Most people who know me personally (or are associated with me on Facebook) were aware that I had the incredible honor of being chosen to voice act in an animated short known as Kick-Heart. Not only did the public play a deciding factor through my YouTube audition but the director, Masaaki Yuasa, also made the final call after the Likes were in. A few people who had auditioned I know personally, and though not everyone could take part, I have respect for them just the same.
For those who may not be aware, what makes Kick-Heart‘s existence so unique is that it is the first successful animation crowdfunded venture done by a highly reputable Japanese team. If not for the fans who believed in the director, the animation studio, and the product in general, this animated short may not have been made. And I certainly would not have had a chance to audition, meet some wonderful people in person, and enjoy warm, California weather in Winter. I expressed my dear thanks in a thank you video for having the chance to partake in such a production and, while in CA, tried my hand at v-logging to include those who had believed in me to give me that opportunity.
The whole experience of traveling to California for the first time was worth every penny spent. The studio session itself was a day of getting to know the rest of the cast, humbling myself among Richard Epcar & others experienced pros, and getting behind the mic of course. I spent the other 4 days touring the Burbank area, visiting two voice acting friends, Brittnee & Jon, who were both about 2 hours away from my hotel in opposite directions, and even had a chance to attend this year’s AnimeLA which hosted two Kick-Heart panels. The chance to meet & greet other up-and-coming voice actors I’ve worked with before, have heard of, or never met before was so worthwhile. I also visited Bang-Zoom Entertainment in my free time, but couldn’t catch Tony Oliver to say hello after being trained by him two years ago. It was one heck of a pleasure trip all around and reminded me of how much work still left to do to achieve my VO goals.
For all the 3,230+ backers of Kick-Heart, you’ll be pleased to know that there is a Masked Ball Premiere Event happening in Tokyo in May. That hopefully means that we will all be receiving our DVDs soon enough. I’m waiting right along with you guys; I was a backer too.
My sincere thanks to Production I.G., Yuasa-san, and everyone who helped make the backer dub possible. Please continue to show your support for Kick-Heart and all the other talented voice actors attached to the production. Who knows if there is more to come with this release, but there are a number of other productions I look forward to announcing my involvement in when the time is right.
To whomever reads or sees my work, your support is very much appreciated.
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