You have voiced many characters in your career, is there a single character that resonates with you the most?
The character I repeatedly find myself relating to the most is Zee Jay from Bloons Card Storm. When diving into this character in both the audition and the session, there is an overwhelming sensation of relaxation that Zee Jay naturally exudes. He’s a character who sees the bright side of everything and goes with the flow. Alongside that, he is also very into his music - especially when it comes to music that involves the guitar. As someone who loves all kinds of music and always likes to see the silver lining in situations and people, I always find that connection to Zee Jay coming naturally. Zee Jay also inspires me to settle down when I am overthinking something and just going with the flow and letting things be the way they are. So I guess it’s a two way street between Zee Jay and I. Additionally from a nostalgic point of view, I grew up with the Bloons franchise and spent a lot of time playing those games developed by the award winning studio; Ninja Kiwi. So being able to voice one of the lead characters in a whole new game and working directly with the same established people who made my childhood genuinely means so much to me.
Outside of voice over, you also cast and direct projects too - what’s it like being in that seat?
Being in the casting and directing seat definitely has its differences for sure. For instance, the casting process is much more meticulous as you need to be a neutral party but also make sure to both the clients and the project that the right voices are cast for the role and so far in my tenure of casting and directing, the right actor has always been chosen and have given each project they work on the justice they deserve. I also think that being in the casting seat also helps a lot with my voice over performances as I find it easier to not feel the pressure but also understand what the casting process is like from the director’s perspective and what they’re looking for. Safe to say, it really opens your eyes and it’s a great way to stay graceful while continuing the good work.
You got to use your natural accent for your role as Lolo in NBA’s Dunk City Dynasty - what was it like adding your kiwi flair to a well known US based franchise?
It was a really cool opportunity! I rarely ever get to use my natural accent for projects so to be able to utilize it for a project that is licensed by the NBA, a very well established and popular franchise, is simply amazing. I usually use my US, UK or Indian accent for projects the vast majority of the time so every and any time the opportunity presents itself for me to use an accent or range I haven’t used often or even used before - I will jump (pun intended) at the chance with very open arms. Since Lolo, I’ve been blessed to have voiced more characters with Kiwi accents, it’s truly an honour.
What is like being known as a modern icon for New Zealand and Indian voice actors in the industry?
It means a lot to me that people whether they are colleagues, friends or fans from all over the world seem to recognise me as a promising and uplifting figure in the sphere. When I first started my VO journey, I didn’t see anyone from New Zealand or India in the current VO spaces at the time so in a way, I had to pave my way forth on my own. Some people consider me an OG but I’m only in my early 20s! I am very grateful to say that nowadays I have been seeing more people in my culture pursuing their goals and dreams and I hope to continue holding down the ladder and helping them as much as I can, just as much as I got given those same chances. The best way to grow is together and a dream of mine is to have more people like me accomplish their dreams. I’ve had people come up to me and say that they were inspired by me to get started or put more effort into their careers and that’s something that I will always treasure. I always remember the kind words and support and it keeps me going when the occasional rough times happen. Overall though, it’s an honour and I hope to keep inspiring and make people happy and confident enough to work hard on their goals for as long as I am able to.
The English Dub of Detective Conan: Black Iron Submarine first premiered at Anime NYC - what was it like knowing that you had thousands of fans hearing your performance as Ed in a feature film on such a large scale?
I was incredibly taken aback but in very much a good way. I knew going into the recording session that I was going to be a vital part of this feature film and I definitely had big shoes to fill. The Japanese voice actor of Ed, Hiroshi Kamiya, is an incredibly famous and well respected voice actor - so I knew that I had to give that character Ed justice but also include my own flavour in the English version. I am very grateful to say that the fans loved my performance as Ed and it made me feel really great that the fans of such a long running and popular series as Detective Conan happily and warmly accepted me with open arms into the cast. I have always heard of Anime NYC, it’s an incredibly huge convention and it’s definitely a big deal to have your work be shown there to thousands of fans - especially as a voice actor. So imagine my surprise that my recorded work all the way from New Zealand made it onto the big stage in spectacular fashion. Honestly, I’m just honoured and I have immense gratitude to Bang Zoom!, TMS Entertainment, Toho Co. and of course the fans for having me for such a fun and nuanced role in this film.
To wrap things up here, what is something that keeps you going?
For me, it’s a mix of my iron will and my support system. When it comes to my career and helping others, I will stop at nothing to make sure that all parties are happy and satisfied. Of course, there are always days where I feel down but my support system of friends and colleagues keep me grounded and reassured to tackle any and all challenges head on. It takes a lot of confidence and determination to pursue a career such as this and as someone who has been doing this for years, I know the ins and outs of how each season begins and ends. What always remains constant is your love and passion for the craft and when you carry those feelings out in the work on top of being confident and determined to continue your path, you will always get to where you want to be. Hard work and high self esteem will always lead you to a great path in this industry.
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