TurtleTitan97
04-17-2012, 04:12 PM
I found this article from today and thought it would be cool to share with you guys and gals: http://www.examiner.com/parenting-in-palm-springs/parenting-advice-from-pinky
SD: What do you like most about Palm Springs?
Rob Paulsen: Golf courses! I'm a golf nut!
SD: Yeah, golf has a huge following here in the desert. There are some world reknown courses right here in the Coachella Valley.
When you work on an animated series, what are some perks of the job?
Rob Paulsen: A steady job. That's a pretty cool perk, right? The people with whom I work are so talented and most are personal friends, so I consider that a perk too. Also cool swag, launch parties, wrap parties, taking friends and relatives to recording sessions, going to Comic Con to promote the show; all fun stuff.
SD: Steady work is a huge perk these days. What's the most random, quirky or surprising thing that most viewers probably don't know about Pinky from Pinky & the Brain?
Rob Paulsen: That he actually enjoys food pellets and truly believes that The Brain has the world's best interests at heart. Oh, and he's an excellent "Words With Friends" player!
SD: I bet Pinky is a stellar "Words With Friends" player. With all the projects you've worked on, you've spent quite a bit of time in sound booths! Have you ever had any anxiety or claustrophobic experiences being in one?
Rob Paulsen: Never. I find them quite cozy and have actually taken naps in them from time to time.
SD: Shall we add that as another perk of the job? The sound booths are so cozy, one can actually nap in them from time to time. I'd add that to my bucket list if I weren't claustrophobic.
Since you've voiced so many different characters, what are your tried and true organizational tips that help you keep track of nuances for each character or are they just filed away in the memory banks?
Rob Paulsen: They're pretty much at my beck and call when I need them. The nuances and organic characteristics of a character become second nature if I'm doing my job well. I do have certain jokes, cultural references, voices, impressions, I know are sure-fire ways to enhance a character or line in a script. I love to improvise when it's appropriate and encouraged by a producer.
SD: Well, that is impressive considering even remembering my own phone number can be a challenge. Are there any characters that you've voiced that look like you?
Rob Paulsen: God, I hope not! Actually, I voiced an animated character for years on behalf of Honda called "Mr. Opportunity." I've been told he resembles me...only more handsome.
SD: I've dug up a photo of Mr. Opportunity for those that are curious. Check him out in the slideshow.
If a teenager wants to set up a makeshift recording studio in their room to try out voice work recording, what makes for a good microphone to use that won't break a teenagers budget?
Rob Paulsen: Blue Yeti makes a terrific USB mic which plugs directly into a computer or iPad. I use an Audio Technica AT 2020, which works great. My recording program for auditions and podcasts is Twisted Wave; very easy to use.
SD: I've heard great things about Blue Yeti, both because of the quality and the price point. Any words of wisdom about voice over work you care to pass on to kids interested in being a voice over artist when they are adults?
Rob Paulsen: Learn as much as you can about performing. Live theater, improv classes, music, stand up comedy, dance, anything to make yourself confident and comfortable in front of an audience. It'll all come in handy when auditioning for producers and performing with other actors. Also, whether with your voice or your whole person, acting is acting. The best voice actors all have a live performance background. And are competent, fearless, incredibly creative actors.
SD: Hey, that's a great tip! To all you kids reading this, take that nugget of wisdom to heart. If you want to become a voice over artist, it's more than just recording yourself with a microphone if you want to sustain any sort of career doing this line of work.
Did you have a job when you were a teenager and if so, what was it?
Rob Paulsen: Several: gas station attendant, busboy, short order cook, grocery store, hardware store, record store... I like voice acting better than all of 'em.
SD: Well if this whole voice artist gig doesn't pan out, at least you have some other talents to fall back on!
Since you are a parent, have any parental words of wisdom unrelated to voice over work to share?
Rob Paulsen: Work hard in school and listen to your parents. They really do want the very best for you and have been where you're going. Also, I know a lot of successful people and none of them are stupid.
SD: Stay in school and study, boys and girls.
Do you have any rituals or things you do before recording a new voice?
Rob Paulsen: Not really. I just try to be very aware of what got me the job and give the producer exactly what they want and more. My goal is to leave the producer with so many good takes, that he or she has a tough time deciding on the best one.
What's the one question you are surprised most people don't ask a voice over actor?
Rob Paulsen: "Are you happy with your job?" Probably because they know the answer: Duh!
SD: Thanks for your time, Rob Paulsen. You are a gem of an entertainer and can't wait to see your name in the credits of future animated shows.
SD: What do you like most about Palm Springs?
Rob Paulsen: Golf courses! I'm a golf nut!
SD: Yeah, golf has a huge following here in the desert. There are some world reknown courses right here in the Coachella Valley.
When you work on an animated series, what are some perks of the job?
Rob Paulsen: A steady job. That's a pretty cool perk, right? The people with whom I work are so talented and most are personal friends, so I consider that a perk too. Also cool swag, launch parties, wrap parties, taking friends and relatives to recording sessions, going to Comic Con to promote the show; all fun stuff.
SD: Steady work is a huge perk these days. What's the most random, quirky or surprising thing that most viewers probably don't know about Pinky from Pinky & the Brain?
Rob Paulsen: That he actually enjoys food pellets and truly believes that The Brain has the world's best interests at heart. Oh, and he's an excellent "Words With Friends" player!
SD: I bet Pinky is a stellar "Words With Friends" player. With all the projects you've worked on, you've spent quite a bit of time in sound booths! Have you ever had any anxiety or claustrophobic experiences being in one?
Rob Paulsen: Never. I find them quite cozy and have actually taken naps in them from time to time.
SD: Shall we add that as another perk of the job? The sound booths are so cozy, one can actually nap in them from time to time. I'd add that to my bucket list if I weren't claustrophobic.
Since you've voiced so many different characters, what are your tried and true organizational tips that help you keep track of nuances for each character or are they just filed away in the memory banks?
Rob Paulsen: They're pretty much at my beck and call when I need them. The nuances and organic characteristics of a character become second nature if I'm doing my job well. I do have certain jokes, cultural references, voices, impressions, I know are sure-fire ways to enhance a character or line in a script. I love to improvise when it's appropriate and encouraged by a producer.
SD: Well, that is impressive considering even remembering my own phone number can be a challenge. Are there any characters that you've voiced that look like you?
Rob Paulsen: God, I hope not! Actually, I voiced an animated character for years on behalf of Honda called "Mr. Opportunity." I've been told he resembles me...only more handsome.
SD: I've dug up a photo of Mr. Opportunity for those that are curious. Check him out in the slideshow.
If a teenager wants to set up a makeshift recording studio in their room to try out voice work recording, what makes for a good microphone to use that won't break a teenagers budget?
Rob Paulsen: Blue Yeti makes a terrific USB mic which plugs directly into a computer or iPad. I use an Audio Technica AT 2020, which works great. My recording program for auditions and podcasts is Twisted Wave; very easy to use.
SD: I've heard great things about Blue Yeti, both because of the quality and the price point. Any words of wisdom about voice over work you care to pass on to kids interested in being a voice over artist when they are adults?
Rob Paulsen: Learn as much as you can about performing. Live theater, improv classes, music, stand up comedy, dance, anything to make yourself confident and comfortable in front of an audience. It'll all come in handy when auditioning for producers and performing with other actors. Also, whether with your voice or your whole person, acting is acting. The best voice actors all have a live performance background. And are competent, fearless, incredibly creative actors.
SD: Hey, that's a great tip! To all you kids reading this, take that nugget of wisdom to heart. If you want to become a voice over artist, it's more than just recording yourself with a microphone if you want to sustain any sort of career doing this line of work.
Did you have a job when you were a teenager and if so, what was it?
Rob Paulsen: Several: gas station attendant, busboy, short order cook, grocery store, hardware store, record store... I like voice acting better than all of 'em.
SD: Well if this whole voice artist gig doesn't pan out, at least you have some other talents to fall back on!
Since you are a parent, have any parental words of wisdom unrelated to voice over work to share?
Rob Paulsen: Work hard in school and listen to your parents. They really do want the very best for you and have been where you're going. Also, I know a lot of successful people and none of them are stupid.
SD: Stay in school and study, boys and girls.
Do you have any rituals or things you do before recording a new voice?
Rob Paulsen: Not really. I just try to be very aware of what got me the job and give the producer exactly what they want and more. My goal is to leave the producer with so many good takes, that he or she has a tough time deciding on the best one.
What's the one question you are surprised most people don't ask a voice over actor?
Rob Paulsen: "Are you happy with your job?" Probably because they know the answer: Duh!
SD: Thanks for your time, Rob Paulsen. You are a gem of an entertainer and can't wait to see your name in the credits of future animated shows.