Voice Actor Interview: Terri Doty

Hey guys! Welcome to a new post! We are finally stepping back into anime. Don't fret for those of you who are reading the Korean Break posts, I am still writing those. I was originally only going to have 2 or 3 but it has turned into a really long process and there is a lot of research going into each part. If you guys follow me on twitter either my @Katrina_Meade or my @katsanimecorner, you saw me post about some pretty big dreams I have. If you don't, here are the tweets.

I have always wanted this blog to be more than just a place for me to ramble about stuff I love. I wanted it to be a place for others to grow in their love of anime, manga, K-pop, etc. Well, one such person has always been there for me. In our goofy strange online...relationship? That sounds weird. Let's just call it a friendship. Terri Doty has been there. We have been talking since October of 2013. That is around the time I pulled Kat's Anime Corner off my writing blog and gave it a blog of its own. Now here we are in 2016 and I am interviewing her. It was definitely a lot of fun and "fuckin' cool". Haha. I never thought that 2 1/2 years later I would be here interviewing someone as funny and awesome as Terri. So let's get this thing started already, dammit.

Terri Doty: The Interview

Getting right into it I emailed Terri a whole crap ton of questions and she gave me back some pretty rad answers. If you aren't in love with Terri after this, then you aren't in love with Terri. Let's get started.

[Kat] So, you have been in a lot of shows from Shikabane Hime to Assassination Classroom and many more. My favorite roles of yours are probably Alice from Okami-san and her seven companions and Virgo from Fairy Tail.

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What was your all time favorite role? 

[Terri] Well, first of all, thank you.

1- For being fan. 

2- For saying Shikabane Hime! Corpse Princess just doesn’t have the same ring to it, you know?

It’s hard to pick just one. The best way I can answer that is to tell you that I love the characters for different things. Each brings their own flare. I’ll name a couple, but all hold a special place in the ol’ ticker.

Virgo from Fairy Tail is probably the most “unlike me” character I’ve ever played. Though when she went evil in the Eclipse Arc, I was very at home. Not sure what that says about me.

“Good” Virgo requires more acting chops because she’s so out of the box for me. We often get cast as characters that reflect ourselves. Which isn’t a bad thing. It is just nice to play with someone so different than myself.

People like Alice Kiriki from Okami-san & Her Seven Companions and Kirara Hazama from Assassination Classroom are basically the exact opposite of Virgo. They’re very much like me. As far as “getting into character,” there isn’t a lot of prep. It is to the point where if we’re having trouble with a line, we (i.e. the director, engineer, and myself) are able to tweak things quickly.

Chutaro Kumo from Laughing Under the Clouds is a different example of playing an opposite. I’ve voiced a lot of boys over the years. That baffles my family to no end. “But you’re a woman.” Believe me, Ma. I know!

A lot of the boys I play tend to be on the smirky side. Lots of attitude or problems with authority. Often I’m channeling whoever is playing the older version of that character (i.e. Rob McCollum, Micah Solusod, Patrick Seitz, Marcus Stimac, J. Michael Tatum, etc), so I kind of like to keep that at the forefront of my mind.

With Chutaro, not only was he a main character with no “older version,” he was happy. I didn’t know what to do with myself! But I grew to love him very quickly. Lots of fun was had with director Joel McDonald and engineer Peter Hawkinson. 

That’s another thing: You can tell when we have fun with a role because the whole booth team has a blast. We laugh at the good. We get quiet during the strife. We tell inappropriate jokes that we hope never make the rounds. Oh, yes. 

[Kat] You've been a Voice Actor, an ADR Director, and a Scriptwriter. 

Which job do you enjoy doing the most and why?

[Terri] They all kind of go hand-in-hand. 

I know that sounds like a cop out, but it’s the truth! My confidence as a voice artist didn’t really hit until about year 2 when I had some directing and writing work under my belt. 

I started as a bit character in season two of Tsubasa. Shortly after I started getting more work at the studio, I interned with FUNimation to finish out my degree in Radio/TV/Film with an emphasis on directing and writing.

I’ll always enjoy being bossy, but it is nice to relinquish control and simply focus on the performance.

[Kat] I know a lot of Voice Actors say that they don't like to watch anime outside of work stating it loses its charm because it feels like it's work related and then there are those Voice Actors who watch anime being probably some of the biggest fans out there. 

Which one is true for you? If you had to choose a show that you would watch outside of work, which would it be?

[Terri] I’ll go a step further and say that, outside the booth, it can be hard to watch ANY animation. 

My husband had never seen Transformers: Beast Wars and it was VERY hard to watch. We kept watching character’s mouth flaps.

If someone were to ask “Have you checked out this new anime?,” I’d probably shrug.

Now IF they’d pose the same question differently… “Hey, have you seen this new show? These people live behind a wall and have for years to keep out these giant beings that eat human flesh out!” they’d have had my attention quickly.

Anime is a medium more than a genre to me. There is something for everyone. 

Currently obsessed with Monthly Girls Nozaki-kun. (Note from Kat: This show has one of my favorite openings of ALL time...it's so catchy)

[Kat] At Sentai and FUNimation, you work on several big name projects like Assassination Classroom, Fairy Tail, Parasyte, High School DxD, Space Dandy, etc. 

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What is your favorite big name series to work on? 

[Terri] I love them all. Cast me in as many as humanly possible!

Which one seems like it has the coolest fans? 

I haven’t encountered one fandom that hasn’t had cool fans. I’m usually the one struggling not to look like a giant goober when I meet people at conventions.

[Kat] Do you get recognized more for your FUNimation work or your Sentai work? 

[Terri] No idea. 

I’ve been working on FUNimation titles for almost 9 years and I’ve been traveling to Sentai Filmworks for almost 2 years. 

I will say that it was nice when my first role with Sentai was announced that the majority of the feedback was positive. The small group of negative were mostly geared toward the idea that freelance artists such as myself can only work with one company.

SPOILER ALERT: We work with everybody!

[Kat] Do you get fans (like me) that can pick out your voice even when it is literally just a side character like that one random girl in the classroom scene of Tokyo Ravens? 

[Terri] I do! With the broadcast dubs, it is even more impressive when people can pick me out because there aren’t even credits yet.

[Kat] J. Michael Tatum, your hubby Stephen Hoff, and you are responsible for the amazing That Anime Show. 

How do you feel that podcast changed who you all are?

[Terri] My best friend, Sara, perhaps said it best when she mentioned that there really isn’t another show like That Anime Show. Yes, there are podcasts and talk shows that revolve around anime. But, if you listen to the show, you know that working in anime is just the beginning of the discussion.

In January, it’ll have been 3 years since we stopped doing That Anime Show. I think I still get more attention for TAS than anything else that I’ve done.

I was doing an appearance at AnimeFest in Dallas a couple of years ago and this guy came through with his iPod. When he asked me to sign it, I was like, “Dude, I don’t wanna wreck your gear with my crap signature.”

He then went on to explain that this was the iPod he had when he was deployed. Went on to say that he went through a lot in that time and that TAS kept him grounded. Like he was with friends.

CUT TO: Me crying during an autograph session.

… I mean, what the hell do you say to something like that? 

How has it changed us?

I think for fans, it’s made us more relatable. More approachable.

For us, I think That Anime Show made us see our coworkers differently. We’re all so much more than a language option.

[Kat] What did it feel like inviting your friends into your home to interview them? 

[Terri] I’ve had a lot of talks about the show itself with friends over the years. It still surprises me (in the best possible way) that so many people love the show the way they do.

Sometimes I feared that neighbors thought we were up to no good. Luckily, I’m fond of not caring what they think. JUST STAY OUT OF MY YARD!

The first few minutes were always settling in. Unless it was a Halloween special, the shows weren’t really planned out. We just let things happen naturally.

[Kat] Was there a particular person who it was hard to interview? 

[Terri] No one person stands out. There are definitely some interviews, like with any show, that flowed more than others. I think that more came from how well Tatum or I knew someone before making them sit in my office-turned-studio for two hours with a microphone in their face.

Was there someone who it was way too easy to interview? 

Ourselves (i.e. TAS’s “bottle” episodes). It’s like the mics weren’t even there.

When you changed from the studio to your house, was it much easier to record or was it more difficult? 

Easier. Cheaper. More efficient.

Tatum and I still cringe over those first couple of episodes. Though it was our show, a lot was out of our hands. When we made the decision to move, I assumed the role of producer and our go-to engineer worked his phonic sorcery. (Note from Kat: Terri is talking about Stephen, he's an engineer)

[Kat] So on social media, you and Tatum were posting a lot about an impromptu TAS reunion at Tokyo in Tulsa. 

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Was it a lot of fun? 

[Terri] It brought us all back to three years ago. We really don’t get together as much as we used to in the old days, so it was quite a treat.

[Kat] Did you have a huge TAS fan gathering? 

[Terri] Shockingly, we get new listeners all the time. That Anime Show’s email, Twitter, and FB page still get a lot of messages asking about specific episodes, when we’re coming back, etc.

The coolest thing is seeing the stats. Not only are our downloads nearly in the millions, but TAS is listened to in over 60 countries!

Keep bringing on the That Anime Show love! (Note from Kat: You can download TAS on iTunes here)

[Kat] Would you ever change anything about TAS or would you just let it be?

[Terri] There are always things you wish you could change.

Because the shows are essentially just captured conversations, some topics were handled “better” than others.

But, no. It is unapologetic and real.

Obviously I am a big fan of yours. I have been bugging you over the years with my goofy fan girl moments on all social media platforms. 

[Kat] What is your favorite part of your fans?

[Terri] The conversations. It is an immediate opener, this connection that we have. They want to talk to me and I want to hear from them. 

[Kat] Do you have a message for your fans that are reading this? 

[Terri] Continue being you. You’re the only one for job. Do it the best you can.

[Kat] Stepping back from anime let's get into a bit more about you outside of anime. 

Many of my readers know that I love animals, especially since I am a veterinary technician. So let's talk about Zoe and introduce her to the readers. 

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How did you and Stephen come to adopt her? 

[Terri] The book of faces! Sorry, that just sounds cooler than Facebook.

My bestie and I found a photo a friend of a friend had posted about a clinic looking for a forever home for this adorable creature. We went to meet her the next day.

Z had been through a lot of stuff. Her previous owner had actually brought her in because she’d recently been hit and dragged by a car. When the owner found out much it’d cost to fix her hurt, the owner just told the vet to kill Z.

The vet, amazing being that he is, refused to euthanize her. He made the owner sign Z over to the clinic and healed her up out of his own pocket. 

The second I saw her, I knew she was coming home with me.

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[Kat] How old is Zoe and what breed of dog is she? 

[Terri] She’s a chocolate lab mix that’s almost 9 years old.

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[Kat] Would you guys ever get another pet? If yes, what would you get? 

[Terri] We’ve tried doggie dates. Z ain’t having it.

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[Kat] Something everyone should know about you is how much you love Zombies. I personally don't like them because I am not a big fan of the horror genre in general, but I will watch something scary for the sake of the blog. Zombies to you are like anime to me. 

When did you first fall in love with Zombies? 

[Terri] I was kind of a latchkey kid growing up. That meant I was alone a lot. 

A late night showing of “Night of the Living Dead” was on one night when I was about 8 or 9 years old and poof. Instant zombie fan.

It isn’t necessarily about the gore or stupidity of humans that get eaten for me. Zombies, and other things that tackle post-apocalyptic themes, are more often than not about humanity. How turmoil reveals what an individual or group is capable of when survival is key.

[Kat] What is your favorite book about zombies? Favorite movie? Favorite show? 

[Terri] Zombie Book: The Zombie Survival Guide by Max Brooks

Zombie Movie: Dawn of the Dead (original)

Zombie Show: The Walking Dead

[Kat] Out now is a new anime that isn't half bad called "hitorinoshita - The Outcast" on Crunchyroll, have you watched any anime about Zombies? If so, which is your favorite? 

[Terri] I’ve seen a few. 

When Highschool of the Dead came out, I got SO MANY MESSAGES. People REALLY wanted me to be a part of it. It’s always nice to be thought of. Especially when the undead is involved.

I like Zombie Loan a lot. Some of it is a bit cliche, but I watched it all the way through so…

One show that comes to mind is Sankarea. Monica Rial was the adaptive scriptwriter on the show. Like you, Katrina, Monica isn’t a huge fan of zombies. Or horror at all, really. 

She approached me to help with zombie references. Three days later, I sent her 40+ pages of references, quotes, factoids, and so on. I got a Day of the Dead bracelet as a thank you and was featured on Sankarea’s commentary.

I’d consider Shikabane Hime a zombie show. That’s KIND OF how I got involved if memory serves.

See, Ma! Being a huge dork pays off!

Shikabane Hime. Final answer.

[Kat] Music is a very big thing here on Kat's Anime Corner. I am always posting about my current favorite song, my favorite anime opening and ending, my favorite genres, etc. Lately I have been doing a Korean Break on the blog to give everyone a taste of my favorite Korean things but to also give myself a chance to get caught up on anime. 

Have you ever listened to K-Pop before?

[Terri] Not a lot, but I have seen Miyavi in concert. Brilliant! 

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[Kat] What are your thoughts on the phenomenon that is K-Pop? 

[Terri] Music is fluid. It is ever-changing. Looking forward to seeing how K-Pop evolves.

[Kat] Back to my original question though, what music are you into? 

[Terri] I’m into a little bit of everything. It really depends on the day.

Lately, I’ve been listening to a lot of I Will Never Be The Same and Xu Xu Fang while storyboarding.

When I’m having people over, I tend to lean toward something like Ratatat or B-52s. 

If I’m feeling blue, I’ll usually have something like Nancy Sinatra, She Wants Revenge, Sneaker Pimps, or Belle and Sebastian on. 

Roadtrip requirements include Childish Gambino, Blondie, Garbage, Joy Division, Marvin Gaye, Selena… See? Everything.

[Kat] Who is your all-time favorite group? 

[Terri] If I HAD to choose? The Pixies.

[Kat] Now a big thing that has been happening over the last couple years is that there is a lot of remakes and revivals. Like Netflix has been reviving shows from Full House to Gilmore Girls. Not just that they are also dipping their hands into the anime industry and releasing shows to the fans as a Netflix Original like Sinbad, The Seven Deadly Sins, and Knights of Sidonia. 

What are your thoughts on this? 

[Terri] I had to do a report on Gus Van Sant’s remake of Psycho for my high school paper...

Needless to say, remakes/revivals/rehashes are a mixed bag.

I personally don’t see a need to revisit the Tanner family or the Gilmore Girls, but obviously someone does. That person just doesn’t happen to be me.

The big thing people have to remember with things like Ghostbusters and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, is that the new releases aren’t necessarily for “us” anymore. Sometimes these are for the next generation of viewers. People that want to see a current version of the source material. 

I laughed my ass off when I saw that they were making Buffy the Vampire Slayer a television show. 

“REALLY? Because the movie was SOOOO successful?!”

Guess how quickly I shut my damn mouth and became obsessed with it? You don’t have to guess, it was almost immediate.

I cringed when I heard they were remaking Hellraiser. But when I learned they wanted another shot at it with a bigger budget while still relying on practical effects over digital, I got excited. Still am.

Nothing will destroy the movies/shows you love.

Should we be excited about new seasons of show or should we be looking to new promising content? 

Always be excited. You’re alive, damnit. That is pretty exciting.

Keep your eyes peeled and ears perked for new shows in the works!

I’m currently finishing up my first Sci-Fi novel, so look for updates on that soon!

[Kat] Can't wait! We'll definitely be on the look out. Now finally, because I wanted to throw in a generic question. 

If you could do anything you wanted for 24 hours (no consequences and unlimited money), what would it be and why?

[Terri] Are you a cop? Because you have to say if you are! (Definitely not a cop, just a avid fan and veterinary technician)

Honestly, I’m pretty boring. If I had 24 hours and unlimited money, I’d pay off all my debts and make some questions investments. 

Sexy, right? (I honestly thought being debt free was in fact the sexiest thing ever, but what the fuck do I know.)

[Kat] Thank you very much for letting me pester you. Please let the Kat's Anime Corner family know where they can find you online. 

[Terri]

http://terridoty.com/

https://twitter.com/TeeDotally (@TeeDotally)

https://www.instagram.com/teedotally/

https://www.facebook.com/TheTerriDotyAppreciationSociety/

Oh, PLEASE remember that I’ve got ZERO say in what conventions I go to. If you’d like to see me at a convention, be sure to let cons know through forums and the like! 

 (You can also find her on Tumblr)

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And there you have it! A big thanks to Terri for being good sport! This was a pretty awesome experience and I have to say it made me like Terri even more. Plus how cool is it to know that I have something in common with Monica Rial.

Let me know what you guys think, are you going to check out some of Terri's work? Have you seen Terri in something before this? If you had the chance to interview a Voice Actor who would it be?

You can find me on the interwebs at:
https://twitter.com/Katrina_Meade
https://www.instagram.com/vamp1929
https://twitter.com/KatsAnimeCorner
https://www.instagram.com/KatsAnimeCorner
https://www.facebook.com/KatsAnimeCorner
https://www.youtube.com/KatMeade
Snapchat: katrinameade

Until next time!

Ja ne!

xx Kat
=^.^=

Update 7.30.16