Interview: Ayu from Voice Actor Kick Start

Recently I had the pleasure of meeting Ayu one of the founders of Voice Actor Kick Start, a web page for potential voice actors, mostly focused on Anime.  Intrigued I asked for an interview, so here you potential voice actors go - a discussion of Voice Actor Kick Start!

Hello, my name is Ayu and I'm an admin and co-founder of Voice Actor Kick Start. I'm also a professional voice actress with experience in software, games and original animation and I am just breaking in to the anime industry.

Steve: You're part of Voice Actor Kickstart.  Can you tell us a bit about it and why people might be interested?

The site is a resource for anyone who is serious about becoming a professional voice actor or furthering their career. It has a bit of a slant towards people interested in dubbing anime, but it's got plenty of information for anyone who wants to be a voice actor.

Steve: What resources are available at VAKS?  What are you looking to add?

First, we have articles answering basic questions like how to become a voice actor, how to make a good demo reel, and so on. We also have acting hints and tips, and inteviews with actors and voice coaches. Most importantly, we have a community of other people where members can discuss the trials and tribulations of voice acting and blogs where people can keep track of their progress. We are always adding more interviews and acting tips, and we're working on adding weekly competitions so that people can have new things to practice on and gain experience.

Steve: I understand you have some "name" actors helping out - can you tell me who they are?

We have contributions and members who have done work for Bang Zoom, Ocean, and FUNimation including Kira Buckland and Lila Atherley. I myself work for FUNimation, although I've only done walla and smaller roles for them. While none of us are considered "big stars" in the world of anime voiceovers, we know a lot of those "big stars" and we can ask them the questions that people want to know the answer to.

Steve: Voice acting is a tough career.  Do you think it's easier or harder in this economy - where the economy is down, yet there's more globalization, video games, etc.?

There's definitely not as much work in the world of anime as there used to be. With most anime companies going under or resorting to sub-only releases, the demand for dubbing has decreased dramatically. However, the video game industry is still flourishing, and any voice actor looking to make a living knows that the real money is in commercials and radio. Dubbing has never been a big money maker. But while the dubbing well might be a little drier than usual, there will always been room for voice actors to thrive, just like movie and TV stars will still make money.

Steve: Where do you see Voice Acting as a career - or part of a career - going?

Voice actors will likely never attain the fame and pop star status that actors on film receive. Elijah Woods has done an great amount of excellent voice work, but he didn't really gain international fame until Lord of the Rings. Anyone seeking fame and fortune is better off in other fields. As a career, it's an ever changing field that is good for people who like every day to be new. Don't ever expect anything like a "routine" or "normalcy." A lot of voice actors move on to become directors or voice coaches. In dubbing, many voice actors also branch out into scriptwriting.

Steve: How can people help out at VAKS?

We are always looking for people who are willing to take and give constructive criticism. We have a section for reviewing demo reels, and we have a special forum just for people to review workshops, classes, books, DVDs, and other voice acting related materials. Share experiences, get feedback, give feedback. Offer advice. Get advice. It's all about being a community and helping each other out.

Steve: Are you doing any conventions?

At this point in time, we are not doing any conventions. However, some of our members are part of convention panels like "Who Wants to be a Voice Actor?" In the future, we may lead panels or events about voice acting, but for now it seems that the demand is already being filled by others.

Steve: Any closing advice to future Voice Actors?

Network. People always tell you to get experience, make a demo, move to LA, etc. etc. etc. This is all good and necessary, but the missing piece is networking. It's the mystery spice that blends together all the other ingredients into a delicious career. Voice Actor Kick Start provides the networking that you need. You will make friends with pros and people who are getting into the business. That is the most important part. Also, never stop learning. There is always something you can improve on. Even the pros still take classes.

Thanks Ayu, and we wish you well on your venture!

You can find Ayu's page here, and Voice Actor Kick Start here.