I received this a few days ago from Tronprogram (who organized this interview) but thought I'd post it as a Christmas treat. Ian James has replied with his answers to the Q&A we sent him a little while ago. This will be posted officially on the site when I next update. But for the meantime, you can enjoy it here on the forums.
Many thanks to Tron for arranging this!-------------
Q&A for Ian Corlett
Q: How did you get the role of Cheetor in Beast Wars?
A: Like every role, there was an audition call. Actors show up. You read for various characters then hope for the best! I was very fortunate.
Q: Were you aware of Transformers before taking on the role?
A: Of course! I knew the toys and was well aware of the original Transformers series from the 80's. The theme song in particular! 'More than meets the eye!!'
Q: How do you feel about the character of Cheeor? Where you able to contribute any ideas of your own into his behaviour?
A: It was a fun role, because up until that point I never played a character where the writers were so involved in the sessions and actually spoke to me about a 'character arc'. So I knew early on that Cheetor would mature and take on more of a leadership role. As a VO actor a little of you always finds its way in to the character you play.
Q: If you were offered the opportunity to write an entire episode for the character, what kind of things would you put into it?
A: Oh, boy that's a tough one. Of course you know I write for animation and create shows, but the genre of space/science fiction/Transformer-syle action shows is really not my forte. I write comedy and some preschool so I'd probably have the Beasts putting on a talent show!!
Q: Fans are fond of the bond between Optimus Primal and Cheetor. What did you think about the father-son relationship they had?
A: Cool. The actor who played Optimus, Garry Chalk, was really fun to work with. He really did a great job with the father stuff. In reality though he's more like a big kid and I'M the dad!!
Q: Do you have a favourite episode of Beast Wars?
A: No to be honest. I am a fan of the look and feel of the whole BEAST MACHINES version. The episodes that really pushed me dramatically and emotionally were always fun. Not much opportunity to do that kind of stuff in cartoons.
Q: Weighing the role against all of the other characters you’ve voiced in your career, where would Cheetor stand?
A: Oh he's WAAY up there. It has a lot to do with the incredible popularity of the series. The fans are so passionate and knowledgable. How could Cheetor NOT be one of my all-time favs??
Q: Do you have good/funny stories from when the episodes were being recorded? Any fun memories of the other cast members?
A: Too many to list. From throwing paper airplanes across the studio, to Garry CONSTANTLY ordering me to pull his finger to seeing how many times we could get David Kaye to get the giggles, the sessions were very fun.
Q: Would you voice another character from Transformers if you were given the chance?
A: Of course! In fact I had lunch right beside the producer of the Transformers movies and didn't have the guts to ask the guy I was having lunch with (who had an office right beside him) to introduce us... (sigh). But I love the fact that I'm part of the Transformers phenomenon.
Q: Where is your best vacation spot in the world?
A: We have a house in Palm Springs which is where we spend all our school vactions with the kids which I really enjoy, but I don't think that counts. I love Italy. And I always love a trip to Hawaii. It's really relaxing.
Q: Give us an insight into the world of voice acting. How different is it to being an actor?
A: I wouldn't know. I'm strictly a voice actor. But I have directed quite a bit so I will say this. The actors who transition to doing voice-acting are usually not TV or movie actors. Theatre actors are far better at VO work I've found. They seem to bring more to the performance than TV/movie actors who are trained to downplay things so much.
Q: Is there any character you wish you’d done the voice for in any show, past and present?
A: I would have loved to be Spongebob. Just cause its so darn HUGE. But seriously, I really give credit to guys who snag parts on gigantic hit shows. You never really know when you start these things if they will be huge hits or bombs.
Q: What’s more fun: voice work, commercials or doing music?
A: Ohh... that's a toughie. I love the process of music. But it's not always fun, but it lives for such a long time. And commercials? Well, they are rarely 'fun'. But cartoons can be a blast!!
Sapphire: On behalf of the members of Beast Wars International, I would like to thank you for giving your time to this interview. Cheetor is a much loved character and still gets a good deal of attention in fan works and at his fanclub. We really appreciate you offering your thoughts on the role, and wish you all the very best in your career.
IJC: Thank you so much. It was my pleasure. Transformers fans are the BEST!
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