I had the opportunity to interview Eric Stuart who is an American voice actor, voice director who worked for 4kids entertainment, Nyav post and central park media. He provides voices for English dubs of anime,cartoons and video games he is known for the voice of Seto Kaiba. He is also a singer, songwriter, and guitarist and the lead singer of his own music band called the Eric Stuart band. Eric Stuart’s website can be found here.
You have voice acting in many projects. How did you come across this field of work?
I was a musician first. I worked in the summertime as a tennis pro at a tennis club. One of the members owned a recording studio and asked me if I was interested in a job as a production assistant. I figured working in a recording studio would be great as an aspiring musician. Little did I know they only produced radio and TV voice overs.
I went from production asst, to asst casting director, to casting director, to producer and finally ran the whole studio for 10 years. I learned everything by being a part of the whole process. In the casting sessions, if I had a two character commercial, sometimes actors wouldn’t show up. I would have to jump in the booth and read with the solo actor. Slowly the clients started picking me. That is how I got my first commercial. It was 3 radio spots for Enterprise Rent A Car. I remember it well.
What are your inspirations for your work in anime?
I like to make people laugh and also think. My favorite quote from fans is ‘You are the voice of my childhood’. That means a lot to me.
Since you have been in the anime industry you have voiced many different roles. Which was your first role?
Gourry from Slayers was my first recurring role. I had done some commercials and a few small Anime characters before that.
You have had many different roles in anime including both Brock and James from Pokemon. How did you get that role? What are the challenges of playing both of these characters?
When I first auditioned for Pokemon I did not get any roles. They decided after the first session with the guy they picked for Brock that they didn’t like him so they called me (second choice) and with James I was brought in around episode 5 to replace my buddy who voiced him so he could go and do a play. Playing these two roles came very naturally for me. I like the humor they both have as well as the fact they are basically ‘good’ people. James may be a bad guy on the show but he is not a villain really. They are also very different in where I place their voices so it is pretty easy to keep them from sounding alike. Many fans do not know I played both.
You have voice acted for many different Pokemon. How do you find voice acting for a human different than from a Pokemon or animal?
With the Pokemon we had to use only their name or parts of their name so to convey conversation and emotions was a little bit of a challenge.
Do you have a favorite Pokemon?
Squirtle. He was the first Pokemon I voiced plus he wears sunglasses.
Which Pokemon is the closest to how you are in real life?
Squirtle. He is cool 😉
Many people are Yu-Gi-Oh fans. How did you get the role as Seto Kaiba? How did you prepare for that role? What is your favorite and least favorite part of voice acting for Seto Kaiba’s character?
I was brought in to 4Kids to direct Yu-Gi-Oh! Since I had been directing other shows and myself on Pokemon for years. They had cast everyone in the series except for Kaiba. Being that I was hired as the director I didn’t think suggesting that I play that role to be a good first move. We auditioned many actors and the producer was not happy with any of them. Finally in the 11th hour, since the show was going to air very soon, I told him I knew what he wanted and I should play Kaiba. I dubbed the first episode and he loved it. Would have saved a lot of time if I had opened my mouth from the beginning 😉
Kaiba is misunderstood. He is not a villain. He is the sparing partner that pushes Yugi to be the best. You cannot be a champ if you have no one that challenges you and keeps you at the top of your game. That is why I love playing him. I have no least favorite part.
You have worked on all four of the Yu-Gi-Oh series that have been released. Which of the four series is your favorite and why?
Original. Hands down the best characters and the best story. Plus, plenty of Kaiba.
How did you transition from voice acting in Pokemon to voice acting in Yu-Gi-Oh? What was the hardest transition that you faced?
Yu-Gi-Oh! Is Pokemon 90210. Same basic show and format but for slightly older kids. Just played it a little more mature but no real difference.
You have been in many anime movies. Do you prefer to voice act in a television show or an animated movie?
Movies have much more pressure and also more ‘cooks’ involved. I do like the prestige of working on a movie but the series is probably more fun.
You have also voice acting for video games, what do you find the hardest challenge voice acting in video games?
Screaming the same attack over and over again and the various ‘huh’ reacts that all basically sound the same. Very tedious work. I love gaming but those projects can wear you out sometimes.
What challenges as a voice director have you faced while also playing a voice in the show?
Self directing is not easy. You only have yourself to judge your performance. The enginneer would be there if I made a mistake or missed a line but wearing both hats means you really have to focus and it can be an exhausting session.
How is your job as a voice director different in Japanese anime than an American show?
Many things do not translate from one culture to another. Humor is regional. Things that may not offend in one country, as very offensive in the other. I also am very strict about matching lip flap. I didn’t want any of my shows to look like a bad Godzilla movie. That was a challenge as well.
You have six albums currently out. How did you get involved in music?
8th grade music class. We started a band (like School Of Rock but years before Jack Black did it) and once I played my first show for the school assembly I was hooked.
Your band has toured with many big names, how did you start to tour with these bands?
My management company had an in with Ringo Starr and had me send a cassette (yes, a cassette) of me singing and playing guitar. I had a full band at the time so the only thing I could do was jump in my walk in closet and sing into a tape recorder. We sent that in and Ringo listened and picked me to be his opening act for his All-Starr Band tour. That lead to meeting and working with many great musicians.
How did you get the gig to open for Jethro Tull And how cool was it to be opening for them?
I was know in the New York area as a good and reliable opening act for major touring acts. When Jethro Tull came to town the booking agent called me. That was fun since I am a huge fan as well.
What are your music plans for the future? Are you working on any new albums?
We are about to release our 7th album. This is a 5 song EP entitled “Character”. That being a play of the many meanings of the word and how I play them, am one, and hopefully have a good one. I have been playing a lot of shows both solo and with my band, Eric Stuart Band. I am hoping to get back out and do some support for majors acts again. I love being on the road and I love playing live.
What is your favorite anime of all time?
Battle Of The Planets.
Who is your favorite musician or band?
Hmmm. In order of influence: Buddy Holly, Cat Stevens, Bruce Springsteen.
Do you have any advice for people who want to get into anime voice acting and the industry?
Yes, do not look at voice acting as your only goal. It is acting. Theatre class, working on inprov, learning how to take direction, etc. Just don’t go and record yourself in your room reading fake commercials and expect your demo reel to sound professional. Remember, it needs to sound as good as mine does. Study with a pro. It may cost some money, but it is worth the investment if you are truly serious about becoming an actor.
