Storytime (2017)
Storytime is a free/non-commercial Visual Novel featuring original characters. Featuring Rina Mizura Adachi and Sarah E. Taylor.
Official Website:
Download Link:
Characters:
Gallery:
Interview with Rina Adachi:
B.M:
"Hi, there Rina Adachi. I have worked with you on several occasions since 2012. I can't quite remember but I think I first got into the Visual Novel story type of gaming near the end of 2011 when I tried to make a game it was more or less a test as I had never before experienced being able to make my own VN type of game. And I remember searching for a total of four VO artists to portray my characters. Characters who were quite ugly to say the least. Don't worry people let it be known. So, yeah character design is the key. Okay I will admit the story also matters. But I say do what you want. Don't let anyone tell you what to create! The big companies make a lot of money off the public. Do they listen to the fans of their series? The answer is no they don't. Not all of the time. Maybe the odd few but no they do what they want to. The same goes for story creation. Anyway a lot of people auditioned and you auditioned for a character. Actually you sent out quite a few auditions. There were two other girls who auditioned who also was top picking, but once the BB role had been taken they were not interested. I had two other girls, who were willing to do the roles. Then I asked you if you would portray both Ginger and Pandora Lemon because I loved how you did the roles. The person who did the Pauline character also auditioned for the same roles. Everyone just wanted to be BB. They were not interested in the other roles. A pin-up model ended up doing the role of BB. What made you want to audition for the character roles?"
R.M.A:
"Hallo! Let’s see, it’s been a long time since the audition process but it was more than likely due to the fact that it was a VN and I’m a big sucker when it comes to VN related roles. I actually don’t know much about BB so her audition was kind of a very weak attempt, haha...back in the days I used to audition for more characters than the ones I initially was interested in."
B.M:
"It's great to see a fellow VN gamer. I am ever so flattered that you were interested in the characters enough to audition. I never did ask you back then why you'd auditioned...I just wanted to get the VN out of the way. I have learned something...never rush when making something unless you have limited time."
B.M:
"The game was just too hard to handle four characters with four alternative ending sequences. which ended up crazy...never again. It was going to get a HD remake but I thought why bother? People didn't like the first version. Imagine wasting time to make another? Not to mention I do not own the rights to BB and cannot do the character justice. No matter how hard I try. And yes I have been rooting for the character for quite some time and I was the main person who brought out the fanbase for the character. Rooting and rooting really did it. And I know it all goes down to me and only me for boosting morale. Without me doing that and never giving up I don't think BB would be as popular as she is now because she as a character is from 1930 and before I starting rooting for the character and made my Tumblr and a Wikia dedicated to the character nobody really cared about the character as much as they do now and nobody knew anything about her. They didn't even know that "Booping" was a song genre and had debuted before the character was created. I've been rooting for the character since 2006 and now it's 2017. And I will continue to do so as long as I possibly can. 2018 will be a big step for the character and I wish her and the people behind her all the best. They know what they want to do with the character and you can only wish them luck. Now I just stick to stories with my original characters and the best thing of all that came out of that game was I created my mascots Gigi and Lemon. I eventually created my custom VN entitled Pancake Surprise. A fantasy story-type game. I was ever so happy you portrayed the characters in that game. The game had to be released again in 2017 one final time. What do you think of an alternative Pancake Surprise tale being a short story in Storytime?"
R.M.A:
"Hm, I wonder if you mean a happier alternative or a not so happy one? I was a little surprised with the ending of the game itself just considering the artwork style. I’ve tried attempting VNs in the past but I can’t draw worth anything. It’s really tough to get through a project solo and/or with just a few people to work with so what you’re doing is admirable imo!"
B.M:
"I feel the same. Yeah, the ending for Pancake Surprise was warped. I just couldn't give Mira and the Pancake Prince a happy ending as it's all been done before. Yes you are right it is quite hard and you have to search for talent or people who can help you in the process. Thank you! You just gotta try and give it a shot to bring your story to life."
B.M:
"I understand you are also a gamer and you have played various VN type games. I am currently playing old SEGA & Nintendo games. Is there any games that you are currently playing? And what do you think of the Nintendo Switch?"
R.M.A:
"I’m currently finishing up Danganronpa 2. Yes, I’m behind in games. I still haven’t played the translated Corpse Party yet). I think next on my list is going to be that Death Idol game. I’m a big fan of that type of genre (made pretty obvious if you check out my YouTube) + music games are fun so it sounds like it will be right up my ally. I never got really into Nintendo games since back when the old systems were out I wasn’t allowed to play any video games and missed out on classics like Zelda. So personally I haven’t even looked up anything on the switch and had to do a little research just to answer this question, eep. If it helps a lot of my FB friends seem to have pre-ordered the Nintendo Switch already so I guess I’ll find out if it’s any good from them!"
B.M:
"Yes, music games are the best! I really liked Betty Boop Bop when it was released. That's a shame you missed out on Zelda growing up. Well according to data the Switch is going to be the hip new gaming console. Someone I know is also going to buy the console. Originally I was to buy the Switch but the price was more than expected. So I spent the money I saved up and I will play the ultimate waiting game. Meaning yes I can wait up to 2-4 years. Or I might just buy a Wii U they are bound to drop greatly in price. Nintendo's last game for the Wii U will be the same exact Zelda game on the Nintendo Switch and it will be at a way cheaper price."
B.M:
"When I was a pre-teen-teenager (the series had a long run) I used to watch the Miss Dynamite series by Sirkowski on a Flash website. Now I know there was someone who portrayed the character you played before you but I think I also used to watch the series in which you played. The content in Miss Dynamite is very 18+ but quite funny. I like 18+ stuff to a limit. I like funny! Funny to me are things like...here is an example: Daughter: 'You know mom, I think we have a great relationship with one another.' Mother: 'Our relationship has always been up and down...If only we did mother and daughter time sooner rather then when you hit 45 years of age. You know like baking, dressing up like one another, braiding each others pubic hair...' Daughter: 'Err...mom somehow I don't think the last one is a real mother daughter bonding experience.' Now my sense of humor is a little messed up. What I find funny, others obviously are not going to feel the same. What kinds of things do you find funny?"
R.M.A:
"I think I have a pretty convoluted sense of humor too but I’ve been watching some stand-up comedy on Netflix and sometimes I get a laugh out of that. I’m really bad when it comes with “crude” or “adult” jokes. 99% of the time I don’t get the punch line and I just end up with a blank stare while everyone else laughs. >.>"
B.M:
"Netflix? I heard of that you have to pay for it. I hate paying for my TV as it is. Yeah I too sometimes don't get the punch line in jokes. It depends on the joke. I don't get serious comedians. What makes me laugh out loud? Characters like Homer Simpson or Peter Griffin from Family Guy. Homer used to be really funny but in most new episodes he lost what he had but sometimes it comes back. But yeah Peter is a little funnier as a character."
B.M:
"I read there was another actress who also did a role in the franchise as the main character. I'm not sure but I think she ended up going by the name Rina-Chan? And I think she is now a very well known Anime VO. I could be wrong but it was what I read on some of the Miss Dynamite website featured. I don't know how that series worked out for you. Did you know any of the cast? Or was it all just random actresses? As the characters featured in the series are more or less all female."
R.M.A:
"I don’t know any of them personally. I’ve been in a few things with “Rina Chan” (Kira Buckland?) back in the days before she was working pro. For me she just has an awkward screen name for me since my name is Rina and I’m not her. =/ Funny thing is that one time at an anime convention, one of my friends dressed up as a character Kira was dressing up as and got asked if she was Rina Chan."
B.M:
"Wow really? I thought you all knew one another. Then again when I search for cast they don't know one another. So good point. Guess I wasn't really thinking. People sure do get around on the web. She has a massive troll following to be honest but who doesn't? A lot of people envy her. I don't know who but she has a hate page on the internet. Reason? She runs a voice-acting forum/website so she is very well known. But good for her she set out what she wanted to do. But in my opinion you Rina Adachi are a way better actress than Kira Buckland. She tries too hard to be Asian and that is what I think people don't like about her. They err...don't like the Weeaboo type. Do I hate her? No I don't know the chick nor do I envy her. I just often come across her name on English dubbed Anime and thought...Rina?"
B.M:
"How did you get to do the role of Blackie Chin? And what was it like working with the creator? Was there a deadline? Was there an understudy? Did he explain why he needed a new actress? Where was the role advertised?"
R.M.A:
"Wow, that was so long ago…I believe it was an offer from someone I was working with on a different project saying that they needed a new Blackie since the other actress dropped out for some reason or another. I kind of laughed at the opportunity since I’m notoriously awful with accents. Sometimes I think Blackie’s accent went half English half strange Asian…I’m not sure about any understudy. As for deadlines I honestly can’t remember but back in those days all I had was school and part time work so my voice over turn around was within a couple days max unless I was sick. So overall I don’t think the role was actually advertised. It was kind of a random maybe you can help kind of thing and it stuck for a decent amount of time."
B.M:
"WOW!!! Amazing, you were the better Blackie Chin. In all honesty I stole some of Blackie Chin's persona and added it into Lemon with a hint of Jerri Blank from Strangers With Candy along with my own twisted ideas. Which is why Lemon originally gave off that vibe with the black hair. But Lemon as a character is Lemon and doesn't really have to be anyone but herself."
B.M:
"You also portrayed a Furry who blew up? And two...err...two Muslim characters in Iraq? Punan and Punani? Characters with obvious...female genitalia...for names. Any other characters you played in the series? How about the African American agent chick?"
R.M.A:
"Haha, yeah, my one liner Furry! I did get to play the two Pu Sisters which was fun. I kind of cringe at it nowadays since my microphone and acting skills have both (hopefully) improved since then but I do like getting the opportunity to play more than one character in a series. I still use the episode with them in it to show newer friends just to see if they can tell it’s all me. Fun times. I don’t think I played anyone else. I think I was supposed to audition for the African America chick but me and my fabulous lack of accents would have made it too difficult and I think I might have declined…"
B.M:
"Well I think you are versatile and can do more than just one character very well. You proved it in Pancake Surprise. You did Ann Lavish, Prince Pancake, Mira, Gigi and Lemon. And nearly Mint but it kinda went pear shaped due to me rushing and freaking out that my laptop was breaking at that time and I was scared I was going to lose all my data. And yes it still is breaking but hasn't as of yet. It just...err...freezes but I have managed to finish up distributing my last games."
B.M:
"I asked the creator 'once' and only 'once' on his Tumblr as an anon as to why the previous actress had left because I wanted to know for an article I was typing up at the time. And people wanted to know why she had quit because nobody knew. He stated that she had her own personal issues. Weird that a few months back someone as anon on Tumblr asked him what he thought about BB (I think it was my stalker who did that). I thought that was weird and realized that the person asking the question had obviously read my blog. Just because I ask a question once doesn't mean I am going to ask another. I only asked once and that was it. You know I've had quite a few people imitate or pretend to be me. Like one time someone came on a discus page where I was and pretended to be me and it was only on one page. As you know you can have your discus and I thought that is it I am deleting this message box pronto. They were using the exact same username and image and I was like...okay. I wasn't really bothered to say the least because I knew that wasn't me. I think it's hilarious because you just know it is not you. And to me those kind of people have no lives. What do you think about people who pretend to be others on the internet?"
R.M.A:
"Wow, that’s creepy. I don’t know why people bother to try and imitate or pretend to become someone else even on the internet. I’d like to think most people have better things to do in life. I would personally rather sleep. But maybe in a way it’s flattering that someone would go through the effort to try and find out enough info about you to try and yeah, no. It’s just creepy and unnecessary. Kind of reminds me of an old website that someone linked me to a few years back that had written all sorts of bad and false information about me and several other voice actor/actresses. And had pictures I had put on private on my Facebook. Facebook is creepy or someone on my list is. Either way, my supposed bio ended up having some nonsense about me becoming a porn actress. O.o wut?? Amusing but no thanks."
B.M:
"That's trolls for you they love to lure people in. And they don't care what they say. I highly doubt you would do anything of the sort. That's why I never try to feed them. They like to be fed. And keep coming back and will do anything to upset you. But I always like to have my say if they go in for the kill. I will admit I can be a bitch at times so they don't really scare me because I don't really care in all honesty what they do or say. I got a hate message once in my Tumblr inbox telling me that I was wrong for sticking up for the LGBTQ. What did I do? I just blocked the person and deleted their message simple as. I also had one girl on DA angry at me due to my personal research on a Mario character. You know Daisy? And she was upset that I had did my own research on the character which was positive and she let me know in a message...I blocked her ass too. And I experienced hate on a Sailor Moon forum many years back by a butt-wipe. She really hated me and hated when I posted. And I was there long before her big ass. I eventually left the forum as people were just too mean and formed groups it reminded me of school. You know the mean girl types? Only instead of being pretty and popular they are more or less random dorks on the internet. You know keyboard warriors? And I ain't got time for forums or any of the sort. If I ever returned to a forum it wouldn't be a thing because you can try as hard as possible to try and fit in with the people but it just doesn't work. They kinda have a pyramid thing going on there. On who is top poster and who is bottom. And the nerve of some forums to add a thumbs up or thumbs down which is horrible because people can then judge you on what you have said which is not fair if you have said something positive. Well Rina someone was obviously jealous of you and your talent. Your name is everywhere on the internet so they were bound to come across it. Which is weird because I had someone do something similar to me but they couldn't get the information they was looking for so they couldn't really go in on me so they just pretended to be me which I thought was weird but then again I didn't care because as I said I knew it wasn't me. Someone even went their way to make a YouTube channel based on my old Melon-tastic blog which I had ditched. As a teenager my mother always told me to be careful on the internet and I took her advice like a pinch of salt. You know uploading profile images? I would never do that. When people know your face they can really go in on you. Then people at the place you work or people near or know or knew you can literally stalk you? I just cannot have that. There are people out there that will envy you, trust me. They are called haters for a reason. And if you get around the web or on forums or your name is everywhere on the web they do come for people as the internet is just one of those places and even if you haven't done anything wrong. It's hard to tell? Mostly trolls who know nothing about you or have never met you but just hate you for no reason at all. I have experienced it a few times...I just ignore them. Always remember that people are watching and reading 24/7. You just never know who is watching or following you. Some people can become obsessive. The internet sure is a mysterious place. All kinds of things go down on it. Like I said above about that Rina Chan and all the hate that was aimed towards her. But then again she has had the last laugh because she made it into the VO biz due to her moderating several voice-over forum and several alternative voice sites and also dreaming of becoming a voice actress. You know hating on people can backfire on the haters and help that person prosper. Mainly if the person who is being hated on doesn't lose their temper. If they lose their temper the troll has won. Like a song once said "Anybody can say anything about anyone it doesn't matter if it's true! Anybody can say anything about anyone I wonder what they are saying about you?" Like I always say what goes around comes around. And just like a boomerang it will hit them right back in their very face. Here's what I say to people who act in that manner. You know those who don't care? Those that come at you with all that they have got. I'm like: 'Don't hand me that line! I've heard enough! I like to play rough and if you don't it's tough!' standing up for yourself in that kind of situation is probably the best thing to do. But as I said it doesn't always work so it is always best to think about it before you act. Remember on the internet all eyes are on you. Keep that in mind people out there."
B.M:
"I heard the creator of the series is not to make anymore animated episodes. Which really sucks to be honest and he really had a concept going there and people liked what they saw. But he said he wasn't making any money on the animations. But in all honesty I can see that but maybe he just doesn't have the right connections. Me? I more or less create for fun. I just want to make something and get my story out there. I play with a ton of software. Some are easier than others to use. Some don't take much CPU usage. Where as others do. Some game engine creators make the fan whirl...like mad. To be honest creating something isn't as easy as it seems. What would you say to a new Miss Dynamite animated re-boot if asked to do the role?"
R.M.A:
"It’s surprising he didn’t get so much revenue but I think back in those days it was still a new thing and making money off animations may have been difficult. Now things like Patreon and the interwebs are making it easier, or so I’d think. I would definitely be okay if he ever did needed a reprise of the role but I’m pretty sure it’s not going to happen. It was fun for sure though! I like to work on things for fun and not for monetary reasons too but in the end we still have to pay bills...sigh."
B.M:
"I know it's a shame he could have done so much with the Miss Dynamite franchise. Oh wow that is awesome! You hear that Sirkowski? Rina would be glad to reprise her role as Blackie Chin. Yeah I'm surprised he never asked to fund his project. Me? I would never ask anyone to fund me. I can fund my own projects. Then people can't get mad at me if they hate what they see haha! Yeah bills are the number 1 thing I can think of. If they are not paid there is no electric or gas to power your home. Which is another reason as to why I cannot afford the Nintendo Switch. Like I said I had the money and blew it all after I found out the price."
B.M:
"Did you know there was an on-going Miss Dynamite comic? Have you ever read the comic? I read through it once. A long time ago as it was linked to your website so I clicked the link. I zipped through the comic and then it went all 18+. The creator of the series sure advanced in his work over the years. He just got better and better at drawing. Because I remember when the Miss Dynamite project was at it's early stages. His art was very different. It just goes to show if you keep at something you eventually do advance. I used to get in trouble for watching Miss Dynamite because the website in question was full of porn. There was one episode that came to mind it was about The Spice Girls. You know Mel B. Actually I might cover that Flash episode one day. Like go through it because the Miss Dynamite series doesn't get the credit it should. It should be bigger than it is. It's one of my childhood memories. In the early 2000s it was just Spice Girls, Nintendo, SEGA, And probably toys that were on my mind. Nothing else much really. I really got into watching animated Flash videos and did up until 2008. By 2006, I was super into YouTube. I was obsessed to the max. I just couldn't stop watching and in reality it was a major waste of time. You must be a similar age to me. I wont ask your age. But what were you doing in 2000? Until you decided you wanted to use your vocals to narrate and voice stuff? You are really good at narrating. I saw a story? About a cat? That you read? I can't remember it's blurry but I saw it when I was looking for information to write a blog post about you on the B.M blog as a thank-you for collaborating on stories and ideas and portraying Gigi and Lemon."
R.M.A:
"I know about the comic but I never read into it. Not really into fan service and the whole premise seemed to be heavily for the male audience, haha. Hmm, I think I was in school and just being lazy. If the PlayStation One was around, that was the first game system I got so I might have been fiddling with that. I was never really into narration. When I worked my few obligatory years in a fast food joint my manager constantly told me I should be an announcer some day. Every so often a customer would mention I have a nice/sexy voice, which was a morale booster (more so than the whole 'oh you look cute' spiel that all of us girls get when we’re young)."
B.M:
"Wow you fast food too? Wow...I would have never guessed. Yeah sex-symbol type characters that flaunt it are mainly for the men and the odd few women if you get my drift. An announcer you say? The person wasn't wrong you sure know what you are doing when it comes to narration."
B.M:
"I hear you have or had plans to make a VN of your own? Will we be seeing anything in the future? And what character would you like to showcase in your story? A female lead? Or male? And would you do your own VO or hire others? Me? My stories are simple. I suck at fantasy, so my stories are 'crazy' and are more linked to real life with that solid mixture of...fiction. Most of my ideas come to me from other ideas. Like everyone else in the world. But it's not that hard to write up some random stuff. You don't have to prove yourself to anyone but yourself. If I like what I see, I am happy, simple as. And this final story, entitled Storytime will be distributed very carefully. I came to notice in December that I didn't take eye to detail when it came to tiny errors and typos in Pancake Surprise and for this release I ensured it won't happen again."
R.M.A:
"Yep, I had a VN in the works for a while before the artist kind of faded away. I’ve had half-hearted attempts at starting it back up but work takes up too much time and motivation. D: I actually held auditions for it years ago and had a handful of people I used to work with lined up for the game. I think now they’re mostly all MIA. I like mystery and horror genres and the plot for it reflects that. On a side note, if I ever learn how to draw, I was considering a shorter project in the future. Unfortunately when I write, I tend to write a lot and it’s hard for me to make any project small or short, haha."
B.M:
"That's a shame...I have heard of people who have worked on similar projects and the artist just fades away. And then they are stuck wondering what they should do next. And then without anyone to help them they just scrap the project. Maybe in a few years time you can try again?"
B.M:
"What do you think of Mint as a character? What pairing do you think is best? GigiXLemon? or MintXLemon? He's more or less a Prince Pancake clone as Prince Pancake was created way before Mint, only Mint is more of a whiny kid gamer. Do you think the character comes across boyish? The character is based on a real boy, well he isn't a boy anymore, he's a grown ass man. But the character is based on someone who used to be a brat as a child and would upset those around him. The person in question had an acid tongue and would run their mouth on anyone near his age. Like say, his own age-group to actual teenagers. Not to his parents, because his mother would smack him in the face. But he would run his mouth off...specially to women. He had like something against them and one in particular which was his older cousin. He'd let everyone know she wore a wig. As she'd shaved her head bald, and he was just plain horrid. Anyway Mint as a character is supposed to be off the rails a little but with a high IQ. His mother just let him do what he wants. But he has to also be toned down to give off that real effect, as if he really is a real boy. Kind of uptight, but since Babysitting the Brat he has warmed up to Lemon a bit. But there really would be no story, if Lemon and Mint didn't bicker with one another. There are real children out there just like Mint. Those are the kind of children who's parenting skills suck. There are a ton of Paprika's out there and Mint as a character is to let people know that you need to take charge. Which is why I don't want children. Not to mention that they ruin your career. The best bet is to wait until you are in your 30's and when you are settled or when you feel the time is right not just for the say-so. But if the person is a loving and caring and that is what they want then maybe just maybe they won't end up with a tiny terror but they need to take charge earlier on."
R.M.A:
"I don’t really think I have enough information on Mint as a character yet actually so will find out when this is released! I just imagined him to be a really young bratty kid so I never even thought MintXLemon was a thing. :O"
B.M:
"Haha! I know Pepper Mint is the said replacement for Ginger Pauley...I mean err...Gigi. Yes...Gigi the Vintage Personality Girl."
B.M:
"You do Karaoke in your spare time? Have you ever recorded any songs for fun? You did a great job with your ad-lib for that old song which is Gigi's theme song. You sounded better than the person who recorded the full copy for me. When you do that voice for Gigi you use for Gigi I think old Hollywood siren vamping it up. I would never ask anyone who isn't American to do roles because I can't stand British voices. I hear them too much. If I spoke like an American, I'd probably feel the opposite. Not to mention that nobody can really imitate your vocal 100%."
R.M.A:
"I used to record songs but I haven’t for a long time. And karaoke is always good fun but I’m not in the loop for newer songs so I really need to get back up to date."
B.M:
"Yeah, singing can be quite tricky you gotta like keep up with the tempo."
B.M:
"A negative review once upon a time claimed the original voice for Lemon was too stereotypical. But I know a few people who come straight from their country and actually talk with an accent when they speak in English. Lemon as a character is able to switch back to her old voice if need be but she is really nothing like how she appeared earlier on. Minus the fact that she is bisexual. The older Lemon preferred men but the newer Lemon prefers women. What do you think of Lemon in Storytime? What did you think of the characters design change? And what did you think about the change of the characters voice? What do you think of Lemon's sexuality? Me? Well I just thought it'd add a little difference. Because if Gigi and Lemon were both straight it'd be the same old story. Fighting over a 'man' is quite lame to me. It gives off an Archie Comic vibe to it. And I really don't want any Betty's or Veronica's period. I hate having my characters give off a vibe of something that is already around, I want unique/different. As said above what do you think?"
R.M.A:
"I like the character design change and the voice type is way easier for me now. Lemon’s a little playa but I’m so used to hearing that voice for teenybopper types so her age is skewed in my mind I think, haha. And the whole stereotypical fighting over a man gets old quick so I think it’s a good change of pace."
B.M:
"Yeah, the new voice you do for Lemon has really changed how the character comes across. She really stands out. And yes she sounds like a total teenybopper and is off her head but yeah she's 18 years old and legal haha! It's like the typical Anime girl voice. Ditzy, cute high-pitched. Yeah fighting over a man has been used in almost everything. And that is what Gigi and Lemon used to do but I dug deep and changed that. People who are 18 often think they are young when in reality they are actually adults. But still in their teen years so Lemon really does justice because she is in-between. Gigi is 19 years old one year older than Lemon. I think they used to be older as characters. To be honest I can't remember but that has always been Lemon's official age. I like to keep the characters in their teen years. It's an awkward time in your life when you are 18-19. Even worse than when you were 15-16 and you had teachers telling you that you were an adult when really you were not."
B.M:
"Have you used that Lemon type voice for any other characters? And have you ever tried using the high-pitched voice while speaking in Japanese? It would sound different. From what I read, those are the types of voices Japanese media is looking for. But...it's mostly...Hentai related. Well from what I seen on the Japanese audition process online which is pretty much similar to the English process. You know message boards, forums. They do it a little different though, they um...reach out to people after hearing their err...demo. Took me an hour to think that up to think I couldn't remember the word "d-e-m-o" and even though the said actresses or actors do 18+ work they are linked or formed with some sort of Seiyuu organization. I don't think the US has any? Or I could be wrong. I don't know much about the VO process. All I know is people record lines and then someone has to cut and tweak them to sync to whatever they are needed for. I mostly know about syncing and that's about it and the people who bring life to the character. And I really feel you bring life to Gigi and Lemon. The way you portray them is how I'd always imagined them."
R.M.A:
"I have years ago but not so much lately. And yes, high pitched Japanese is very standard. I don’t think there is a seiyuu organization kind of thing here. Just union like normal acting? I wish I had been able to go to Japanese seiyuu school when I was younger. It’s a big thing there compared to here even now I think." B.M: "Yes, it is very different over Japan. Most of the people who make it have roles for life."
B.M:
"Have you ever linked yourself to any organization? Or are you free-lanced?"
R.M.A:
"Freelance. Some day I might join some union if I magically win the lottery (that I don’t play) and can pursue my VA dreams, lalaaa~"
B.M:
"Like Disney's Cinderella once said "Dreams are a wish the heart makes when you are fast asleep" and I err... forgot the rest of the tripe that came out of her trap."
B.M:
"Are there any other projects you are currently involved in? Are you still active in VO? I hate to be nosy. But I came across your work when we was in that Pancake Surprise mode from 2015-2016. And read that you did audio books? So I thought you'd be interesting to blog about. Not to mention that you was taking on several roles so I wanted to praise you in my own way. Because it takes a lot to take on several roles."
R.M.A:
"I’m actually completely caught up as of now for recording! I’ve been working on another audiobook nonstop for the last few months and it’s an exhausting thing to do. Each time I finish one I vow never again. But then when I get asked for favors I end up accepting...for now, I’m free as a bird! (Last time I was caught up I got 2 days off before getting a request to record though so we’ll see how long this lasts. Not that I’m complaining. Recording is fun albeit difficult to schedule at times.)"
B.M:
"Oh, dear that is an awful lot of work. You are very hard working. I think you do a really great job. It takes a lot of determination. And you girl are one of a kind. I hope asking you to portray Lemon wasn't too much of a burden."
B.M:
"Do you audition anymore? Have you attended any auditions? Rumor has it all the auditions are now mainly done on the internet. It's actually the same process when searching for talent. You can hear demo samples and what the person can offer you. Everyone has their own rules and they err...all compete against one another. Where one person can give you a good deal...there is always another who has a better one. On those service web sites. It all depends on the person. But if you aren't happy there are always plenty more fish in the sea."
R.M.A:
"I audition sometimes for projects that are sent directly to me. I don’t actively go searching so much unless I know I have a lot of time which isn’t really the case for me at the time being. It’s both easier and harder now that the internet exists. Lots more competition but if you win the role it’s nice to be able to just do it at home."
B.M:
"That's great. You are really trustworthy when hired for a role because you actually get into it. And you always let the person know if you are too busy. You are great to work with and really go into detail. I have done a few small project-type things with you that have gone on for quite a while." B.M: "You can speak both English and Japanese. Have you ever done any Japan only media? I read that you did a fitness game and played a Anime girl. Did you only do her voice in English or both? And how did you get to do the role? And are they making anymore games featuring the character or is she retired? Like one-shot? You know that game application was a great idea about fitness. The food nowadays is so unhealthy so the game could inspire "some" to eat a little more of a healthy diet."
R.M.A:
"I’ve done a couple of roles in Japanese. I think there was a VN that I had a couple lines in Japanese too. The fitness game I believe I was recommended to audition for by one of my fellow voice actresses. I didn’t get much detail but I had to talk to one of the people on Skype which I wasn’t used to. I haven’t heard of anything more for her but there was an additional pack I got to voice a couple years back? Those were with live direction which isn’t something I’m too used to doing but really need to get into."
B.M:
"Well you did a great job for the game. I guess it is true what they say about having connections."
B.M:
"Do you watch Anime? Or have you grown out of it? What would you rather watch? A Japanese dub or an English? Me? Well it depends on the cast. Anime are Japanese and if the English dub is not very good or if they don't follow the story. It makes me think their adaption is not that good. Because they are trying too much to make the series appeal to the west. Forgetting the characters are actually Japanese. Tweaking their names, changing their stories. But there are times when it can be the complete opposite for example. You know Sonic the Hedgehog? He was marketed towards the west. He was all American inspired. And the creators behind him, knew if he had became a hit in America he would also do well in Japan. There is a Japanese Sonic and a English and they are very different to one another in how they come across to the public. Which also includes how they are portrayed."
R.M.A:
"I used to watch anime a lot but nowadays not so much. There are way too many…I think the most recent one I’ve seen is Boku no Hero Acadamia. I watch Japanese if possible not only because the whole authentic factor but also since I need to keep brushing up on Japanese since none of my friends can speak it and I don’t have much opportunity to hear it otherwise. But yeah. There are some dubs that just make sense...like DBZ. Which I never watched but picked up the game for lately. I do make sure to play the Japanese track whenever my hubby is around just to annoy him with the high pitched buff men. :D"
B.M:
"I think I've heard of that. I think the main character has green hair? Yes, there is a current Dragon Ball Z game roaming on the Ps4. I can't remember the name. I can just imagine the look on his face. I can just imagine Goku floating on the screen with his buff manly body."
B.M:
"If you could be any Anime character, who would you be? If I could be an Anime character? You can also pick male characters. I would be Launch aka Lunch from the Dragonball series or Ran-Chan from Urusei Yatsura because I kinda have a split personality. I read you once did your take on the Dirty Pair characters. I used to watch that Anime. There was one time I couldn't stop watching the 'Russian Roulette' opening for the Japanese Anime series."
R.M.A:
"If I could be one or one I mostly relate to? Relating to I think would be the gal from Karekano Yukino? I only saw a few episodes but her ultra sparkly clean image at school compared to her glasses and messy attitude at home seems about right. >.> And if I could be anyone...it would be any of those characters that just spend their lives doing exploration quests. Wouldn’t that be so much better than going to work every day? Kill three monsters and make money, yay!"
B.M:
"Nice choice. Don't forget the EXP haha! I think it's an RPG style character you are thinking of. If only the world was like an RPG we could all be rich making gold from taking on random quests. 100g searching for the fountain of youth!!! That's what I want!!! Then I can stay the same age for eternity."
R.M.A:
"Oh, and yeah I think it was Kei from Dirty Pair. I actually wanted to voice the other girl instead but I always seem to have the luck of getting cast as some character I didn’t think I did a good job with instead of the character I was initially going for. I vaguely remember having to redo a bunch of her lines to make her sound less narrator-y even though it was a lot of narration lines."
B.M:
"I can only imagine how much you had to record. Yeah there is two types of VO styles. There is the Narration style and the acting style. Narration is different it's more like telling a story. Where as acting is where you actually have to portray the character. Portraying the character is literally pretending to be them. The Dirty Pair characters are already set in motion so it would be easy to imitate how the said character comes across because all you would have to do is watch an episode and imitate how she came across as portrayed by the actress."
B.M:
"And that is pretty much everything. I am happy you jumped on the bandwagon for this final VN project. It's a pleasure having you on board. You are the original Gigi and Lemon so I would rather you portray the characters. And yes there are people who can do similar sounding voices but you are one of a kind. And the voice you use for Gigi is really diva-like and has matured since 2012. Because it was very light when you first did the voice and now it's deeper. You give off that old Hollywood gold. I want to thank you for taking time to participate in this more or less advanced interview. I am also glad to have worked on this final story featuring my original characters. I also want to wish you all the best and it has been a pleasure."
R.M.A:
"Thanks for the opportunity! It was an enjoyable experience and always a pleasure to work with someone who has clear goals and gets things done. Wish you all the best for future endeavors and you know how to reach me if there is anything more you end up doing."
B.M:
"Of course it's been a pleasure to work with you on all of those projects. It's great to have you on the team. You are a great acquaintance. The main I had fun working with you was Pancake Surprise (2015-2017), B.M Blog Character Vlog (2016-2017) & Storytime (2017) it was most wonderful. And this was an interview with Rina Adachi an American voice-over artist who provides the voice for Lemon Li in Storytime (2017) the final VN by B.M. I am very happy with the outcome and it is free to play as always. If anyone is looking for the perfect voice-over Rina Adachi is just the girl you are looking for. I sure had a lot of fun writing the script. It was quite hard because I was also working on The Vintage Girl and Stingerz at the same time. Who knows maybe there will be another project or story in the future? Only time will tell. But to be honest I don't think I can fund another project. I'll most likely be funding myself and my home. Main problem with Storytime with Lemon? The only problem is I had decided to place a image of Gigi into the game (Lemon's Bedroom) and when I distributed the game I was not happy with it but it is too late. What is the game inspired by? Reality more or less but warped and twisted. The game is a 15+ because the jokes featured can be how you say? Quite risqué."
