well then no. I�ve been to I think three of them, maybe four. Well there you go. Hope you have a good evening.

TFW2005: Thanks, you too. And get well soon.

TFW2005 Interviews Transformers Animated Voice Actor Tara Strong

Super_Megatron — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 19:35:20

TFW2005 content contributor Ktulu recently had a chance to sit down with Tara Strong, the voice of Sari in Transformers: Animated. Check out what she had to say below!

TFW2005: Though you're a long accomplished voice actress, the Transformers fanbase is of course getting to know your work even better now with your character Sari on the new Transformers Animated series. Prior to this show, did you know much about or have any interest in the Transformers franchise?

Tara: When I was younger, I loved the Transformers. Always had a few toys that I couldn't figure out!

TFW2005: What initially drew you to the Transformers Animated series, and once cast, how easily did you find yourself immersed into your character and the storyline?

Tara: I auditioned for the show hoping I would get the part. For starters, Sari was the ONLY regular girl role up for grabs! Plus, the Transformers is such a special franchise and I feel honored to now be a part of its history. It was easy to immerse myself into the character because the writing is so good.

TFW2005: Voice director Susan Blu has a long standing history with Transformers. How beneficial was her experience with the franchise to achieving the best tone for the performances?

Tara: She's the greatest, no matter what she does. Her history with the show made it fun and interesting.

TFW2005: What inspiration have you drawn upon for your portrayal of Sari?

Tara: I'm inspired by her character design, backstory, and the passion of the creators. I just try my best to bring their vision to life.

TFW2005: How much has your experience with previous roles affected how you approach new characters? For example, how much of Bubbles is in Sari?

Tara: There is no Bubbles in Sari, I try never to repeat vocal qualities or inflections. Each character has its own life in my head.

TFW2005: Is there any insight you could give us on where Sari's adventures with the Transformers might take her throughout the rest of the series without giving too much away?

Tara: Let's just say her entire identity could be a surprise.

TFW2005: The rest of the Animated cast is full of many other fan favorite voice actors as well, such as Corey Burton and David Kaye. Does the strength of your fellow cast mates, on this or any show, reinforce your intent to give all you can to the performance?

Tara: I always try to give my all. I have to say, this cast is stellar. The room is so full of legendary talent it's breathtaking. It's the first time I've met David Kaye because he was previously in Vancouver and I was instantly smitten with his talent and charm. We've become very close friends. My hubby, a realtor, took extra special care of his family and got them settled in a wonderful new home here.

TFW2005: What would you say has been your favorite voice acting experience thus far, and conversely, your worst?

Tara: I have so many favorites, I've been extremely lucky. I especially loved doing the Little Mermaid II, Powerpuff Girls, Teen Titans, and of course I love Transformers ... too many to choose!

TFW2005: Which of your characters have been favorites of your children?

Tara: My kids love Timmy on The Fairly OddParents and currently they're CRAZY for Truffles on Chowder.

TFW2005: Do you look for any specific key elements of a character or story when choosing roles?

Tara: I don't really choose roles, they choose me. When I'm at an audition, something organic will happen at the audition and if it's meant to be, it just sort of magically evolves into a living entity.

TFW2005: Having grown up idolizing shows with veteran voice actors the likes of Peter Cullen and Frank Welker, many Transformer fans have developed a keen interest in voice acting themselves, and many perform in Transformer fan projects. What advice do you have for those of us seriously pursuing a voice acting career? I realize this is a common question, but your opinion on the matter would be much appreciated.

Tara: Take acting classes, singing lessons, voice-classes where there is actual studio time. There are wonderful classes in Los Angeles, but I can't recommend outside this state. If it's in your heart, keep at it, make a reel and send it off to local reputable agents ... and of course check out www.voicestarz.com!

TFW2005: Do you know of any newer voice actors that used the Voicestarz program to help them get started?

Tara: We had one girl signed by William Morris & CESD.

TFW2005: Finally, what sort of series are you most looking forward to being a part of next? Are there any specific shows or game projects you're already cast in that you're particularly looking forward to?

Tara: I hope Transformers gets a pick up...keep watching Chowder, and we're working on a whole new season of The Fairy OddParents.

TFW2005: Thank you again for your time Ms. Strong. We're not only Transformer fans here at TFW2005, but fans of great animation in general, and many of us have strong interest in video games as well. You've been part of many of our favorite shows and games so this has been quite a privilege. Thank you!

Tara: My pleasure. Thanks for watching and be sure to check out my website at: www.tarastrong.com!

TFW2005 Interviews Transformers Comic Book Writer Simon Furman

Super_Megatron — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 19:20:14

Simon Furman is known to Transformers fans as the premier writer of Transformers fiction dating back to the original Marvel Transformers Generation 1 comic series. The only writer to have written for all publishers of Transformers comics among the years, he has worked for Marvel UK, Marvel US, Dreamwave Publishing, and most recently IDW Publishing. TFW2005 Content Contributor Spartan-117 recently had a chance to interview Mr. Furman, see what they had to say below.

TFW2005: First a fun one, if all the different Transformers continuities were to fight who would win?

Simon Furman: I�m going to have to go with �1-2-3 Transformers.� Don�t be fooled by all that kid-friendly stuff. Underneath that genial playfulness, Charlie Chopper, Rescue Roy and Policeman Pete are hard b@$7@�ds!

TFW2005: What do you draw inspiration from when it comes to your writing? What do you do to "tame the muse/beast" when it comes to those moments?

Simon Furman: What I try not to do is draw too much direct inspiration from other media. If I recognise something in my work as derived from somewhere else, be it a movie or a book or whatever, I tend to re-think/re-work it. It�s nigh on impossible to avoid referencing stuff, especially when it�s ingrained into your subconscious. The number of times I write dialogue like �time to die� and then have to hit �delete�! If I�m influenced by external stuff it�s in terms of pacing or staging or drama. For instance, ahead of writing the latest Torchwood script, I watched the first episode of Season 2, �Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang.� Plot holes aside, the sheer pace and relentlessness of that episode were inspirational, and some of that fed back into my subsequent script. Largely, though, I look for inspiration in character. All stories, in my opinion, begin with a character or set of characters, and how they react/respond to whatever external influences are exerted on the immediate status quo. You can have the greatest idea in the world for a story, ever, but if the characters aren�t interesting or involving or worthy of your sympathy/empathy/antipathy it�s worth next to nothing.

TFW2005: How often do you look back at your rough work and think "That doesn't quite work the way I want it to.... let's change it up."?

Simon Furman: At planning stage, often. My somewhat freefall approach to storytelling is often to just take a nugget of an idea and keep on at it, propelling it onwards (even when part of my brain is telling me to bail) until it starts to resemble a working story. I find that if I just get it down on (virtual) paper, even the first draft is dire, I can then see why it�s not working or where stuff needs to be cut or revised or embellished. I come from an old-school Marvel storytelling background, where the key trio of ingredients are character, conflict and resolution. If I don�t have those things when I look at a first draft, it�s not right. When it comes to turning a story outline into a script, I�ll make further changes, but these are mostly in terms of pacing or structure. In one of Titan�s �Comics Creators� books, I remember Todd McFarlane saying that in the early days of Spawn he�d draw whole scenes, then lay the pages on the floor and move them around (sequentially) until he had an overall order (page 1 through to 22) he was happy with. I do a lot of that, moving/jigsawing scenes to give (what I hope is) the best possible flow or structure to a given issue. Oh, and I revisit/revise my dialogue to fit the art (and to give it a final polish).

TFW2005: What minor or obscure characters would you like to bring into the limelight due to potential in your eyes?

Simon Furman: Not that he�s exactly obscure, but Sideswipe is high on my list of characters I want to turn the, ahem, spotlight on. I see him as this sort of permanently angry character, who�s always looking for a cause and forever rubbing everyone else up the wrong way in the process. He�s going to feature big in 08. Right now, I�m enjoying (in the Transformers UK comic) adding layers to the movie cast, some of whom were criminally underused/underdeveloped. I�d also like to do more with the (Pretender) Monsters (from Spotlight Optimus Prime). They have that whiff of (largely) blank slates onto which I can graft some diverse and interesting back stories/motivations.

TFW2005: How did the Transformers Movie 2007 differ from how you thought it would unfold?

Simon Furman: My expectation, before I read the script, was that Cybertron would somehow play a much larger, more integral part in the movie. I think it was a shame that, given how much latitude CGI allows to create whole worlds, we didn�t start there or look in there at some point, see some robots in their natural environment. Even if you follow through with the All Spark macguffin, it would have been great to see how critical the situation on Cybertron had become following the decision to launch the All Spark into the far reaches of space. It would, I think, have given more urgency and poignancy to events on Earth.

TFW2005: Anything you would have added or altered?

Simon Furman: I�d have given the likes of Jazz, Ironhide, Ratchet and Starscream extra stuff to do, and more layers to their characters. It felt like whatever they (potentially) had to give got maybe squeezed/drowned out in all the explosions and noise. If only they�d ditched the whole Maggie Madsen/Glen Whitman computer expert/geek storyline (which went nowhere in my opinion), taken the foot off the gas occasionally, and given us some moments of introspection (hopes, fears, ambitions etc) from the robots.

TFW2005: What direction do you want or not want to see the sequel go in?

Simon Furman: I hope it will introduce more of a sense of space-opera to what they�ve done so far. These robots are extraterrestrial, and yet that doesn�t seem to really come across in the first movie. If it�s just set on Earth, with a whole set of characters in Earth alt. modes, it could easily come across as just �more of the same.� They need to up the ante.

TFW2005: Has there been any thought given to writing any more stories that are short stories or novels (kind of like Alignment)? Do you think that Transformers could work in a text based expanded universe like Star Wars does or does it need visuals to survive?

Simon Furman: I actually think Transformers would work well as novels. I can�t quite understand why nobody�s doing �em (outside of the likes of The Ghosts of Yesterday). Maybe young adult novels would be the way to go. I�d actually like to do more prose, but right now it�s finding the time.

TFW2005: (Further along the expanded universe angle) Are there any possibilities to seeing any stories from Transformers past or Transformers future that would have all new characters we have never seen before (no Optimus, no Megatron, no G1 homages, etc)?

Simon Furman: There�s always that potential I suppose, and we are going right back in time for The Thirteen, which features a (largely) new cast of characters we�ll be building from the ground up. Not sure about the future. I don�t really want to do an animated TF movie thing and scrap everything in favour of a new cast. There�s so much potential in the present day cast still to explore in new and different ways. That�s where my creative energies are focused right now.

TFW2005: All of the stories (main arcs & spotlights) seems to have common threads running through them (ie, Primes near death experience leading to his spotlight) Was that the initial plan or did it just happen that way? And if it was the initial plan how far does it stretch?

Simon Furman: I did have a pretty clear idea of where I was going with this new IDW/TF-verse, and much of what�s happened has done so as I originally envisaged. But the saga has definitely evolved in the doing as it were. Often, the Spotlights will suggest new layers and directions and I�ll run with those, weaving them into what�s already in progress. But overall there have been about four or five strong story through-lines that I�ve been pushing upwards and onwards since we started out, and a lot of those will tie up (to an extent) in 08.

TFW2005: Grimlock seems to be a fairly prevalent character in many of your stories (he was very visible in G2 and War Within for example), what is it in particular you enjoy writing about him?

Simon Furman: There�s an edginess to the character. You never quite know when or how he�ll jump and what the consequences will be. Grimlock tends to do first and think later, which automatically opens the door to all sorts of subsequent conflict (there�s that word again) and recrimination. Stuff happens when Grimlock�s around. He�s just too big a character for whatever world or situation he finds himself in, and so stuff inevitable gets broken. He�s a force of nature, and walks (none too steadily) that fine line between hero and villain.

TFW2005: Is there anything you've wanted to do with the Transformers that for whatever reason you haven't been able to do, be it technical reasons, time constraints or orders from above? If so, could you give us an idea what some of these ideas where?

Simon Furman: So far, I�ve been pretty lucky. Sure, I�ve had my share of stories I wish I�d had more time and space to run through as originally conceived (the post-Unicron Marvel G1 storyline, the second chunk of G2, the Dreamwave books), but largely I haven�t faced a situation where what I�ve wanted to do has just been turned down flat. I�ve been particularly lucky with IDW to be able to bring essentially �my� vision of G1 to comics and steer its course from the ground up. I hope what we�ve got thus far is the basis upon which others can build, telling new/different stories within the overall framework that�s been established.

Cheers--

--Simon

TFW2005 Interviews RiD Optimus Prime Neil Kaplan

Super_Megatron — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 18:01:35

Neil Kaplan is best known to Transformers fans as the voice of Optimus Prime in Transformers: Robots in Disguise where he also lended his voice to the character of Ro-Tor. TFW2005 content contributor aksmth recently had a chance to interview Mr. Kaplan, check out what they had to say below.

TFW2005: When you originally auditioned for Transformers, did you try out for specific characters or were certain ones assigned to you? If the former, which characters did you audition for but not get?

Neil Kaplan: Originally, I auditioned for Slapper, Gas Skunk and X-Brawn. It was my audition for X-Brawn that lead to me getting Optimus Prime.

TFW2005: Were there any specific roles you were not cast in that you wish you could have gotten the chance to play?

Neil Kaplan: Well, villains are ALWAYS fun, but I was pretty darned happy to be playing Optimus Prime, and when they added the role of "spoiled military brat" Ro-Tor, that was just a little bit of frosting on an amazing piece of cake.

TFW2005: When you voiced Optimus Prime, did you look to Gary Chalk or Peter Cullen for inspiration?

Neil Kaplan: For me, it was ALL about Peter Cullen. His voice rang in my ears almost 20 years later! I didn't look back on his work... but it had stuck with me all that time and inspired my work.

When I voiced Optimus Prime in 2001, Gary had not yet voiced the character. I did not listen to his work as Primal for background as that was a different character.

TFW2005: Are there any other characters or individuals that you used as inspiration?

Neil Kaplan: Superman. He was the only other character that came to mind as a "one note hero." No internal conflicts, just a "pedal to the metal" straight ahead hero.

TFW2005: What was it like playing Prime for two different directors?

Neil Kaplan: You can certainly hear the difference between episodes directed by Steve Kramer and Mike McConnohie. Mike was from the G1 cast. That was original animation, so they recorded together as a cast. So, Mike was there in the room to read with, act with, and listen to Peter Cullen. Mike's interpretation was to make Prime very close to Peter's portrayal. Slower, more contemplative, a "40 foot metallic John Wayne."

Kramer made him more energetic and take-charge.

I appreciated and enjoyed BOTH versions and never had an issue adjusting to either style.

TFW2005: In ROBOTS IN DISGUISE, the characters constantly called out their attack names over and over through the course of the series. Were you required to re-record those lines each time or did they simply take one sample and re-use it throughout the series?

Neil Kaplan: On that show, we recorded each one each time.

TFW2005: And what did you think about having to yell out those attack names?

Neil Kaplan: I had done anime before, so I was used to that kind of thing. Personally, I would not write that way... but that's not my style as a story teller. As an actor, you find justifications for your actions and make it work.

TFW2005: Did you see the live-action Transformers movie? What was your overall thought regarding it?

Neil Kaplan: Dude, I thought it was GREAT! Three Oscar nominations, eh? I mean, heck... I have never seen a car race down the freeway at seventy miles per hour and change into a hyper violent and angry giant robot... but I'm pretty sure if I ever do... it will look just like THAT!

The movie is pretty much exactly what I thought it was going to be...and yes, I would love to be involved in one of the sequels at some point!

TFW2005: Have you auditioned for any of the post-RID Transformers shows and if yes, which characters?

Neil Kaplan: Yes, I auditioned for both Prime and Megatron on the new "Animated", which looks like a fun interpretation of the Transformer universe!

TFW2005: You've done a lot of work for some very popular franchises such as Transformers, Power Rangers and Digimon. Do you have any specific fond memories of your work on these series?

Neil Kaplan: Yes, too many to list here...and I was thrilled to come back for a couple of episodes of the new Digimon Tamers!

TFW2005: How do you decide on the "personality" of a character that you're voicing?

Neil Kaplan: There are lots of variables. Size, age, other characters and relationships, as well as how the writers, director and producer may have heard it in their own heads.

TFW2005: Do the "powers that be" tell you what they want, or do you get some freedom to come up with your own "voice" for a character?

Neil Kaplan: Each project and situation are different. Sometimes when working with people that know an actor and their talents, they feel better about trusting that actor's instincts.

TFW2005: What character archetype are you most comfortable with in terms of improvisation and adding your own flair to a role?

Neil Kaplan: 1) Villains! 2) Sidekicks

TFW2005: On the other hand, are there some characters that aren't as easy to get into mentally where you just have to trust the director and the script?

Neil Kaplan: For me...romantic heroes or if it's a script I just don't "get" or connect with.

TFW2005: Is there much of a difference between recording voices for live-action (Power Rangers) and animation (Transformers/Digimon)?

Neil Kaplan: All of those were similar, if only due to their nature as "dubbed" projects.

TFW2005: Do you often (or ever) follow a show after you've done voice work on it, to keep in "touch" with it and the characters? Do you keep in touch with any of the people you've worked with over the years involved in these projects?

Neil Kaplan: I try to keep in touch with a few of the people I have worked with. It can be tough because so much of our time as professional actors is spent in pursuit of more work.

TFW2005: What's the best and worst encounters you've had with fans of your work?

Neil Kaplan: Best? It's hard to say. There have been many, such as meeting and befriending Tony B!!! Meeting Simon Williams in Birmingham, England. Dutch fans in Amsterdam! Making new friends in Dallas, Nashville, Auckland, Melbourne, etc.

Worst? Hands down it was BotCon '02 when we were shown "Armada" and THAT was how we found out we were out of a job. I was busy being human and having my own feelings and reactions and that did not mesh well with the rabid enthusiasm of the fandom at that time.

TFW2005: What are the best and worst parts of being a voice actor?

Neil Kaplan: The best is watching people enjoy the work I have done, or sometimes just kicking back and enjoying the entire project, be it playing the game or watching the episode.

The worst? Constantly having to find work.

TFW2005: What would your "dream job" be?

Neil Kaplan: A long running ORIGINAL job like Homer Simpson or Jimmy Neutron. Or, as many of you know... I sure would love a crack at Bullwinkle if he ever comes back!

TFW2005: Any advice for anyone looking to get into the voice acting field?

Neil Kaplan: Learn to read. You can't be a voice actor if you cannot read clearly and comfortably aloud.

Learn to act. People mistakenly think that voice acting is not acting. In my opinion... they are WRONG.

Learn to do something else as you work your way up. If you can pay your bills while you break in... you'll keep from putting undo pressure on yourself or on anyone trying to aid you in your journey. If you can repair computers or some other "valued" skill, you won't have to wait tables between gigs.

TFW2005: Do you feel that the rise in popularity of anime represents an opportunity or a challenge to voice actors? That is to say, does anime require the average voice actor to significantly change how they do things?

Neil Kaplan: It's a slightly different skill set. It requires an actor to fit his work into the confines of an already drawn scene.

TFW2005: Also, as the majority of your latest work has been for video games, how do you feel about that medium as a "new frontier" for voice acting?

Neil Kaplan: Thank God technology can replicate the human body and face a LOT better than it can recreate a voice! PHEW!!!

Games are becoming more like interactive movies each and every day. This allows an actor to act and the animators to draw around that performance. It is closer to original animation.

Many times these days, games have mini-movies in between game play that moves the plot along and these can be recorded in a a group, like standard animation.

TFW2005: Do you feel that certain aspects of a production are lost, due to cultural differences for example, as it is translated?

Neil Kaplan: Of course. That is only natural.

TFW2005: As a voice actor, how do you feel about the balance between making something that people will be able to understand and find entertaining compared to the creator's original intentions?

Neil Kaplan: Telling a story is a collaboration. As a writer, you can only hope to get involved with producers that understand and agree with your vision. However, each new collaborator brings something new and different to the mix.

You just have to reach a happy medium and hope that your work connects with as many people as possible.

TFW2005: Finally, could Hawkmon take on Optimus Prime?

Neil Kaplan: OH YEAH... (but he would lose.)

TFW2005: Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions Neil, it's been a pleasure!

Neil Kaplan: I hope that's a good start! Come visit me and say "Hello" when I visit Orlando, Florida, New York City, Los Angeles and San Francisco!

Your Buddy,
Neil Kaplan

David Kaye Interview

Dark Ramjet — Thu, 3 Jan 2008 01:48:04

David Kaye the voice of Megatron in Beast Wars/Machines, Armada, Energon, and Cybertron sits down with TFW2005. Mr. Kaye is currently voicing Optimus Prime, Grimlock, and Lugnut in Transformers Animated. See what he had to say below.

TFW2005: What were the events that caused you to change from being the voice of Megatron for the past 12 years to your new role as Optimus Prime in Transformers Animated?

David Kaye: There were auditions that came through William Morris Agency in LA for the new series. I of course, really wanted at least the opportunity to audition for the role of Megatron and maybe anything else that might be available. I found out Sue Blu was the Voice Actor director and I love working with Sue so much I HAD to be on the show. I read for the roles from my home studio, emailed Sue and said to be on the look out for the files from William Morris and the next thing I knew I was back for the call backs. I figured, here we go...another Transformer series as Megatron. I certainly didn't even conceive I'd be even READING for the role of Optimus, let alone be cast as that character. As soon as I read for Prime, I could sense something was up and 2 weeks later I got the call that I'd be playing 'the good guy' now along with a couple of other regulars on the show. Lugnut and Grimlock.

TFW2005: Has it been hard switching gears from being Megatron to Optimus Prime?

David Kaye: Yesssss !! Just getting the rhythm of the character and finding out who he is took about a half dozen episodes. Even then, it was sometimes hard to keep him on track once in awhile. Completely different with how I handled Megatron in the Beast Wars, etc, series.

TFW2005: Transformers Animated Optimus Prime is supposed to be a younger incarnation than in previous shows. How would you describe the character you are playing in this series?

David Kaye: Well, funny thing was, they did want him younger, but as I became more comfortable with Prime I kind of dropped into the character to where he was closer to my own voice. They really liked how Prime was sounding. We actually went back and re-recorded a few episodes where Prime was originally sounding 'younger'.

TFW2005: Peter Cullen visualized John Wayne when he voiced Generation 1 Optimus Prime. Do you have anyone that you have based Animated Optimus Prime on?

David Kaye: No. I just wanted Prime to sound natural. It remains a bit of a battle, because you want to 'put it on' sometimes. I mean he's the 'Hero,' right?

TFW2005: Now that you have voiced both Transformers leaders, which one did you enjoy most, or were they equally satisfying?

David Kaye: Megatron was always my favorite character. He was so fun to do. Prime was a struggle for me at the beginning but after seeing the first three episodes, I can't wait to get back in the studio for another season or 2, or three or 4...

TFW2005: How difficult was it for you to originally land the role of Megatron in Beast Wars?

David Kaye: It didn't seem that difficult. I was just doing an audition for a cartoon show. It seemed like it was going to be pretty cool. Megatron just 'showed-up' I guess.

TFW2005: Was it hard to keep the role during the Armada, Energon and Cybertron shows when many other parts were recast?

David Kaye: Yessssssssssss !!! The animation was already drawn and there isn't much room to really play in that situation. You have to make the best of it sometimes and just try and fit the dialog in.

TFW2005: Out of all the Megatrons that you voiced throughout the years, what series was your favorite or most fun to do?

David Kaye:The first one (Beast Wars) and I quite enjoyed playing 'Noble' on the darker Beast Machines.

TFW2005: How do you feel about voicing characters originally pioneered by the likes of Peter Cullen, Frank Welker, and Gregg Berger? Does this affect the way you approach the roles?

David Kaye: I try not to have any preconceptions going in. These guys are MY heroes and people I look up to. I don't want to sound like, or take anything away from anybody. It's my job and one that I love immensely. So just to be able to work with these people and meet them is fantastic.

TFW2005: What did you think of Michael Bay's take on Transformers?

David Kaye: I really wanted to be a part of it. I mean, so did ALL of us that have been involved in the Transformers franchise at some time or another. I would have been a glorified extra if I could screaming "nooooooooooo." I thought it was pretty cool. It was totally amazing how far technology in film making has come. I went with my son and it was a great movie too see together. I especially loved Scorponok. The only thing was, even though it was AWESOME to here Peter Cullen speak as Prime, I kind of thought to hear the Autobots and Deceptions speak, took away from the mystery of them a bit. Hey that's just me, but overall, I thought it was a blast! Get it....blast ! Ha I KILL me!

TFW2005: Out of all the roles you have voiced over the years, which one is your favorite?

David Kaye: Megatron from Beast Wars and I kind of dug Professor X in X-men: Evolution.

TFW2005: Could you cite sources of inspiration for your voice work and describe how each of them inspired you?

David Kaye: Number one is Mel Blanc. A Master. My other mentor is Don La Fontaine. Had a chance to work with Don teaching a workshop. What a great man and I was totally in awe.

TFW2005: Is there any specific character archetype you're still itching to play
that you've somehow avoided thus far in your career?

David Kaye: I'd love to be involved in the Star Wars franchise and to work with Seth MacFarlane would be my dream come true. I think he's completely BRILLIANT!!!

A special thanks again go out to Mr. Kaye for the opportunity and a few moments of his time.

Jack Angel Interview Part II

Lance Halberd — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 20:34:55

Here's part two of TFW2005.com's interview with veteran voice actor, Jack Angel!
If you missed part one check it out here: Jack Angel Interview

TFW2005: What drew you to voice acting?

Jack Angel: I started as a DJ and I did funny voices on my show. One thing led to another.

TFW2005: How do you create a new voice, and where do you find inspiration?

Jack Angel: There�s almost always directions on the audition copy telling the actor what the writers and producers want. Sometimes, though, you can go the opposite of what they ask for and if they like it they change their minds.

TFW2005: Do you keep track of all the voices in your repertoire? For example, have you ever created a voice for a character and then realized �Wait, no � that�s the Medicare Vampire��

Jack Angel: No. Since one project will never be played next to another one, it really doesn�t matter. In fact, after hearing the �medicare vampire� on my demo reel, producers have hired me to do that voice for their project.

TFW2005: When bringing a character to life, do you find it easier if you have a visual representation of the character to study or will just a text description of the character work just as well?

Jack Angel: Either or both. As long as the producers get what they�re looking for I�m happy.

TFW2005: Given your impressive vocal range, do you do impersonations as well?

Jack Angel: The �medicare vampire� is an impression of Bela Legosi, who played Dracula in the original black and white movie. I do quite a few, but most of them are of older actors. Humphrey Bogart, Peter Lorre and Sidney Greenstreet, just to name a few.

TFW2005: If you tend to shy away from doing impersonations, is it because you�d rather speak with one of your own voices than somebody else�s?

Jack Angel: I don�t shy away from them. I don�t care which voice they hire as long as I don�t have to rip my throat out doing it. After screaming for hours on �The Hunchback of Notre Dame� I went home and gargled to see if my neck leaked.

TFW2005: How has the voice acting profession changed since you first started off?

Jack Angel: There are a lot more people doing it, and the writers and producers are all much younger and come from a different perspective than I.

TFW2005: A common misconception of voice acting is that it is just �reading lines into a microphone.�

Jack Angel: That�s not really a misconception. Of course you also must have some mic technique and know how to act in order to pull the whole thing off well. Andrea Romano, who directs animation for Warner Brothers says, �I don�t care how good your funny voice is, you must know how to act or it�s no good to me.� Wally Burr, who directed most of the successful Marvel cartoon shows including �G. I. Joe� and �The Transformers�, used to point out that with such limited animation, the actor has to create the action with his voice.
Like if they were slogging through the mud or a swamp, you can�t see the effort, so the voice has to convey it by grunting and breathing heavy, etc.

TFW2005: Given the insistence of Hollywood to get �Big Name Actors� to supply voices for animated features (or movies featuring giant alien robots, for example) in hopes that their �Star Power� draws in greater audiences, what advice, if any, do you have for these �Big Name Actors� who may consider tackling a role in which they�ll never be seen?

Jack Angel: Big name actors are always thrilled that they are asked to do a cartoon�s voice. Most of them say it turned out to be much harder than they expected. But all of them will do it for a lot less money than they would get for an on-camera part just because it strokes their egos. The ultimate for them, of course, is a roll on �The Simpsons� where a character is drawn to look like the star. Do big name actors attract a large box office? If the show sucks, it goes to DVD in a month, regardless of how many stars ore in it. I had four parts on Disney�s �Treasure Planet�. When I saw the film for the first time I knew it was destined for the trash heap. No amount of stars could have saved it. And the producers were both well established Disney veterans. Every once in a while, even the best of them fire a dud.

TFW2005: What do you do to get away, to escape the voices in your head?

Jack Angel: What voices? There�s only one voice in my head and that�s me. And I like him. As far as getting away, I love Hawaiian vacations, trips to New York City and weekends at a place called �2Bunch Palms� in Desert Hot Springs. It�s a great spa, once owned by Al Capone.

Once again, many thanks to Jack Angel for taking the time to sit down with TFW2005.com and give us this wonderful insight into the world of voice-over artistry!

Jack Angel Interview

Skor — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 08:43:50

Jack Angel is best-known for his roles in Super Friends and Transformers. He played Hawkman, The Flash and Samurai in the former while in Transformers Generation 1, he was the voice of Astrotrain, Ramjet, Cyclonus, Omega Supreme, and Ultra Magnus (animated television series only).

TFW2005: Jack, If you could provide the voice for any character, in any film, who would you choose and why?

Jack Angel: If I say Brad Pitt in Oceans 12, do I get to bang Angelina?

TFW2005: Of the Transformers you voiced which was your favorite and why?

Jack Angel: Ramjet. He was the first one to rip my throat to shreds. Actually it was probably Cyclonus because if the way I inherited the voice.

TFW2005: After the passing of Roger Carmel how did it feel to take over the role of Cyclonus in Transformers?

Jack Angel: Before Roger, you may remember that Orson Wells did the voice in the movie. Both of them died, so I thought, �Hmmmm. Maybe I�ll be next to check in at Club Mud�.

TFW2005: Of the transformers that you voiced, which one did you relate to the most?

Jack Angel: It�s pretty difficult to relate to any tin guy. But I could relate to Teddy in the movie A. I.

TFW2005: Omega Supreme's unique voice: How exactly did that come to you?

Jack Angel: I sounded the closest to Robert Stack, who did the voice in the movie and then they ran it through a synthesizer.

TFW2005: What was it like working on two of the most popular cartoons of the 1980's, Transformers and G.I. Joe?

Jack Angel: It was cool. Lots of status, too. The money was good and the casts were great guys to work with.

TFW2005: Michael Bell stated his voice of Transformers G1 Prowl was basically his own voice, were any of your voices similar to your normal voice?

Jack Angel: Michael doesn�t really have a voice. But if I remember correctly, Smokescreen was closest. But it�s been a long time. Or maybe Omega Supreme.

TFW2005: How did you find out about the auditions for Transformers? Was it from working on other animated shows?

Jack Angel: Yes. GI Joe.

TFW2005: What G1 roles did you audition for and didn't get?

Jack Angel: None. I came late to the show.

TFW2005: How would you compare your past roles in shows like Transformers and G.I.Joe to your roles today?

Jack Angel: I play much older guys now. Probably because I am much older. And I refuse to do �throat rippers� anymore.

TFW2005: Do you find it easier or more difficult to get work nowadays due to the expansion of the animation market with Anime and Video Games?

Jack Angel: Harder. There are more guys going it and they always want younger sounding guys. And lots of the work now is in video games, again with the screaming and yelling during battle scenes and I don�t do that an anymore.

TFW2005: What do you remember from your work on the show "The six Million Dollar Man"?

Jack Angel: I was the voice of the tower operator. I was never on the set, just in a sound booth.

TFW2005: What Animated series was the most fun to work on and why?

Jack Angel: Peter Pan and the Pirates. Tim Curry who played Hook was fun to work with and so were all the kids on the show. Transformers was fun, too, because of the talented cast.

TFW2005: When you get a script for a show can you tell right away if it will be a long lasting hit like Scooby Doo, or soon-to-be-forgotten show like Prostars?

Jack Angel: There no way to tell. If someone had told me a show about a sponge that lives at the bottom of the sea and wears square pants would even get made, let alone be the most popular kids show on TV, I would have said no fucking way. And if you want to know what happened to most of those Marvel shows, it all rests on Gem. The FCC ruled that a toy company couldn�t run a commercial for a toy, like the Gem doll, in the show from which it came, because that would make the show one long commercial. So Mattel ran ads for Barbie in the Gem show. Gem was number 1 with little girls after school, and at Christmas time, Barbie dolls flew off the shelves and the Gem doll just sat there.

Hasbro decided that all they did was provide their biggest rival with a platform on which they could sell their toys. They cancelled their contract with Marvel.

TFW2005: Are there any upcoming projects you�re working on that excite you?

Jack Angel: I have a recording studio and I�m teaching other actors to do voice work. That excites me now.

I�m also creating a cartoon series the may wind up in �adult swim�. I can�t tell you more until we get an episode up on �YouTube�. I co-created another show called �Catatonia� about a bunch of weird cats who lived in the brain of a crazy cartoonist who was catatonic and had to undergo shock therapy, and when ever he did, everything changed. We submitted it to a production company and they gave us a �thanks-but-no-thanks� letter and then stole the idea by changing it slightly.

TFW2005: Did you really think at the time that Transformers would still be going strong after 20-odd years?

Jack Angel: No. Hell, I didn�t even think I�d be going strong after 20 years.

TFW2005: And lastly, who would win in a fight - Voltron or Omega Supreme?

Jack Angel: Superman

So, many thanks to everyone (especially Lance Halberd) who contributed and big thanks to Jack Angel, one of Transformers most venerable stars!

UPDATE: Part 2 of this interview can be found here: Jack Angel Interview Part II