Classically trained actor Veronica Taylor, known for lending her voice to countless animations, video games, audiobooks, commercial and documentaries, is heading to Brisbane for Supanova Comic Con & Gaming.
Veronica is best-known for playing Ash Ketchum on 'Pokemon', as well as April on 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles', and roles in 'Cubix', 'Dinosaur King', 'Yu-Gi-Oh!', 'Huntik', 'Tai Chi Chasers', and more.
Supanova will take over Brisbane's Convention & Exhibition Centre for three days, providing the perfect place for fans of those imaginary worlds in comics, film, TV and gaming to come together and celebrate.
Other stars to expect in Brisbane include Jim Cummings ('Winnie The Pooh'), Jean-Claude Van Damme ('Street Fighter'), John Boyega ('Star Wars'), Holly Marie Combs ('Charmed') and more.
Veronica Taylor will give a Q&A panel, pose for photo-ops and sign autographs at Supanova in Brisbane – but before she does, we speak to her about meeting fans, the art of voice acting, and what comes next.
You’ve voiced some truly iconic characters over the years – what’s it like meeting fans who grew up with your work at events like Supanova?
Supanova and comic-cons all around the world are more important now than ever before. They create a community of joy and support, a space where everyone can be accepted just as they are. I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of Supanova since 2002 and have had the extraordinary privilege of meeting kids when they were ten years old, seeing them throughout the years, and even meeting their children now. Being able to connect with people through Pokémon has been an evolving honour through the years.
'Pokemon' is still such a massive cultural force. Do you remember the moment you realised Ash had become a global phenomenon?
Honestly, this moment now feels the most remarkable. We all can relate to Ash in the most human way – his positivity, his never giving up, his dedication to friendship and helping others achieve their goals. When we first started the show, I remember seeing kids playing with 'Pokemon' cards on the bus in New York City and thinking ‘wow, this is something’. But I must say, traveling around the world for conventions and seeing the passion and creativity sprouting from this show really continues to inspire me today.
From Ash to Sailor Pluto to April O’Neil — you’ve tackled huge roles in anime and Western animation. How do you approach developing a voice that fans already feel connected to?
Ash (and 'Pokemon' as a whole) was unknown when I began working on it. I was a big fan of 'TMNT' and 'Sailor Moon', having the chance to audition for each was a bit daunting. Ultimately, my approach is the same for every project. Have a clear idea of the character and voice and work with director to create something special. You really can’t think about whether someone will like it or not while working on a piece. You just have to commit 100 per cent to being in the moment and honestly portraying the character.
Supanova brings together fans of gaming, anime, pop culture and more under one roof. What do you enjoy most about the convention atmosphere?
I don’t have enough space here to truly express how awesome Supanova is, but in short, I’ll say, the creativity and imagination seen in the costumes, artists, vendors, the panels, the Supanova brings in such a diverse group of talent.
You’re a classically trained actor — how has that foundation helped shape your approach to voice acting?
I definitely use the skills from my training every day. Breath control, script analysis, character development, cold reading skills. . . Whether I’m voicing a cartoon, video game, or audiobook.
With such a long list of credits across anime, games and animation, do any roles stand out as particularly challenging or rewarding?
I would have to say Ash Ketchum has been my favourite, since I was allowed to play him for eight years. I really got to know him as a 'person' and he affected my life in a very positive way. Every character I play allows me to learn something new and is challenging in its own way. The most fun I’ve had recently is with Manuela in 'Fire Emblem: Three Houses'. We had a lot of fun in the studio pushing her boundaries (and often had to reel her back in!).
Voice acting often sounds glamorous from the outside – what’s something about the job people might not realise until they’re actually in the recording booth?
Most of my jobs are just me, alone, in the booth, often in my home studio (which is a closet). The work takes a lot of focus, discipline, and precision. One must be able to take direction, and be prepared to work long hours. We do squeeze fun into it, but it’s hard work.
You’ve worked on everything from emotional character arcs to Saturday morning cartoon energy. Do you have a favourite genre or style to perform in?
I love narrating audiobooks because I get to play all the characters and weave the story together. Dramatic roles are certainly more fulfilling because you get to plumb the emotional depths of a character. However, there is nothing more fun than a light, fluffy role. Ash got to have really dramatic scenes, but characters like Ribrianne from 'DBZ Super' or Amelia in 'Slayers' that are all over the place and light, are really fun to play.
Supanova gives you a chance to connect directly with your fans in Adelaide and Brisbane – what do you hope people take away from meeting you?
Well hopefully, a couple of autographs! Being able to meet people one on one at Supanova, hear their stories, and share a laugh (or cry!) is a great honour. I hope they feel great about themselves and know how wonderful they are. All of the projects I’ve been a part of, particularly 'Pokemon', bring us together. We may meet as strangers at my table, but we leave as friends.
You’ve had such a long and evolving career – what excites you about voice acting today, and what kinds of projects do you still hope to explore?
I love being an actor. I love figuring out what makes each character unique and giving voice to them. I am very concerned about the usage of AI in all the arts, specifically voice acting. I believe in the importance of using real humans to create. Human to human is how we connect, AI is a disconnect. Truth, love, empathy comes through in the voice and affect the listener in a visceral and necessary way. I hope to be able to continue getting the opportunity to work, as I still have so much to offer.
Veronica Taylor appears as part of Supanova Comic Con & Gaming from 7-9 November at Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre.
