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January 25th 2003
Question and Answer IRC Chat with Wendee Lee
< WL > Hey all you freaky folks!
< SpankerIA > How is the ROD dub progressing?
< WL > Read or die??
< SpankerIA > I heard you were working on the dub for that show.
< WL > Don't know of 'Read or Die'
< WL > Wronge Lee!
< patrick > Wendee who is your favorit voiced character?
< WL > Here's the first one - My favorite character 'FAYE V' OF COURSE!!
< AngelicRage > i was wondering how is it like to be a vocie actor
< AngelicRage > its like the coolest sounding job
< WL > It's really tough to be honest
< AngelicRage > ah i see
< WL > Very competitive - Not as much work for women as there is for men
< AngelicRage > is it rewarding though?
< WL > But great fun!
< WL > Very rewarding for me - I love what I do
< AngelicRage > cool
< WL > Next?
< AngelicRage > thank you for letting me talk to you
< WL > You bet - take care!
< SephirothSpirit > What was it like working on Bebop as Faye?
< WL > It was the best!
< WL > I knew Faye was for me the first time I saw her.
< WL > That's MY role!
< SephirothSpirit > Very cool, Faye is a great character.
< Ayeaka > How did you decide to become a Voice Actress?
< WL > I was already an actress - Crashed a VO audition and got a part!
< Ayeaka > That's cool
< kris > which audfition
< WL > Robotech
< RaJa > Have you done much live-action acting?
< WL > Yes - I started voice directing on live action
< RaJa > Do you have any voice actors whom you particularly admire?
< WL > Several!
< WL > I would say who - But I'm afraid I have to protect identites
< Blinkubis > Ms. Lee, as a fellow VA of sorts, it is great to be speaking with you. My question is, which role you voiced over posed you with the most difficulty.
< WL > Perhaps Ryoko & Yahiko
< Otakuman > Ryoko from RBHS & Yahiko from RK folks
< WL > Any of the screamers are tough on the vocal chords
< SephirothSpirit > How long have you been voice acting?
< WL > I'm ancient!
< bluemystique > Ms. Lee, do you watch anime yourself and if you do, do you prefer subs or dubs?
< WL > I've been doing this since the mid 8o's!
< WL > SUBS BABY!
< WL > Whoa! BIG MISTAKE!!!
< WL > DUBS BABY!!
< WL > That's what pays my bills
< Zero_kun > hi did you enoy working on Love Hina as Su
< WL > Su was a blast!
< WL > Why?
< RaJa > You did some Power Rangers voices too, right?
< WL > Yes - I did Scorpina in the 1st season of PR
< WL > Plus several other guest Monster voices & Alpha
< Zero_kun > also did you get to work with the other voices in love Hina or seperated ?
< WL > I directed the entier LH series, so I was the only one who got!
< Zero_kun > o wow!
< Bajj > Would you rather work in groups to produce dubs or individually, Wendee?
< RaJa > I thought all NA dub companies had the actors voice separately
< WL > We generally work one-on-one - It's the most practiacl use of studio time
< Brandon > Mrs. Lee Out of all the voicing cast you have worked with what has been the funnest, for instance the cast of Cowboy Bebop, Outlaw Star, etc.? Also, I want to say I really really liked when you voiced Faye on Cowboy Bebop =D!
< WL > Funniest?... Sometimes the funniest stuff is what goes on in beteen takes!
< WL > Out-takes expose a lot of the stuff we crak up about
< RaJa > Would you say that acting alone hurts the process?
< WL > Now Way! It's a very intimate process and requires personal attention for each actor
< [AWF]Kenshin > When you are voice-acting, what passes through your head? Do you sympathize with your character?
< WL > I always sympathize w/ my characters - I feel everything they do and pour my heart into every scene
< Brandon > Mrs. Lee do you listen to any japanese music of the anime you have voiced in? And what was your favorite Anime you have voiced for?
< WL > I listen to Cibo Moto - Buffalo Sis - I like Asian music!
< [hm]icekiller > wl working on any new projects ?
< kris > you have a question right now?
< yuzuha > Hi, I was just wondering if those of us who generally preffer to watch subs discourage you
< WL > You guys should give DUBS a fair chance.
< WL > The quality is improving all the time
< WL > Have you ever noticed Japanese synch vs English?
< WL > Do you care?
< yuzuha > Ha ha, Well, I do like some dubs... which are your favorites (BTW I thought your Faye V. was great)
< [hm]icekiller > i feel that dubs you loose the orginal feeling
< WL > I disagree - There is a cultural difference, but some of the finest actors in the world are here in the States
< AbeChinchilla > Ms. Lee, first let me say that I thought your pretrayal of Reiha in Vampire Princess Miyu was a true shine for the dub, did you have to do any special preperations when you were in the studio? Did you enjoy playing Reiha, and did you enjoy the series?
< WL > Thanks Abe!
< WL > No one has mentioned her to me yet
< AbeChinchilla > aw
< ZhiLuang > I have another question when a japanese anime gets translated, is it often that they replace some of the lines of the original script?
< WL > Z: Yes we have to often change the dialogue to fit the meaning in English - These are 2 VERY different languages
< Brandon > Mrs. Lee how did you like playing Sazuki?
< WL > Sazuka was a blast - She's so internal and zen
< Zero_kun > what do you think of the original faye, megumi hayashibara ?
< WL > I think the original Faye is... okay...
< Brandon > I think your a better Faye =P
< Brandon > Not to diss the old one
< WL > Thanks ( Me too! He-hee!)
< [hm]icekiller > wl working on any new projects ?
< WL > Working on TONS o new projects!
< Score > Wendee, out of all the characters you voice acted, which one do you feel that you relate to the most and why?
< WL > Honestly, Faye is closest to me in many ways - Although never had the gambling prob
< rutss > i have 2 questions Mrs Lee: 1.how do you prepare for voice sessions? 2.what do you dislike the most about voice acting?
< WL > How I perpare for a session depends on whether or not I'm directing - Much more pressure in that case
< WL > What I most dislike about voice acting is little to no recogintion in the mainstream and the pay
< rutss > wow, i thought the pay would be good
< [AWF]fonz > well this has nothing to do with voice acting but i'm intersted in your opinion, what do you think, is anime for children or not?
< WL > hm: YES! A fantastic new show for Cartoon Netwrk - Low Brow w/ S Blum
< Tamahome > Hey Wendee was there any characters you dubbed where you actually used your normal tone?
< WL > Floks - I often use my natural voice - Can't you tell?
< kris > ok, wendee, what about foz's question... anime: is it for kids?
< WL > Lots of anime is for little kids
< WL > That's always really fun to work on
< WL > Pokemon, Hello Kitty (I sang the theme song & wrote several eps + played several roles)
< [hm]icekiller > wl but love hina, bebop andso do you think that anime is mainly for children or do you think its like movies ?
< WL > Of course not!
< WL > There is lot's of stuff that's designed just for kids
< WL > However there's LOT'S o Stuff just for adults
< WL > That's what's so great about the art form
< WL > Like Digimon
< Ruby_Eyed_Shabranigdo > First I want to say that I am very impessed with the range of characters you have voiced. How is it doing the voice for a show you are also doing the ADR for?
< WL > I love 'self-directing'
< WL > It's always a challenge and I deferre to the enginer or producers in that case
< WL > But it gives me great freedom & control to perfect a character
< Fata_Morgana > Ms. Lee, you seem to be very accessible to the fans. I'm sure that other fans besides myself appreciate this accessability, but I was wondering if this has caused any problems for you in the past? And have you ever considered trying to be more obscure because of it? I also wondered what advantages there are to being as open as you are to the public.
< WL > I protect myself and my annonimity fercely
< WL > Do you think I'm too accessable?
< Fata_Morgana > Not *too* accessable.
< Fata_Morgana > Accessable in a good way.
< WL > I can always slide back into the shadows...
< Fata_Morgana > Most voice actors are very difficult to reach in any way.
< WL > That's for good reason
< WL > Many are protecting themselves legally
< WL > I am free legally to use my true identy in an honest fashion
< SarahWolf > like i tried to say before.... awesome finally getting to talk to you Wendee!... okay... now for the question... what did you like the most about voicing Faye? and Score asked me if i would ask his question along with mine.. If you could be any anime character, which one would you be and why?
< WL > I liked most creating that sexy, sultry, cunning persona Faye has
< WL > She's a trip!
< WL > I would love to look like Faye, fight like Suzuka, have Su's energy, be as smart as Daisy, and be as loved as TK
< [AWF]inu_yasha > do you watch other anime series accept your own ones?
< WL > I watch what I can - But watching what you work on all day can lead to burn out
< WL > But don't get me wronge - I love anime!
< Zathoros > Hi Wendee. There are a great many series in which both you and David Lucas are major characters (Bebop, Big O, GTO, Rurouni Kenshin). I was wondering if it's just a coincidence that you're cast together so often, or if there's a reason for it?
< WL > I think we go well together
< WL > He feels sort of like my VO counterpart in a way
< WL > Something about the resinance we both have that's complimentary
< WL > Plus we work out of the same city w/ the same studios
< WL > He rocks!
< WL > I cast him in almost every project I get!
< WL > Listen for him in the 'bit' characters - It's hysterical!
< Kenshin^_^x > How was it working on the Character Yumi From the Rurouni Kenshin series and having to work with Richard Hayworth(If you have worked with him anyway)
< WL > 'Having' to work w/ him?
< WL > It was SUCH a pleasure!
< Kenshin^_^x > Well in a sense like you guys were in the same series
< WL > I too use Richard every time I can - He's so talented
< WL > That show felt like a lifetime! We got to do Soooooo many eps! It was a close group
< KaizerCyberdramon > What I'd like to know is why they don't teach you how to pronounce the original Japanese names correctly? How many chances did it take for you to say "Angemon" right? Also, I'd like to point out that Digimon was only marketed to children in the United States of America and that many of the best (and least paid) voice actors come from Canada.
< WL > Okay - let me address the Digi-question
< WL > Kaizer: We had to pronounce the words the way the network people wanted them pronounced - N
< KaizerCyberdramon > That's... pathetic
< WL > Network shows work completely different fron direct to video/dvd
< WL > There are MANY cooks in the kitchen in that case
< WL > Not sure if I understand the second part of your question?
< KaizerCyberdramon > It was mostly a statement to you and the people who said "Digimon was for Children"
< WL > Sure it's for children
< WL > You have to be a kid to begin to understand it!
< KaizerCyberdramon > I just hope you realize what the show is *before* it is boughten by North American rights holders.
< WL > I think it's very sophisticated for kids actually, which is a good thing.
< KaizerCyberdramon > That's not exactly true. Many people understand it just fine on both sides of the pond.
< TheScott > Just want to say that I love your work, and I consider myself the biggest Tama fan there is. Has there been any ADR work done yet for Love Hina Again?
< WL > Tama is the best! Thanks!
< WL > The Scott: Pretty soon...
< Fata_Morgana > Ms. Lee, I was wondering if production on Low Brow has started yet, and if so can you give us any hints as to the way the story will go from here?
< WL > Glad you asked about Low Brow!
< Fata_Morgana > ^_^
< Fata_Morgana > Love that show.
< WL > This is so exciting!
< WL > We will be in production starting Feb. - Can't wait!
< Fata_Morgana > yay!
< WL > Not sure if I can say much more than that
< WL > Stay tuned!
< WL > They take several months to animate before airing
< Fata_Morgana > I'm exicted about it, I'm so glad that CN picked the show up.
< WL > Fata: Me too!! Woo-hoo!
< NinuiSEL > How did you decide to get into the voice acting business?
< WL > I always dreamed of getting into animation and knew I would somehow
< WL > The truth is I got a lucky break and ran w/ it!
< WL > I've been doing voices and impersonations since I was a kid
< WL > Used to get in trouble for it too! What do teachers know!
< AMVGUY > Ok what would you suggest I do, if i want to get in voice acting?
< WL > Become an actor
< WL > You can't just do voices w/o understanding acting
< WL > It's difficult work and very few people make it
< AMVGUY > ok ive acted before plays etc
< WL > Keep builing your resume, find a job you can tolerate to make the $ it takes to be an actor
< WL > It's very expensive!
< AMVGUY > yeah thx. Im also thinking of getting into film and i want to edit movies
< WL > CD's, classes, photos, worshops - All cost and it takes time! - Good luck
< rutss > what do you think of the current state of anime?
< WL > I think anime is blowing up!
< WL > It's here to stay
< WL > Some Networks are just beginning to get it
< rutss > and also, what was first job before voice acting?
< WL > My very first job?
< rutss > yes
< WL > Working in a jewelry store
< WL > Before that LOTS O babysitting
< rutss > lol
< WL > I saved up enough to by a car at age 15
< WL > I was always eager to make my own $
< WL > Still am!
< istalkspikelookalikes > well, first off, i was wondering if you speak/understand japanese, or any other language for that matter
< WL > I wish!
< WL > God, I try, but Japanese is soooooooo HARD!
< WL > Don't speak other languages, but do almost every dialect
< istalkspikelookalikes > lol, k....and did you go to college?? if so, are there any classes you recommend for those who are interested in this line of work, other than acting ones
< WL > Yes - I was a dancer in college - I didn't study acting, but I do rccommend it
< WL > Take speech, theatre, dance, history & laguages
< WL > You have to be very sharp to succeed as an actor
< WL > That's the one thing I can say about all my co-workers - They are all REALLY sharp!
< LoganP > Greetings, Miss Lee. I just wanted to say that I am a great admirer of your work, and I wanted to know, if you could be any color in the world, what color would you be and why?
< WL > Red baby!
< WL > I'm a burgandy girl
< WL > It's my passion!
< WL > My husband loves blue so our home is primarily burgandy & blue
< Kenshin^_^x > Would you Recommend people to watch kenshin in dub for a change because I own every dvd release of the series and voice actors such as yourself acting as Yahiko, Richard as Kenshin, and Lex Lang as Sanosuke make the series have more humor in english than in Japanese?
< WL > Thank you Kenshin - I agree!
< WL > We spent so much time finding and re-creating every little nuance just so
< WL > I think the quality really shows!
< WL > Check it out you sub-people!
< Fi > In the rush of new anime, do you think that there is not enough time to get the character and relationships right?
< Fi > Are there any anime where you with you could take the character back and redo her?
< Fi > Is there more work away from the mike in the production studio?
< Fi > These are my questions
< WL > I think we work dilligently to get everything right - Are implying otherwise?
< Fi > Sometimes , not you as much, just seem out of kilter sometimes
< WL > The only regrets I have are when I have to work w/ a cold or something & you can hear it in my voice
< WL > That sucks
< WL > More work away from the mic? - What do you mean?
< Fi > Other jobs than voice acting
< WL > Other jobs?
< Fi > Writing and studio work
< WL > Like production work?
< Fi > yup
< WL > There is to some degree
< WL > Depends on what skills you have
< KamuiX > Hi Wendee, what are some new offers you have been given to be a VA or ADR Director for upcoming series?
< WL > I have finished directing the entire season of Wild Arms
< WL > Kurogone Communication
< WL > Anyone heard of it?
< WL > A few films
< WL > Writing on Dot Hack
< KamuiX > how's .hack//SIGN coming along?
< WL > Actually writing on several shows at the moment
< WL > Great!
< WL > Very cool looking world
< WL > Black Rose is really fun
< SarahWolf > Do you like drawing?
< WL > I wish I could draw...
< WL > I'm pretty good at several things but not drawing
< SarahWolf > have you tried?
< WL > Although I spunge painted clouds in the bathroom! The turned out pretty cool!
< Phoenix1 > Hello, did you like voicing Karen in the X TV series and why you didn't get credit for it in the ending credits?
< WL > Hi Phoenix
< WL > Didn't I?
< WL > Not sure...
< WL > Sometimes they are so secretive
< WL > I had fun - She's a strange cookie that one...
< WL > No one's asked me about her yet
< kris > "The English dub cast list was not present on the X TV list"
< kris > "Pioneer's fault
< kris > sarah wanted also to say this:
< kris > when you were little... what did u like doing the most?"
< WL > Write the production co
< WL > Jump rope & hopscotch & Barbies
< WL > Oh yes, and dancing!!!!
< Kriss > Ms.Lee, you've done a lot of voices for Digimon, primarily S1 T.K., but do you agree with the majority of fans that S2 could have majorly improved on in regards to unfinished plotlines, plotholes and the slightly twee ending?
< WL > The show is so different now - Probably
< Kriss > How's it so different?
< WL > Don't you think?
< WL > It seems so serious and dark...
< WL > I still think you need a kid to figure it all out
< Brandon > Hail Mrs. Lee, out of all the shows you worked on what has been your favorite episode out of any anime you has worked on? Also how did you get into voice acting?
< WL > Already answered love - Check above
< Brandon > Ok oh yes
< Brandon > And What is your favorite animal?
< WL > Actually - I didn't specify a particular ep
< WL > I'd really ahve to think about that one...
< Vici > Great work WL!! (Couple of questions.) 1. When you play your parts, are the original dubs of any help, or consequence, or do you imprint your own interpretations of the characters, resulting from translations or otherwise ?
< WL > We are required more and more to pre-view, or listen to every loop of dialouge in before recording
< Vici > 2. It seems that a lot of the anime/foreign entertainment coming in, and being marketed better, to the west are those that are mostly on commercial merits, and for obvious reasons. Are there any titles that you personally would like to see have a more deserving light on them such as the Studio Ghibli or other lesser known artists' works??
< WL > It's changing in that way
< WL > You guys seem to want us to duplicate that Japanese performance to a T
< WL > It can be rather restrictive at times
< pangaea99 > what do you think of fansubbing? Have you watched subbed anime (both official stuff and fansubs), specifically subbed versions of the stuff you've worked on and if you have, what did you think of the original versus the dubbed?
< WL > Honestly, so many titles come to me to record I'm not very aware of what else is out there
< WL > I think fansubbing is fine if you're fluent in Japanese!
< Fata_Morgana > Before I ask my question, I'd just like to make comment about the dub/sub issue...
< Fata_Morgana > I think you're right that fans tend to be picky about that sort of things.
< Fata_Morgana > But I think that dubs like Cowboy Bebop get it *right*, in that they follow the spirit of the sub instead of following it litteraly.
< Fata_Morgana > Which is why I like your Faye, although it's not the same as M.H.'s Faye.
< Fata_Morgana > My question:
< WL > I think the folks here in LA do dubbing better than anywhere! But I suppose I'm a bit biased
< Fata_Morgana > Mlle. Lee, what were your feelings on rejoining the cast and crew of Cowboy bebop to do the film? Were you able to step right in and be Faye again? Also, have you seen the completed movie yet?
< WL > Fata: I SO agree w/ you!
< WL > It's the spirt of the original we are trying to duplicate
< WL > Not a litteral redo
< Fata_Morgana > Maybe I asked too many questions. ^^;
< Fata_Morgana > Madam Lee, did you get my question about CB the movie?
< WL > Haven't seen the film YET! Can't wait
< WL > Faye lives in my heart and I can always walk right into her skin at a drop of a hat
< Steven_Kunz_The_Fan_Author > Okay, Hello Mrs. Lee! It's a real honor to be speaking with an excellent voice actress. ^_^;
< WL > Thank you so much
< Steven_Kunz_The_Fan_Author > My question is, What other work do you besides voice acting and directing that is related to the animation business?
< WL > I'm an actress
< WL > I work on camera (some times) I sing and choreograph
< WL > I directed stage for many years too
< Raptor > Why do you think VAs (especially anime VAs) don't get the kind of mainstream recognition they deserve?
< WL > Beats me...
< WL > Everyone & their bro wants to do anime, but most of us are completely unrecognized
< Kenshin^_^x > Ms. Lee, I would Just like to thak you for giving me another reason to watch dubs even more than I already have after you have answered my Questions... All i can say is Keep up the good work and maybe you can be in Long Island one day so i can have your Autograph ^_^; See you again Space Cowgirl ^_~
< WL > You guys can reach me at my website
< WL > Wendeelee.com
< WL > E-mail; ewendee@earthlink.net
< WL > Please be patient w/ me though- I get a lotta mail & will respond when time allows
< WL > Also, my website is STILL under construction so bare w/ me...
< J_Man > Ok, I do a little radio show and I do some voices on it, but I get worn out prettyfast, I wanted to know if there was a way to slow down that problem
< WL > No advice... I work doing scenes w/ my own voices sometimes
< J_Man > How do you keep your voice from dying while doing so much work?
< WL > I can play every character in the scene and still keep up
< WL > Maybe it's practice??
< WL > Hot tea
< WL > Throat coat & honey
< Linus_Mines > Thanks for taking the time here, Ms. Lee. As a voice director, are any of your peers female? And does gender play a role in maintaining yourself in this field?
< WL > There are a few now - When I 1st started I was THEE only chick director around!
< WL > Men ALWAYS work more
< WL > There are always more roles for men then women
< WL > Even in films and TV
< AbeChinchilla > ok. Ms. Lee, I think you were caught up with other questions, so you couldn't complete answering my question. ^_^
< AbeChinchilla > Ms. Lee, first let me say that I thought your pretrayal of Reiha in Vampire Princess Miyu was a true shine for the dub, did you have to do any special preperations when you were in the studio? Did you enjoy playing Reiha, and did you enjoy the series?
< WL > Honestly, I don't have any special prep at all
< WL > I get to the studio and dig in
< AbeChinchilla > ah
< WL > I gain a lot of inspiration from the art work itself
< WL > The way a character looks and moves tells me a lot
< Yakumo > Is there anything you wish you didn't do
< Yakumo > anime
< Yakumo > wise
< WL > Hmmm...
< WL > Probably...
< WL > Can't think of anything off hand
< Yakumo > ok, my final question, cheese with ham, or just cheese on its own. I'm hungry
< WL > I am a vegetarian so NO HAM! Let the piggy be a pig - Not a sandwich!
< WL > Cheese for me please! He-he!
< yuzuha > Just wanted to know if your work has sparked an interest in Japanese culture, history and mythology?
< WL > Last one!
< WL > Definitely! I have always been intruged w/ Japanese culture -More so now than ever!
< WL > Can I go to Japan now?
< WL > Thank you everyone!
< WL > Let's do it again real soon!
< WL > Feel free to cantact my website and we can cont. later
< WL > Have a wonderful weekend
< WL > Love you guys - You're the best!
< WL > Thanks for all your support everyone!
< WL > GOOD-BYE!!!!
< WL > Thanks for making my 1st chat a blast!
< WL > I'll be back!
< WL > PEACE!!!!
< WL > Love & Light
< WL > Keep watching
< WL > More to come!
< WL > Kisses
< WL > Don't be sad - I'll be back
< WL > No really, GOOD-BYE!!! LOVE YOU ALL!
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