Hi it's Maile aka English VO for Naruto

[mailenaruto]

I've been reading the forums for months! Saw that Liam is on here, too!
you can ask me questions if you like - i did read the ones that you guys wrote in the forum, but didn't respond - i thought they were going to be sent to me!

maile

[Asuma]

Hello Maile! Welcome to the narutofan forums :)
I like your voice to naruto, really love it ^^

[FFLN]

Maile Flanagan!?:amazed Wow! I couldn't decide whether you were the real VA posting or if someone was faking. Even though there are other VAs who post on here, there could still be some people who'll try to pose as the real deal.:P

Anyway, I enjoy your Naruto voice over.:amuse It's a good combination of the Japanese VA and how I originally imagined Naruto's voice to be like when I first read the Viz Naruto manga. Keep up the good voice work.:amuse Although... hehe, I think it would really work well with Naruto if the pitch was a tadbit higher during his comedic freakout scenes.:amuse It just seems like it would help to complete Naruto's wacky characteristic in that respect. No offense or anything. Just my thought about the freakout reactions.:sweatdrop

[mailenaruto]

i really do mean it if people want to post it. i'm sitting here watching TV and on my computer.
maile

[mailenaruto]

yes, it's really me.
as for pitch - ha! - they usually pitch me down if i get too up there (even though it is higher in the japanese version - her version/voice of Naruto is higher, so i guess they want me lower)

[S-Rogue]

Welcome, Miss Maile Flanagan! It's great to have you on here as well. I love how you voice Naruto. You make him sound really good. Funny, immature, tough, high-spirited. Exactly how he's supposed to be. Least to me. :P

Hope you'll enjoy your stay here. :amuse

[mailenaruto]

thanks! hopefully we're hitting all the right notes!! (Or hitting them now :)
i will enjoy it.

[Lemony_Fresh]

Hiya Maile! Welcome to forums as an official member :occa !

I'm really digging the voice! You could say it has grown on me :wink
Love the attitude~

[Kromagnum]

As always, its an honor to have another VA on these forums, connecting with the fans. I'll add to the positive reviews and say that your Naruto is damn near perfect now. At first, I'll admit it was kind of shaky, but it takes time to grow into a character. Even the Japanese VA sounds different in the beginning of the series.

[mailenaruto]

thank you. i'm good at attitude, but, ahem, try to keep in check in real life. so it helps that i get to express it in VO sessions. you must be up late in MICHIGAN! i'm in LA, so it's not so late here.

[FFLN]

yes, it's really me.
as for pitch - ha! - they usually pitch me down if i get too up there (even though it is higher in the japanese version - her version/voice of Naruto is higher, so i guess they want me lower)

Really?XD Well, it just sounds so muted when they tone you down then. Hehe, an all-out scream doesn't seem as though it'd be that bad.;)

[mailenaruto]

yup, Kromagnum - it does take time to grow into the role. i'll be the first to admit it. and most VO do - or should!

i know the actual recording is a lot easier now - and it goes much more quickly.

mf

[mailenaruto]

i've been doing a lot more all-out screams lately! i think i just finished episode 45 or so - --i haven't done it in 2 weeks. but i remember a LOT of screams! plus i did the latest video game, so i did a LOT more screams - a lot of times!

[Buladostriku]

Wow, it's great to (sort of) meet you! Now to finally ask the question that's been burning in my mind ever since the English cast was announced... How in the world do you pronounce your first name? :)

In all seriousness, it's awesome to see so many VAs showing up here! I'll be honest, I found your voice for Naruto a little grating at first, but it's really grown on me, and now I like it about as much as the original. And tell the sound editing department that they did an AWESOME job modulating your voice when you went all Kyuubi-rage on Haku (poor kid, never saw it coming...).

:narutokyu Believe it!

[Rukie]

Wow, this IS an honor. That brings the VA membership count up to, let's see... 6?

Well anyway, you are doing great as the voice for Naruto, and you seem to really be improving as the anime goes on. I'm interested in exactly how you did the Nine-Tails effect when Naruto transformed in episode 16, and why that same effect wasn't repeated when he transformed again in 29.

Warning, though: You character's voice is one of the more, hmm, how should I put this... controversial? You've been lucky so far, but be prepared for much bashing and criticizing later on.

Welcome. :amuse

[FFLN]

Hehe, I guess you'll get used to it since there are ALOT of episodes in which Naruto speaks at least once.

[Buladostriku]

Well anyway, you are doing great as the voice for Naruto, and you seem to really be improving as the anime goes on. I'm interested in exactly how you did the Nine-Tails effect when Naruto transformed in episode 16, and why that same effect wasn't repeated when he transformed again in 29.
Welcome. :amuse

My theory is that the while the Nine-tails chakra was seeping out, it wasn't a full on berserker rage like the first time. He was far more in control that time.

[Rukie]

Hehe, I guess you'll get used to it since there are ALOT of episodes in which Naruto speaks at least once.

Well, he is kind of the main character, so I guess it's to be expected.

By the way, why do you call yourself a VO? Isn't it VA? Voice Actor? And how do you pronounce your first name.....

[mailenaruto]

Hi. My name is pronounced like "smiley" - or "miley". Flanagan like Phlanagan -- just kidding, bad joke.

i do a lot of the deep stuff and growling and then they enhance it, so i don't really have control over that. they generally don't pitch me lower, however, that's usually my pitch (though they do add certain effects).

as for the bashing - ha! i've read it - and it comes with the role. especially with a role that has been previously voiced. it's okay. people are entitled to their own opinions. sometimes i agree, sometimes i don't. but that's cool. and hey, they are passionate, so that's always good. no, i'm not unusually "flowery or mellow" but I do truly believe that people can have what ever opinion they want. and some of them like the show better now than previously, so that's good!

[mailenaruto]

oops - i'm used to writing VO on my resume or in bios/interviews, and i type quickly, so i put VA. plus this is the first time i've really posted in a forum for this, so it's kind of new to me. sorry!

[FFLN]

Well, he is kind of the main character, so I guess it's to be expected.

Gee, that must've just passed over my head. Here I thought he was just a support character that they tossed into every episode just for the heck of it.:P

VO stands for Voice Over.

I've been pronouncing your name as Mail.XD I guess I got that wrong.:P

[Rukie]

I have a question: a lot of the complaints about your Naruot voice are about emotion. People are saying that you don't handle emotion right, or you don't put the right amount of emotion into the lines (though you've been getting better at that lately, in my opinion). Example: When Naruto is talking to Zabuza about how Haku lived his life for him, many people think that Naruto should have been crying, not yelling angrilly. Is it the director who makes these decisions? Or do you just act out the lines as you feel they should be acted out?

[XanBcoo]

Example: When Naruto is talking to Zabuza about how Haku lived his life for him, many people think that Naruto should have been crying, not yelling angrilly. Is it the director who makes these decisions? Or do you just act out the lines as you feel they should be acted out?

I'd like to know this too, as that's been my only major gripe about your work as Naruto so far.

You don't sound how I imagined Naruto would sound in English, but I must say I am getting used to hearing it. It's also really great that you are taking the time to talk to fans like this. Kudos.

[mailenaruto]

it's a combination of my acting and the direction. for the record, we often listen to the japanese version right before we record, so we often try to re-create that moment. sometimes, though, things are played a little differently, because, after all, it's acting and people interpret it differently. the director is there and has me re-do it or re-do it again and again, or not. then it goes to the producers, and to VIZ and to the people who make notes. sometimes a note will come back like "Naruto should be more upset" or "Naruto should be more angry" and we have to re-record. so, it's a real collaboration.

[mailenaruto]

in response to XanBcco - i forgot to tell you that i'm also following the script. in it, they might write that my character is angry or very angry or weeping or whatever. some of this is from direct translation. there are a lot of pieces that come together. i'm not passing the buck, maybe i should have been crying instead of angry, i'll have to go back and look at that. perhaps it was the wrong choice.

[Rukie]

Not all of your lines are lacking, though. Some of my favorite of the dub Naruto lines are:
1. The entire turtle exchange during the meeting with Rock Lee and Gai.
2. The "I'm not telling you," when Sasuke asks about the advice Sakura gave him about the tree-climbing exercize.
3. The comment about Kakashi giving Naruto and Sakura some "Aloooooooone time."

[mailenaruto]

the turtle stuff is funny!

[XanBcoo]

in response to XanBcco - i forgot to tell you that i'm also following the script. in it, they might write that my character is angry or very angry or weeping or whatever. some of this is from direct translation. there are a lot of pieces that come together. i'm not passing the buck, maybe i should have been crying instead of angry, i'll have to go back and look at that. perhaps it was the wrong choice.
Meh, it's only my opinion. There seem to be many who enjoy the job you're doing thusfar, I just think the show in general suffers from a lot of emotion problems (either not enough in some parts, or too much in others - to the point that it sounds unbelievably corny).

There are parts that I really think you shone though. Any angry line that Naruto has you do perfectly. I FELT that "I'll kill you" in episode 1. Much praise here. smile-big

[Buladostriku]

Eh, I thought being angry in the Zabuza scene was fine. The way I see it, if I wanted the characters to sound exactly like they did in the Japanese version... I'd rewatch the Japanese version.

[Rukie]

Could you possibly give us an example of a line that is being translated from cut to uncut version? You said in an interview that I read once that the uncut version of the dub will have more intense language.

[mailenaruto]

thanks! well, I like it! ha! there are lots of cool parts to the show. and i do love doing it. i'm doing it tomorrow, in fact.

[mailenaruto]

i'm sorry Rukie, i can't think of anything off-hand. and i never know what is going in the final cut anyway - i might record a bunch of stuff that doesn't end up in the game or the uncut version - honestly i don't know til i see the final product. sorry -- i'm kind of in the dark about this.

[Rukie]

It's okay.

BTW, I'm not complaining or anything - I know how fun it is to watch your post count go up - but double posting is somewhat frowned upon by some people, and it takes up space in threads. You can use the edit button to edit a previous post, or just wait until someone else posts ahead of you. Just so you know...

[mailenaruto]

sorry Rukie. i'm new to this. i don't know the best way to do this - as i said, this is the first time i've EVER posted. also, I'm not sure what you mean by "I know how fun it is to watch your post count go up" - that truly wasn't my intention. as i said, I NEVER POSTED HERE BEFORE.

i was trying to respond in timely fashion. if you can give me any hints, please do -

does it automatically refresh? please don't jump on my case!

[Buladostriku]

Ooh, here's a question I've been dying to know. In the uncut versions, are you sticking to English translations for jutsus, or are you also recording it with the Japanese names (like Kage Bunshin no Jutsu instead of Shadow Clone Jutsu)? I'll understand if you can't answer that question. smile-big The Viz Media Security Ninjas are everywhere... :ninja

[XanBcoo]

Why in the world would they say the names in Japanese in the Uncut version? :huh

The point is that they include the stuff not seen on tv, not that they're "closer to the original".

[Buladostriku]

Why in the world would they say the names in Japanese in the Uncut version? :huh

The point is that they include the stuff not seen on tv, not that they're "closer to the original".

I'll be honest, I can't imagine any reason why they would. It was just a theory that popped into my head one day and I've always been curious about it.

Edit: Let me rephrase that. It occured to me at one point that they might've planned to leave the technique names in the original Japanese with subtitles whenever necessary, but decided that they didn't want to have to subtitle the TV broadcast. I guess it's because I'm confused that they use the term jutsu. I think it's awesome, don't get me wrong, and it's a HELL of a lot better than "Art of the (fill in the blank)" but I thought it was kinda weird to have that one Japanese term left in untouched. Got used to it now, though.smile-big

[mailenaruto]

sorry Rukie, but your post was a little insulting, frankly. and I don't care about my ratings. i work for the show and i was trying to answer questions for people.

i hit the refresh button on a chance and it work.

[mailenaruto]

we only say the translation. i think it's what VIZ and Cartoon Network decided. I don't usually say anything that is in the original Japanese unless it is a name ... usually!

[mailenaruto]

AND IT WORKED, I MEANT! WHOOPS!

[sonnie_skies]

Welcome! I like the work you do for Naruto's voice; he's supposed to be annoying and I hate when people whine about the English dub. I don't have any serious problems with it, save Neji's voice at the moment...

And I pray you suffer no mental scars from some of the sigs and avatars in this forum.

[XShAdOwX]

Hey welcome Miss Maile to the Naruto Forums! It's very nice to meet you! I really like how you have done Naruto's voice. It almost sounds like the original one. Keep up the good work! :)

[mailenaruto]

thanks -- and i love david bowie

[Twizted3584]

thanks -- and i love david bowie

Maile! Welcome to the boards! Great voice work thus far; exactly how I pictured Naruto's english VA to sound. Hope you enjoy the boards as much as we do :thumbs

[sonnie_skies]

thanks -- and i love david bowieThat's fabulous ^^ He rocks.

I was wondering if you know of any voice actors that follow the current manga storyline at all? Do you watch the subbed version before lending your voice to an episode or are you just given a script? Pardon my ignorance, but I honestly don't know anything about voice acting.

[mailenaruto]

thank you - i enjoy the boards! and i enjoy all of it! i've been reading them since before the show starting airing. good stuff!

[mailenaruto]

i'm not sure if any voice actors do. of course mary elizabeth is very on top of them, and recently went to japan, and is amazing -- she is probably the person most on top it that i know (along with Jamie Simone) that I directly deal with. I don't read all the current manga, but we do see some of the episodes and i am trying. i have a lot of catching up to do - you guys are light years ahead of me!

[mailenaruto]

i think Yuri is very on top of it for this show -and Steve. but you'd have to ask them.

[Twizted3584]

i'm not sure if any voice actors do. of course mary elizabeth is very on top of them, and recently went to japan, and is amazing -- she is probably the person most on top it that i know (along with Jamie Simone) that I directly deal with. I don't read all the current manga, but we do see some of the episodes and i am trying. i have a lot of catching up to do - you guys are light years ahead of me!

LOL, well be careful where you venture on these boards then, spoilers are everywhere. ;)

[mailenaruto]

also, I see some of EVERY episode. every time i record.

[mailenaruto]

nah, i know the spoilers! i do know what happens and to whom! they always inform me about this. the producers, Jamie, and Mary Elizabeth are very good about catching me up if i get behind. and they ALWAYS know where it is going and tell me.

[Emery]

Hey Maile, welcome to the forums. Just ignore the people that give you shit. Have a nice day.

[Kibavox]

Hey Maile!
Great to see ya here! Thanks for posting! We got a nice collection of VAs showing up here. See if ya can convince Yuri and Dave to start. I told Skip (Gai Sensei) and he said he'd check it out.

WOOOT!!!!!!!!

[Dobe]

xD Welcome to the forum Maile. It's an honor to have yet another Naruto Va here and interacting with the fans. :] In all honesty, I don't really like how Naruto's voice sound much in the first several episodes because due to many reasons, but I think you have improve much overtime with these later episode. And, now, the voice is sounding better and I like it a bit now. Well, Keep up the good work ne. Atm, can't think of any question to ask, so whenever it came back, I'll ask it. Again, it's an honor to have you here among the other VAs too.

[Dragonzair]

Welcome to the forums, Maile. (Never knew your name was pronounced like that :sweat)

Well, I'll just say I was quite happy with the way you voiced Naruto, although there are times when I go back and forth to compare you with the original. >_>;; Which is wrong, I know, so ignore that.

But I'd say you did a pretty good job there. I especially loved those parts during the Chuunin Written Exams. Your expressions there just made me laugh out loud just like the Japanese one did. ^_^ Good job, and keep up the good work.

Hey Maile!
Great to see ya here! Thanks for posting! We got a nice collection of VAs showing up here. See if ya can convince Yuri and Dave to start. I told Skip (Gai Sensei) and he said he'd check it out.

:nosebleed

Ignore me.

:wtf Any possibilities of you trying to bring the Asuma VA as well? Doug Erholtz, was it?

[Heavy Arms]

Have you counted how many times you've said Hokage yet???

[Nekochan]

Wow, VA unite. Hi ya Maile. Your voice as Naruto is pretty nice. Keep up the good work.

[Konohamaru76]

Hi Maile,

I haven't been able to see any of the english episodes of Naruto as they have not been (and may never be) shown here (and I can't find them to download), but I'd just like to say that it's nice to know that a bit of Irishness has crept into the Naruto world thorough some of it voice actors :amuse

Next step is to get an Irish ninja in there somehow ...

[narutofan1010]

your doing great between you steve blum, Dave wittenberg (kakashi) excuse my spelling if i got his name wrong and Yuri Lowerthal your one of my favorite characters because i actually connect with naruto because im kind of an out cast to most of the people around me but like naruto i do have a few dependable friends who are close to me and like naruto im a somewhat knuckle headed and hyperactive person but i have good intentions just like he does

[gokuden553]

Hello Maile:amuse

[Rukie]

I have a few more questions.

1. I'm sure this is among the top question you get from fans, but since it hasn't been posted hear yet: What exactly is with the phrase "Believe it?" And is it true that you're planning on cutting back on using it?

2. I'm sure you're aware by now that Naruto is trying to follow his own ninja way, as he called it in the dub, "The way of the Naruto." Was it a mistake at the end of the Chuunin written exam when he said "the way of the ninja," as opposed to "my way of the ninja?"

3. Are you currently doing any other VA work other than for Naruto?

[Hokage Naruto]

Welcome aboard to the forums, VA of Naruto keep on improving like you are doing right now. You are carrying that expectation of the dub nicely as of now.

[gokuden553]

I have a few more questions.

1. I'm sure this is among the top question you get from fans, but since it hasn't been posted hear yet: What exactly is with the phrase "Believe it?" And is it true that you're planning on cutting back on using it?

2. I'm sure you're aware by now that Naruto is trying to follow his own ninja way, as he called it in the dub, "The way of the Naruto." Was it a mistake at the end of the Chuunin written exam when he said "the way of the ninja," as opposed to "my way of the ninja?"

3. Are you currently doing any other VA work other than for Naruto?

Ye please answer them:amuse

[.Kira]

wow! Maile you do a awsome job on naruto's dub voice sounds like it should be.exited,stong,and immature(or how ever you speel emmature, Well cya l8er good luck.

[Masaki]

I don't care what anyone says, your Naruto voice couldn't be any closer to the original.

[Aethos]

oops - i'm used to writing VO on my resume or in bios/interviews, and i type quickly, so i put VA. plus this is the first time i've really posted in a forum for this, so it's kind of new to me. sorry!

Ah it's ok. People just recognize the term Voice Actor (VA) over Voice Over (VO) I'm guessing that's what you meant.

But still it's nice to have you on the board and all. Your voice for Naruto isn't too far off from the original really. I rather like it.

Heh now if only Yuri would get on this forum. :laugh

[Masaki]

Ah it's ok. People just recognize the term Voice Actor (VA) over Voice Over (VO) I'm guessing that's what you meant.

But still it's nice to have you on the board and all. Your voice for Naruto isn't too far off from the original really. I rather like it.

Heh now if only Yuri would get on this forum. :laugh

And Blum, but he's probably too busy for this kinda stuff. Plus, he's played a lot of bigger roles than Zabuza.

[Kirsten]

Welcome, Ms. Flannagan! Just wanted to let you know you are doing an awesome job as Naruto. No complaints here. :)

I was wondering if you knew Anko's VA....:shifty

If so, can you please ask her to join? Anko is my favorite new character, and I would love to talk to her awesome VA. BTW, that scene between Naruto and Anko was hilarious. "They call it the forest of death, and soon you're gonna find out why!" lol Gotta love that part. =D

[Hawaiian_Gurl8o8]

OMG Aloha Maile ,
Wow yaay another VA's form Naruto in here this is cool hey Mods please make this a sticky !! Now we need Steve Blum and Mary sticky Theard whoow again love ya , i really enjoy your work in Naruto and aslo in Jakers my twins niece love that show they never get enough of it hehhehe :D

[Aethos]

And Blum, but he's probably too busy for this kinda stuff. Plus, he's played a lot of bigger roles than Zabuza.

But he's already here though...

Yuri though isn't.

[Hokage Naruto]

And Blum, but he's probably too busy for this kinda stuff. Plus, he's played a lot of bigger roles than Zabuza.

Don't forget Orochimaru.

I heard that he isn't really the forum/fansite person. I do think he'll get much, much and much more attention from Cowboy Bebop fans since that's what his best work as others see it.

We should get a VA usergroup going. :P

[Triggerhappy69]

YES, the VA for my favorite character is now on the boards. Welcome Maile, thanks for postin here too. By the way, congradulations, you've only been here for like what, jalf a day and you've already posted more than Liam whose been here for months. Then again, he's REEEEEEEEALLy busy, so we'll all cut him slack. Well, keep up the good work on Naruto, your voice was amazing in episode 29, later.

[Kaze]

You were the first voice I heard for Naruto so this is awesome. Anyway keep up the good work, you seem to be getting more comfortable with the role and it flows easier.

[ryne11]

MAILE :whoo
Welcome! smile-big
Love your work, keep up they greatness

Soon we gonna have the entire cast of Naruto here :P

I'll ask ya some questions later when I get back, so don't show up once and never come back again, k? :jir_thumb

[Aman]

Welcome to Narutofan, I hope you'll find the members and forum nice. :)

[Kisame]

Could you give the suggestion to the studios to kill Naruto off?

I mean dramatically of course.

[nwoppertje]

Whoah! Another English VA here? :spaz
Welcome Maile, have fun around here, I think you do a nice job on Naruto's voice! ^^

[Kisame]

I just thought about it. If naruto dies off your out of a job huh?

Well good luck! Believe it!

[Axass]

- i did read the ones that you guys wrote in the forum, but didn't respond - i thought they were going to be sent to me!

maile
Yeah, Tazmo stickied that thread ages ago and never came back to check it... now that you're here I'm gonna close it and redirect it here...

Anyway, welcome here Maile. ;)

[TenshiOni]

Holy crap. The VA for Naruto's here! :spaz

Welcome, Maile! I'm the owner of the Naruto FC here on Naruto Forums and I'd like you to know that I personally love your rendition of Naruto! Really, from all the dubbed anime I've seen, I'd have to say you're definitly the perfect choice for the loveable idiot. :amuse

Keep up the great work!

[EXhack]

Your VO?/VA? for the show was great, I'm used to dubs successfully butchering a series, but you did infinitely better than doing an OK job, you do Naruto's voice great.

[Kirbopher15]

Hey Maile, it's been a while! You probably don't remember me, but we spoke once before in the narutodub IM chat.

I couldn't ask about the Demon Naruto scenes back then due to them being a spoiler, but at this point I gotta say, SICK job. I loved the delivery on both the scene where he fights Haku, and the quick little bit in the Forest of Death that aired recently on Toonami. Not to mention the voice filters were pretty cool as well.

Keep up the good work, believe it! :D

[X_Spiritofthesand]

Hi Maile!

I LOVE your voice for naruto. It is PERFECT. To me, it's better than the japanese one lol, it's so funny and fits his character. It might also just be that I'm use to it, but I thought the fight scenes were awesome. His strength really showed and yeah. Maybe it'll get harder later on, but still, I wish you good luck :)

[Darth Judicar]

Welcome to NF, Maile! It's extremely generous of you to drop by here, with your crazy schedule and all. Hope you enjoy your time here and keep up the good work!

[Throes]

W00T! The voice of the main character now posts here too! Welcome! My little brother used to (not sure if he still does) watch PBS's "Jakers!". Now I didn't know who you were then, and that you voiced in that until it was announced that you were voicing Naruto.

I'm going to post this question in all of the VA threads there are, just to get varied opinions, so here goes. What goes through your mind when you hear your voice underneath a character on TV or DVD, or see yourself in a movie/TV show, etc?

[Kairi.nin]

Wow. o.o Welcome to the forums, Maile! x3 I have to say, and I'm being completely honest here, I -love- what you've done with Naruto's voice so far. The dub is what got me into Naruto in the first place, so your voice was the first one I heard.. and I guess it stuck with me^^; Same goes for Yuri as Sasuke, Kate as Sakura, and so on..

.. I would love you forever if you convinced Yuri to join this forum. xD; *Cough* Not just because I absolutely adore his Sasuke voice. *Cough* .. ^_^; Erm, well, hope you have fun here! .. Shutting up now..

[Rukie]

And Blum, but he's probably too busy for this kinda stuff. Plus, he's played a lot of bigger roles than Zabuza.

Blum has posted in the Orochimaru voice discussion thread a couple of times, but he hasn't been seen around here in awhile, probably busy. Which is understandable. Liam O'Brian is obviously very busy as well.

[Ikke AshLEE]

Wowza, great honor to have you here, Maile! You've done a lovely job as Naruto, and you've definitely improved compared to the early eps. Keep up the good work, and have a good time here.

Naruto is the second anime series you've worked on, yes? Do you plan to ever do others?

[Masaki]

Blum's here? I really need to comment on his role as Shishio. What's the username?

[Lemony_Fresh]

Blum's here? I really need to comment on his role as Shishio. What's the username?

Here you go!
http://forums.narutofan.com/member.php?u=45664

He posts on the Orochimaru thread ^^

[Naoko Tasaki]

Hi Maile! ^_^ It's great to meet you!

[Yoshitsune]

Hey welcome to the forums, i didn't know much about you but then i realized you went to BC and I was like whoa...

you seem to be having fun with Naruto's voice :)

[gokuden553]

Yay now we've got more Naruto dub VA's:amuse

[Sumoni]

Yay for naruto dubbed VAs!!! I have a question: Is it hard to play the role of a young boy?

[kakoishii]

I must say Maile out of all the VAs you the one I've been most anxious to talk to :D I asked a question or two in the thread dedicated to asking you questions, but like previously stated it seems tazmo forgot about the whole thing. I'm kind of disapointed I missed when you were actual still on the boards (you're offline now -_-) but if and when you come back could you answer my question? Here goes:
1. Are you guys as voice actors given certain pronunciation of names, techniques, etc.?
2. Do you know exactly where the pronunciation for some of the words you get come from?
3. Are you given any liberties for how you can pronounce certain words?

Sorry about all the questions all being about pronunciation, but that's been my biggest gripe about the series. FYI you've really grown into your part as Naruto I'll admit I had my doubts at first but now I can identify you with the character Naruto up at the same level as the original VA Junko.
Oh yea and I'm super proud of myself to be one of the few who was pronouncing your name correctly all along ^^

[ArioNeko]

You know... I was gonna post something really really rude. Maybe one of them trademark analogies of mine but I guess discretion was the better part of valor today and I decided not too.

This thread clearly is no place for me.





P.S.
Seriously dudes... Talk about brown nosing... Ack!

[Sumoni]

P.S.
Seriously dudes... Talk about brown nosing... Ack!


Well, they are fans. There's nothing wrong with being excited or complimenting someone on doing a good job.

[The Black Knight]

How far are yall episode wise. I'm not a sub watcher, but I watch the RAWS (I speak Japanese), but I also watch the dub a lot since it is different to watch it in my native language, whether I don't like some of it or not. You can drop a hint or be nonspecific, as to not spoil anything. Have you gotten as far as to where Naruto meets a certain SUPER perveted white haired teacher. If not you will soon.

Also in 100 episodes or so you will be doing what's called fillers (episodes not based on manga), and I don't know what the dub watchers reaction will be but the for the JP and Sub watchers, the general opinion is not good.

Also to tell the truth, I hated your voice for Naruto at first. Especially the "believe it" even though thats not you but the sripter/translaters fault on translating datte ba yo. But it's getting a lot better. And I like it now.

Anyway don't just read the English discussion, but check out the other Naruto ones. Even check out Bleach, a newer series, that will be coming to Adult Swim this autumn. You can get a better feel for Naruto's character, and to see how he will grow and develop over time, plus to see some of his new techniques and jutsu's. And he becomes more strategical and better with the "Kage Bunshin no Jutsu (Shadow clone)." Also check out the off topic threads too.

またね! (later!)

[Hypermarv123]

wow yet another voice actor has joined the forums?

the internet is a great thing indeed.

[Romangod]

Hi Maile. Gotta say, you make an AWESOME Naruto. The way you just... Blend with his character is just amazing. Very good job.

After hearing your protrayal of Naruto, I've always thought you'd make an AWESOME Monkey D. Luffy from the anime "One Piece". Not sure if your famulier with that series, but you would be awesome as it's main character. Just as you are with Naruto.

Keep up the good work. Oh! And a question... Have you guys started dubbing the first Naruto movie? If you know...

[S-Rogue]

Hey, Miss Flanagan! I wanted to ask a small question.

Does it make you feel uncomfortable to voice Naruto when he's flirting with Sakura or some other girl? Not being offensive or anything. Just wanted to know how you felt about it, that's all. :)

[Danny Lilithborne]

Hiya Ms. Flanagan. I like your website:)

[Prodigy-child]

I've missed a lot while I was gone! And it was only a week! XD

Welcome, Maile! Even though the welcome was late. ^__^

I must admit that your Naruto was all right in my opinion, just all right--in the beginning at least. But as each episode is passing, you've been improving, which is what's most important at the moment. And now I'm lovin' it! I applaud you! ^^

[Shika-Chou]

Welcome to the forums. Hope you enjoy your stay here

[Vaizard]

Welcome Maile. I have to say you're doing a great job, especially considering the character you're voicing. I think Naruto has one of the more difficult and unique voices in all the series. Keep up the amazing job. You're getting better with each and every episode.

[Kirsten]

You know... I was gonna post something really really rude. Maybe one of them trademark analogies of mine but I guess discretion was the better part of valor today and I decided not too.

This thread clearly is no place for me.





P.S.
Seriously dudes... Talk about brown nosing... Ack!
I'm really sorry ! I meant to give you neg-rep, but I accidently gave you positive rep (I think). You got off easy this time, punk. If you hate the dub, why do you keep coming back to the English Naruto Section?

MAILE! I've gotta question for ya! :amuse

Who's your favorite Naruto character? :shifty

[mailenaruto]

Ok, here are some answers:
no, i haven't started doing the movie
yes, we have a library of Japanese terms and names that we reference
we also called VIZ in SF to get pronunciations if they aren't in the library
the library was recorded by Japanese employees of VIZ, I believe
yes, they are a stickler for pronunciation, but sometimes they even disagree about how to prnounce things

[Nathan]

.... Maile Flanagan... is here? -faints-

I really love your Naruto Voice over. When I first watched the dub I've never heard the Japanese voices so I didn't know what to expect, but I really liked your Naruto.

And welcome to the boards! ^________^

Edit: Your name is pronounced 'Miley'? :huh I always thought it was pronounced 'Mayley'... whoops, my mistake. :wink

[Hi no Neko]

Gasp! It's Maile!

E-HUG!

I've been lovin' the dub, you seem to have found the perfect "annoying 12-year-old with a heart of gold" voice for Naruto. :)

Don't really have a question, just wanted to pat you on the back for a job well done.

[Utz]

Great to have you with us on the forums Ms. Flanagan. Thank you for honoring NarutoForums with your prescence :amuse. Enjoy your stay, and keep up the terrific voice-over for Naruto!

[Yusuke Urameshi]

I bet alot of these people sword to hate you but now you're on the boards it makes all the difference.... I supported Maile and liked her ever since episode 1. I doubt I could say that for someone else.

[Ritzbitz8]

I have a question. Since you're the main character of the series, you must get called in a lot huh? About how much recording do you do per week?

[djfalcon]

welcome to the boards! i started out watching the dubbed episodes so i really cant complain about the voice. But i do now watch both versions; and really i was shocked that both voices for naruto were pretty similar. I mean sometimes the 2 VA sound completely different(not that thats bad), but i was just a lil shocked.

[narutofan1010]

hey how did they alter your voice when Naruto was drawing the nintailed fox chakra because it sounded awsome

[Bobcat1]

I have a question :).

In the fight with Haku, when you go Kyuubi (Demon fox), you and the sound mixers made your voice go demonlike. They didn't do this in the japanese version, but I thought it was absolutely awesome. It's one of the things that I prefered the dubbed over the jap version. But in the Forest of Death fight with Orochimaru when you go Kyuubi, the demon voice isn't done. Granted the voice is still very rough and still appropriot (if you compare to the japanese one), But I thought it was rather strange that VIZ suddenly didn't want to do the demon voice anymore. Do you know why this is?

P.S. You're doing a brilliant job.

[gokuden553]

hey how did they alter your voice when Naruto was drawing the nintailed fox chakra because it sounded awsome

Ye the way that was altered was awsome:)

[Masaki]

Come to think of it, why wasn't there an altered voice when Naruto transformed against Orochimaru?

[Steel Guardian]

Greetings, Maile! What's good? Terrific job on Naruto! Goes to show you how much VAs care when they visit the fans.

[angieness]

Say what you want, I'm thrilled to have Maile here. Naruto has always been my favorite character and I had pretty high expectations of the dub voice. Maile hasn't disappointed me, when I read the manga I can't help but hear her version of Naruto. Not brown nosing or anything, but I've been into anime for about 11-12 years and I've seen some pretty awful dubs, Naruto isn't one of them. I'm extremely happy with how the dub has come out, and Maile is one of my favorites in the dub. It's also amazing to see how involved the voice actors are with the fan community, I've never seen this sort of thing happen

[Bobcat1]

Come to think of it, why wasn't there an altered voice when Naruto transformed against Orochimaru?

did you even read my post about 2 posts up? :huh

in the fight with Haku, when you go Kyuubi (Demon fox), you and the sound mixers made your voice go demonlike. They didn't do this in the japanese version, but I thought it was absolutely awesome. It's one of the things that I prefered the dubbed over the jap version. But in the Forest of Death fight with Orochimaru when you go Kyuubi, the demon voice isn't done.

[Darksbane]

Cool another VA in the fourms and good job on the naruto voicesmile-big

[Loki]

Well what can I say man youre voice is funny im waching now the Eng. verson of naruto heheheeh :P :P ^^"belive it!"

youre doing a prfect job...and dont forget the word "belive it"

Loki ;)

[azzydakiller]

i agree with loki i though that translating dattebayo was a great idea and i praise both you and the translators for keeping that part of naroto's personality.
also i though your voice for naruto was prettygood from the start... you really portrayed narutos eneregtic hyperactiveness and obnoxious attitude fairly well

however like some others pointed out i think some scenes could have been acted better...(like the zabuza scene) also while i dont know if you've done it aswell some VO have gotten the pronuciatin of the names wrong. for example saying things like "narutoe" "saucekay" i know that its different language and all
and that japanese is far more phonetic... but i still hope you people will improve on it

[Yondy]

Welcome to NF :whoo

You did a pretty nice job on Naruto's voice :amuse

How far are you in the Naruto manga?

[nagareboshi]

Oouu; Another VA! Kool!
I think you're doing a great job as Naruto, he must've of been hard to find a good voice for him! ^^
"Believe it!" is kinda annoying, but thats the writters fault, so meh! O:

Anyways, Welcome~! and ... Great job on Naruto! ^____^

[lo0p]

Good to have you here! Naruto's my favorite character and I think you've been doing an excellent job, which can't possibly be easy considering the wide range of emotions Naruto goes through.

[Knight of Fate]

Its Maile~! Hey Maile!
*gets an invinsible autograph*

[Loki]

Oh ya thats right...can you send me an autograph,Malie??=]

[Masaki]

did you even read my post about 2 posts up? :huh

I skim threads of this size.

[The Black Knight]

I haven't seen many dub episodes, and i haven't payed attention to it. But have the Japanese employees instruct you VA's on pronounciating the Japanese 'R.' Where instead of curling your tounge back hard for an English 'R,' you relax it more and put your tounge on the gums behind your front teeth when saying it. So it kind of sounds like an 'l' and 'r' mixed. I never payed attention and I always forget to pay attention or catch the dub when it comes on, but I'm just wondering if they told you about this when pronouncing the names.

I've alse heard one character say kakashi's names as kuh-kah-shi when it should be kah-kah-shi, with the two 'ka's' sounding the same.

[FreakingWesley]

I have a question for you. :amazed
How come that Gaara's VA hardly has time to post, and it seems like you have all the time?
Sorry if that came over non-beleiving or mean, just a normal question. :)

[ThatOneGuyFromBefore]

I have a question for you. :amazed
How come that Gaara's VA hardly has time to post, and it seems like you have all the time?
Sorry if that came over non-beleiving or mean, just a normal question. :)

Yeah, really. And Gaara has even LESS lines than Naruto. Much less. Oh well. If it's really you, great job on Naruto, and I hope you continue to improve.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Wow, glad to see you here. I enjoy your Naruto voice. Although I do prefer Junko Takeuchi's, you've done a good job at capturing a very 'out there' character.

Kudos.

[Gene]

It's awesome to see the VA of Naruto posting on these forums. Just wanted to say you're doing a terrific job voicing Naruto and to keep up the good work. :thumbs

[Katamari Naruto]

Hi Maile! You are doing an awesome job! Keep up the good work! ^_^

[shinobiinthemist]

Don't Stop saying believe it!!
It's the best part of naruto
It easily makes the dub better than the sub
please don't stop!!

[hakke]

You know... I was gonna post something really really rude. Maybe one of them trademark analogies of mine but I guess discretion was the better part of valor today and I decided not too.

This thread clearly is no place for me.





P.S.
Seriously dudes... Talk about brown nosing... Ack!

Hi Maile, good to see you here talking with us fans... btw, you should´ve seen the things this guy said about you... the guy would dream up about torture and seppuku and he just wasted his time trying to convince someone how "awful" you were. I was hoping for a big entrance by him but he chickened out... maybe some other time

on topic:

The shoes are certainly big to fill... and you are now 10000% better than when you did ep1, and I congratulate you on that. Carry on with the great work.

[FreakingWesley]

Oh and another question.
Could you ask your producer if you could stop saying BELIEVE IT?
It's annoying. :notrust

[Knight of Fate]

on topic:

The shoes are certainly big to fill... and you are now 10000% better than when you did ep1, and I congratulate you on that. Carry on with the great work.

Thats right. And I think you did a great job on Kyuubi Naruto...talk about the demonic voice ~! :nuts

[AdvicE]

Why does Naruto say "believe it" so much?

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Oh and another question.
Could you ask your producer if you could stop saying BELIEVE IT?
It's annoying. :notrust

Please don't. Its perfect and captures the essence of Naruto perfectly. Its one of my favorite aspects of your performance, actually.

[Crush!]

Why does Naruto say "believe it" so much?

Why does he say "Dattebayo" so much?

[Freija the Dick]

Why does he say "Dattebayo" so much?
yeah, why does he ?

[Kirsten]

Oh and another question.
Could you ask your producer if you could stop saying BELIEVE IT?
It's annoying. :notrust
Why don't you ask the producer yourself?! :nuts

She's a member on here, ya know. :P

[Last of the Arrancar]

Why don't you ask the producer yourself?!

She's a member on here, ya know.

It's so the kiddies can imitate it at the school yard !

Believe it ! Tebayo !Believe it ! Tebayo !Believe it ! Tebayo !Believe it ! Tebayo !

[FreakingWesley]

Why does he say "Dattebayo" so much?
I'm not entirely sure, but I believe it was something like this.
Some kind of Japanese folk say -desu after almost every sentance, Naruto is like this. Only he uses the 'tuff kid version' dattebayo.
Considering Naruto's age and personality, this makes sence for him.

At least way more sence than 'Believe it'.

Please don't. Its perfect and captures the essence of Naruto perfectly. Its one of my favorite aspects of your performance, actually.
Say that AFTER I put this lie detector on you. Then I'll consider believing you. Believe it!

[KuwabaraTheMan]

I'm not entirely sure, but I believe it was something like this.
Some kind of Japanese folk say -desu after almost every sentance, Naruto is like this. Only he uses the 'tuff kid version' dattebayo.
Considering Naruto's age and personality, this makes sence for him.

At least way more sence than 'Believe it'.
Uh, no.

'Dattebayo' is considered an increidbly childish and annoying way of speakiing.

Not a 'tuff kid' way of speaking.

'Believe It' is pretty similar.


And go ahead and put your 'lie detector' on me, I stand by what I said.

'Believe It' perfectly captures the essence of Naruto's character.

[kataimiko]

and some of them like the show better now than previously, so that's good!


yeah...about .5% of people prefer it more than the original. Good luck trying to convince people otherwise.


You have probably already read my other posts regarding my utter distaste for you as the VA for Naruto..so I won't waste everyone's time and post it in here. Although..I sort of already did. :sweatdrop :shifty


ive never seen so much ass kissing in my life...

I know..and it is fucking ridiculous...seriously.

People are so damn willing to voice their negative opinions about the VA's in other threads, but when the VA actually makes an account, they all go run and hide. And then we are left with the ass kissers.

[FreakingWesley]

Uh, no.

'Dattebayo' is considered an increidbly childish and annoying way of speakiing.

Not a 'tuff kid' way of speaking.

'Believe It' is pretty similar.


And go ahead and put your 'lie detector' on me, I stand by what I said.

'Believe It' perfectly captures the essence of Naruto's character.

I wrote it wrong. What I ment was Naruto tries to be a 'tuff kid' by speaking like that.
Sorry, I was seriously thinking you were being sarcastic. :huh
The only thing I really hate about 'Believe it!' is the points he says it.

I'm going to win, believe it! Makes sence.
When he throws shurikens and randomly says BELIEVE IT! It makes no sence.
The latter is in the GBA game at least, I don't watch the dub.

EDIT: Just curious, but do you watch the english or the japanese Naruto?

[KuwabaraTheMan]

I wrote it wrong. What I ment was Naruto tries to be a 'tuff kid' by speaking like that.
Sorry, I was seriously thinking you were being sarcastic. :huh
The only thing I really hate about 'Believe it!' is the points he says it.

I'm going to win, believe it! Makes sence.
When he throws shurikens and randomly says BELIEVE IT! It makes no sence.
The latter is in the GBA game at least, I don't watch the dub.

EDIT: Just curious, but do you watch the english or the japanese Naruto?


I watch both. I've been watching the Japanese version since it started in October 2002, and I've read all 304 chapters of the manga as well.

[FreakingWesley]

I watch both. I've been watching the Japanese version since it started in October 2002, and I've read all 304 chapters of the manga as well.

Ok, was just curious. :amuse

[S-Rogue]

Why is it with Wapanese wankers that everytime someone praises an English VA their called "ass-kissers" unless they're bashing every aspect of the dub?

Kind of rude if you ask me. If you have something negative to say then be reasonable about it. Don't just be a flaming troll. :notrust

[FreakingWesley]

Why is it with Wapanese wankers that everytime someone praises an English VA their called "ass-kissers" unless they're bashing every aspect of the dub?

Kind of rude if you ask me. If you have something negative to say then be reasonable about it. Don't just be a flaming troll. :notrust

He means that everyone is giving special attention to the VAs.
Well, I guess it IS special that they are here. But it's not fair to the non-VAs xD!

EDIT: 100 posts! Let's dance!
:dance:dance:dance

[Crush!]

Ok, that was a rhetorical question that I used to cleverly point out how idiotic it is to ask why Naruto says "Believe it" so much. It's clearly an adaption of his "Dattebayo" phrase and asking them to stop using it is pretty out there, to say the least.

Naruto uses Dattebayo because he's crying out for attention (And reinforcing his statements). It's the same reason why he uses "Believe it" so much. It is SUPPOSSED to be slightly annoying. If it annoys you, Viz has done their job.


People are so damn willing to voice their negative opinions about the VA's in other threads, but when the VA actually makes an account, they all go run and hide. And then we are left with the ass kissers.

Hey, as long as you rude assholes keep out, all the better. Some of us actually like to show some respect.

[Buladostriku]

Besides, ass-kissing is more like giving false praise in anticipation of a reward. We're just a bunch of raving fanboys/girls. BELIEVE IT!

[uncle jafuncle]

I always find out about VAs being here weeks/months later. Anyway, hey Maile, glad you're interested in what the fans have to say and you're willing to answer our questions.

Okay, now to be honest about my feelings on your performance: At first you sounded like a chain-smoking old woman to me.:P This has probably partially to do with voice direction and sound mixing, but I cringed the first time I heard it. >.<

It's grown on me though, and now I feel my initial reaction was a little elitist and judgemental. It's just hard to accept new voices for characters I've been hearing for years a certain way. I still can't fully accept the english versions and I probably never will. I have no constructive criticism that hasn't already been said and besides, my quelms have more to do with style than form so I'll leave it at that...

Oh well, you can't please 'em all and I guess this time I'm one of the dissatisfied that will just have to deal with it. Hear ya around...

[Kromagnum]

yeah...about .5% of people prefer it more than the original. Good luck trying to convince people otherwise.


You have probably already read my other posts regarding my utter distaste for you as the VA for Naruto..so I won't waste everyone's time and post it in here. Although..I sort of already did. :sweatdrop :shifty

I just love how anyone on the internet can pull statistics out their ass. For your information, 76.31% of all Naruto sub watchers prefer the dub over the sub. See, I can do it too. No, seriously, I do prefer the subs, as do many others, but never use made up statistics like that, it just makes most people completely disregard whatever you have to say.

Secondly, you might not realize it, but the final product of the dubbed voices is in the hands of the director as much as, if not more than, the voice actor him/herself. And I completely agree that 'Believe it,' while annoying, fits Naruto's character perfectly. On the subject of catchphrases though, I'm not real fond of Shikamaru's 'what a drag.' I know that 'troublesome' doesn't really work well with our language, but I'd have preferred a simple 'this sucks.'

[Hawaiian_Gurl8o8]

ALL RIGHT ENOUGH OF THIS NEGATIVE COMMENTS !!!

Back on topic Please and thank you : )

Maile how long do you stay in the sound booth ? and how did you get the part of Naruto did you auditions the role or Someone called you in and ask you to be Naruto ?

[Crush!]

please do shut up

say what you want but it stays
ass kissing

most people here didnt even like the dub when it first came out

What the hell are you even basing this on?

Your opinion?

In my opinion MOST of the people on the internet (and especially in this forum) are loser nerds who just bitch about everything.

I was actually here when the dub premiered. I'd say MOST of the people in this forum liked it, as the episode poll results showed quite well.

[Splintered]

You guys need to take it down a notch.

And yes, lots of people like the dub as much as people dislike the dub. Just because they praise an aspect they like doesn't make them asskissers. Stop.

[Masaki]

I'd give my opinion on Believe it, but Crush pretty much said everything I wanted to say.

He also confirmed that -ttebayo reinforces a statement. I wasn't too sure about it.

[Jaga]

hey Maile. You do a great job of Naruto in english. I got hooked to Naruto once I saw it in english.. believe it!

[Kirsten]

yeah...about .5% of people prefer it more than the original.
I'm guessing that .5% would be me. :lmao
People are so damn willing to voice their negative opinions about the VA's in other threads, but when the VA actually makes an account, they all go run and hide. And then we are left with the ass kissers.
Yeah, I'm getting sick of this. I've seen a whole mess of people 'cheering Maile on' in this thread, when they are talking B.S. about her voice in other ones. :notrust

Maile, I have never said anything bad about your voice. I've liked it from the get-go. :thumbs

[gokuden553]

ALL RIGHT ENOUGH OF THIS NEGATIVE COMMENTS !!!

Back on topic Please and thank you : )

Maile how long do you stay in the sound booth ? and how did you get the part of Naruto did you auditions the role or Someone called you in and ask you to be Naruto ?

Ye, enough bashing... back on topic please ^^;

[FreakingWesley]

You got me there with 'Believe it'.
I guess -tebayo doesn't annoy me, as it took me a while to figure out it wasn't a normal japanese word.
Maybe we should ask a Japanese person. :P

[S-Rogue]

please do shut up

say what you want but it stays
ass kissing

most people here didnt even like the dub when it first came out

No can do, friend. I have many things to say! :amuse


But anyway, lets stop with the bashing and leave it be. It's really getting us nowhere.

[Last of the Arrancar]

does anyone have a small audio sample , I never watched the dub ....

[Kirsten]

does anyone have a small audio sample , I never watched the dub ....
Yeah, I'll PM you one. :wink


Ms. Flanagan,
Who is your favorite Naruto character?

[Orochi no Ryo]

I dislike your voice acting abilities. That is all.

[mailenaruto]

About the rolling "R's" - we know the proper Japanese pronunciation and we do hear it from native Japanese speakers, BUT it's a choice not to roll them because we don't roll all the "R's" in the show. We tend to soften the R's - like in "Sakura". A few times I rolled the R's (like you suggested) but it doesn't sound organic to the rest of their show. It's their choice and I think it makes sense -- we're doing an English version of the show, and it's Americanized for this audience. I know it sounds different, but in general, it's a choice.

[Crush!]

I don't really think rolled R's are neccesary for the American version.

I think I've heard Yuri(Sasuke) rolling most of his, though. But I hear he's a fluent Japanese speaker.

[Sumoni]

About the rolling "R's" - we know the proper Japanese pronunciation and we do hear it from native Japanese speakers, BUT it's a choice not to roll them because we don't roll all the "R's" in the show. We tend to soften the R's - like in "Sakura". A few times I rolled the R's (like you suggested) but it doesn't sound organic to the rest of their show. It's their choice and I think it makes sense -- we're doing an English version of the show, and it's Americanized for this audience. I know it sounds different, but in general, it's a choice.

I see what you mean by that. Some ppl say in other languages they rool the "R's", but in those languages rolling "R's" come naturally to them because they use it for their words anyways. Mmm...to ppl who haven't seen the subbed I don't think they care.

[Hawaiian_Gurl8o8]

I think I've heard Yuri(Sasuke) rolling most of his, though. But I hear he's a fluent Japanese speaker. Yup that is correct is he is Fluent in japanese , so am i i took 6 years of japanese and still learning :)

[Raven]

So what equipment are you using when you voice over?
I either want to make games or anime in the future and you're doing a damn good job.

[gokuden553]

You've got a great voice Maile, believe it:amuse

[TakinawaTonfa]

Hi Malie! I'm kinda new to the forums so I'm not sure if this has already been asked....

What do find to be the best and worst parts of doing a voice over? And what would you say you love and hate the most about the character you play, Naruto?

[Kirsten]

worst parts of doing a voice over?
Probably being bashed for her Naruto voice. :amuse

[narutois]

maile do you do the voice of zatch and luffy too? It sounds like you but im not sure oh and narutos voice is great p.s. who does itachi's voice?
and do yo like akamaru?

[TakinawaTonfa]

maile do you do the voice of zatch and luffy too? It sounds like you but im not sure oh and narutos voice is great p.s. who does itachi's voice?
and do yo like akamaru?

Zatch = Debbie Daybary

Luffy = Erica Schroder

[narutois]

I know some kids love naruto but their parents wont let them watch it if they the characters on naruto start using bad language like the jappanese verson there isint any bad language in the english one ever is there because Id hate thoes kids not to be able to watch there favorite favorite show
theres none right?

[Masaki]

I recall when the Sharingan was first mentioned that some people said you didn't pronounce it very well. This is probably because of the "r" issue. However, I think it was good that it wasn't 100% because it makes Naruto really sound clueless.

[Sumoni]

I know some kids love naruto but their parents wont let them watch it if they the characters on naruto start using bad language like the jappanese verson there isint any bad language in the english one ever is there because Id hate thoes kids not to be able to watch there favorite favorite show
theres none right?

I think on the uncutdvd. I doubt toonami would let anything more than a that sucks! Or that's bull! go for children to hear.

[Rukie]

I think on the uncutdvd. I doubt toonami would let anything more than a that sucks! Or that's bull! go for children to hear.

Don't speak too soon. Cartoon Network is, or has been, airing uncut Dragon Ball Z episodes, which contain more blood than the original, scenes that were originally cut out (hence, uncut), and mild cussing. The voices were re-done, too, by all of the actors that played the voices in the later years of the dub. I was surprised, and at the same time, pleased. I like seeing uncut anime, and Cartoon Network was very brave to air it.

Maybe, when and if Naruto's popularity begins to decrease (around fillers, maybe), they may do the same to it.

[Sumoni]

That's cool, my b/f was telling me about that since I don't watch DBZ. I think that would be really cool.

[Wickerman]

Welcome to the forums Maile, I hope you enjoy your stay. smile-big I have to say I very much like your Naruto voice. It is defintly one of my favorite voices on the show and I think you've done a very great job. Your dialouge in episode 18 was the most moving i've heard in any anime and probably why its my favorite episode of Naruto so far. I suppose thats a bit corny but its true, keep up the good work. smile-big

[TsunadeChic]

Maile, I think your voice work with Naruto is awesome. You do a wonderful job with the uber-happy Naruto and the serious Naruto.... it's natural, and I think that's what counts. It also sounds like you're having fun with the role, which is awesome as well. Keep up the great work!!

[Lost Mercenary]

Wht the?

I ONLY DISCOVER THIS THREAD NOW????

MAILE!!! DUDE!!! YOU ARE A GOD!!!!!:nuts :nuts

WE'RE NOT WORTHY!!!! WE'RE NOT WORTHY!!!! WE'RE NOT WORTHY!!!!

oh welcome btw. lol smile-big

[Maes]

You've done a great job with Naruto's voice, especially on episode 19. I think that episode was beautifully acted. I can't wait to hear some of the upcoming scenes, especially Naruto's words to Neji.

Also, would you please tell us as soon as you know what Naruto will call Jiraiya in the dub. In the sub he says Ero-Sennin which literally translates to Perverted hermit. I'm just wondering how exactly the dub will handle Jiraiya.

[Rukie]

I hope they keep the term "Ero Sennin." I mean, nothing else would sound right. And I doubt VIZ would let Naruto say the word "pervert" whenever he addresses Jiraiya.

[Sumoni]

ya never know, they might. I've read that Naruto's been getting away with a lot more than most animes toonami has shown.

[Lost Mercenary]

Mainly due to the glorious fact that Naruto isn't edited by 4kids! THEY ARE THE SCURGE OF EVIL!!!!

Maile. How many eps have you guys recorded so far?

[shinobiinthemist]

wow my rep went to hell
I don't care believe it
is the reason to watch naruto dub
It's 100000000X times better than the sub

[S-Rogue]

Why so many neg reps if you don't mind me asking, shinobiinthemist?

But I agree with what most are saying. Maile, you're doing a good job as Naruto. And I know you'll continue to get even better as the series goes on! I'll look forward to it more and more in every new episode. BA-LEAV-VIT!! smile-big

[gokuden553]

Mainly due to the glorious fact that Naruto isn't edited by 4kids! THEY ARE THE SCURGE OF EVIL!!!!

Maile. How many eps have you guys recorded so far?

Yes 4kids are the devil:P

[Kirsten]

I hope they keep the term "Ero Sennin." I mean, nothing else would sound right. And I doubt VIZ would let Naruto say the word "pervert" whenever he addresses Jiraiya.
Why not? Sakura called that random guy in episode 10 or 11 a pervert (the guy that grabbed her).

:oh

[Rotc Girl]

But that wasn't his title, and hearing it almost constantly would cause litle kids to start using it.

This might have already been asked and answered, but whats the deal with "Believe it!"? Is it just to take up time?

[theCommanderCardinal]

Hey, Maile! Welcome to the forums! It's wierd, but I've had dreams of meeting you in person before(you even said, "believe it!" in one of them! No kidding!), and I'va quick question that everyone else has probably already asked ya: have you read the Naruto manga before? If so, how didya think his voice would sound? No offense, but frankly, I always thought of his voice as being completely different from both depictions I've heard(well, as well as the other characters).

[TheVileOne]

Thanks for joining us on the forums Ms. Flanagan.

I hope yourself and the folks at Studiopolis also handle the English versions of the Naruto movies as well.

[CloudFlight]

I've been pondering whether or not to give my opinion on your voice on Naruto. Two conflicting sides of thoughts conflicted within me...."Should I tell her what's wrong?" .... "But it's her job, what right do I have to criticize her?" But no, our society functions on output and resolution, so that's why I'm here.

To be frank, your voice irks me and many others who watch the anime, both in Japanese audio, and in the English dubbed track. I find the voice to be barely tolerable at times, the accent you give Naruto is Southern-ish...but he's only thirteen. Could one develop such an accent at thirteen? Maybe yes...we'll see.

I know that Naruto's voice has to be unique and being annoying is his nature. The Japanese Voice Actor for Naruto is consistent in her accent. You are not. Well, thisis partly because she has more experience in musical art. Junko Takeuchi has done musicals in the past, so she knows how to control pitch and tone. Thus, she is able to define the anime, with a unique voice and style. While you do the same, it does not produce the same effect to the anime as her.

There's my output. I may well see no change at all, or you can heed my words and improve.

I can also see that I've upset a lot of kids today. Let's see how far my negative reps go.

[Rukie]

I've been pondering whether or not to give my opinion on your voice on Naruto. Two conflicting sides of thoughts conflicted within me...."Should I tell her what's wrong?" .... "But it's her job, what right do I have to criticize her?" But no, our society functions on output and resolution, so that's why I'm here.

To be frank, your voice irks me and many others who watch the anime, both in Japanese audio, and in the English dubbed track. I find the voice to be barely tolerable at times, the accent you give Naruto is Southern-ish...but he's only thirteen. Could one develop such an accent at thirteen? Maybe yes...we'll see.

I know that Naruto's voice has to be unique and being annoying is his nature. The Japanese Voice Actor for Naruto is consistent in her accent. You are not. Well, thisis partly because she has more experience in musical art. Junko Takeuchi has done musicals in the past, so she knows how to control pitch and tone. Thus, she is able to define the anime, with a unique voice and style. While you do the same, it does not produce the same effect to the anime as her.

There's my output. I may well see no change at all, or you can heed my words and improve.

I can also see that I've upset a lot of kids today. Let's see how far my negative reps go.

Actually, you did well posting in a positive way... even though the message itself wasn't all that positive. I think it's been said by a VA before (probably Kyle) that the director handles how the voices are to be done. Of course, I think the actors are allowed to discuss the matter with them, but in the end, it's mostly the director's dicision. Correct me if I'm wrong on this.

[The Black Knight]

About the rolling "R's" - we know the proper Japanese pronunciation and we do hear it from native Japanese speakers, BUT it's a choice not to roll them because we don't roll all the "R's" in the show. We tend to soften the R's - like in "Sakura". A few times I rolled the R's (like you suggested) but it doesn't sound organic to the rest of their show. It's their choice and I think it makes sense -- we're doing an English version of the show, and it's Americanized for this audience. I know it sounds different, but in general, it's a choice.


Okay, just wondering because I forget to catch the dubs and pay attention. And for the sake of argument, It's not a rolled 'r.':amuse It's just a more relaxed version. The English 'r,' is more tense and harsh, with the tongue curled far back. I don't mind an American 'R,' it was just something that sparked my curisioty. (Yes, I speak Japanese....I'm 1/4th JP. :amuse ).

Anyway good job on the VA-ing your VO is really improving. I agree with you and what lots of people said; The poiint is not to sound like the Japanese version, but to capture the same feeling and emotion (with good VA-ing of course :amuse).

[theCommanderCardinal]

Anyway good job on the VA-ing your VO is really improving. I agree with you and what lots of people said; The poiint is not to sound like the Japanese version, but to capture the same feeling and emotion (with good VA-ing of course :amuse).

Yeah, that makes a lot of sense to me. When I talk to people about Naruto, about the first thing they blurt out is,"DAMN, the English version sucked!!" and only drool over the Japanese voices,which are pretty good, but the feeling conveyed in your lines is what matters-not how closely you can imitate someone else. I think it has a lot to do with how the actor sees the character he or she is portraying, and Maile got an A+ by that note! Good comment!

[Sumoni]

^I think that's so too. It kind sux, because some ppl would probably be happy with the voices the VAs think they should do. But ya know....that company just calls all the shots. Meanies.

[The Black Knight]

....although I do have some issues, like everyone else, with the Zabuza scene

[Sasuke_Uchiha13]

doesn't it get anoying saying believe it all the time?:huh
(hee hee sasuke fan, but I like naruto for his incredible stamina and never give up attitude, Sasuke's just bad... well you know)

[BlitzMetaru]

Woah... You play Naruto? That's so awesome! I hope to meet you. How? *holds up GamePro contest form* I entered a contest a few months back to be a VO for Naruto. I don't even know if they chose a winner yet :cry .
Did they? If they did my dream is ruined. RUINED. Anyway, if you haven't noticed yet, I'm very random.

[Sasuke_Uchiha13]

Woah... You play Naruto? That's so awesome! I hope to meet you. How? *holds up GamePro contest form* I entered a contest a few months back to be a VO for Naruto. I don't even know if they chose a winner yet :cry .
Did they? If they did my dream is ruined. RUINED. Anyway, if you haven't noticed yet, I'm very random.
So am I, so am I.

[iriseyes]

You know, I don't love you voice, gomene. ^^; I've done dubs before (most notably .hack//sign) and I've learned to speak in my range and not pitch it up or down. When I played Mimiru I had to shove it up a little higher than I wanted and I never did like the result.

[ChopinsLady]

Howdy...LOVE the voice for Naruto, he is such an idiot but your voice goes with him perfect, good job keep up the good work!! ^_^

[Throes]

I don't think you were able to answer my last question, so I'll quote from my last post.
What goes through your mind when you hear your voice underneath a character on TV or DVD, or see yourself in a movie/TV show, etc?

[XanBcoo]

You know, I don't love you voice, gomene. ^^; I've done dubs before (most notably .hack//sign) and I've learned to speak in my range and not pitch it up or down. When I played Mimiru I had to shove it up a little higher than I wanted and I never did like the result.
I'm sorry for the off-topic, but could you clarify this? Are you saying you did the English dub for .hack//sign or are you saying you just auditioned? I highly doubt you are Amanda Winn Lee. If you are, then color me suprised.

And for the sake of argument, It's not a rolled 'r.' It's just a more relaxed version. The English 'r,' is more tense and harsh, with the tongue curled far back. I don't mind an American 'R,' it was just something that sparked my curisioty. (Yes, I speak Japanese....I'm 1/4th JP. )
More clarification: Japanese uses an R sound called an alveolar flap. It's most similar to the r's found in Spanish words like "pero" or "para" except it hits the roof of the mouth slightly more with the flat part of the tongue rather than the tip. It's realllly similar to a D sound, kind of like how a lot of English speakers pronounce "ladder" or "water" when they are speaking quickly. The more common English R is called an approximant (meaning the tounge doesn't touch the roof of the mouth, but comes close) or a rettroflex (where the toung curls slightly). It's what you hear when you say stuff like "rewatch" or even "write". I'd venture to say that the English R is more "relaxed" than the flap or trill (like the rr sound in Spanish), but I'm not sure.

What does this have to do with the dub? I would much prefer them to use the English retroflex R's. It sounds more natural to an English-speaking audience (which is who the dub is for, afterall). To me, using the Japanese R's would make the actors sound either incredibly pretentious. Either that or they'd sound like FOBs. It sounds more natural to me to hear and English speaker say "Naruto" the way the dub is now. Funny, though, for words like Gaara and Sharingan, they decided to use the flapped R. I wonder why that was. Why the inconsistency?

[Takagou]

Maile-chan!?!? *bows* ;_; I love meeting VA's... I actualy met the voice actor of Iruka at Anime Central a week ago! You should have come, tons of Naruto fans are crazy about you ^_^

[Kurosaki]

Hello! I love how you make Naruto sound. It's really cool! Keep up the good work on that. My question for you is do you have a favorite episode? And which one would that be?

[Tobi]

Maile-chan! I never heard you are here in this NarutoFan Forum.

I would like to hear your voice of Naruto when I will go to America/Canada on holiday. I'm so exctied to hear that.

I'm glad about that!


Here my question,
Are you speak Japanese don't you?
You will VA as Naruto in the movie?

Thank you.

[Snake-Eyes]

i thought these forums were very popular but i never knew that the actual voice actors go here. that makes me feel weird? How did you find these forums? Did someone reccommend?

[Triggerhappy69]

Hey, Maile, weren't u on an episode of Grey's Anatomy? I coulda swore that was you bitchin at Grey about somethin.

[Rukie]

i thought these forums were very popular but i never knew that the actual voice actors go here. that makes me feel weird? How did you find these forums? Did someone reccommend?

Word probably got around through Kyle Hebert (Kiba's VA). Kyle was the first VA to show up, and he mentioned the site to the director of the dub (who also visits from time to time). She sees all of the VAs when they record, so she's probably contributed greatly to the word getting spread around.

[DubNaruto346]

Hi and welcome to the Naruto Boards Maile. I have 2 questions for you if you don't mind.

1.What ep. are you guys going to record next?

2.Have any of the producers told you about a guy named Jiraiya yet?

[beautycharmaine]

Please ignore all the negative comment, I think you are awsome from the beginning. I used to hate Naruto a lot, I thought he was just a loud and annoying kid when I watch the sub. However, when I watch the dub week by week, Naruto really has grown in me. I think he is really kute now. :) and deserve to be the main lead.

[Snake-Eyes]

that's kinda cool that va's come here. i have a question too. Did you like the show and/or manga before you va for naruto?

[Dorkpie]

I love Naruto. lol I watch the sub and read the manga more than the dub (sorry!) cause of all the edits.. but still a pretty good dub. Honor seeing you on here. Do you got any contact with the real creator? :P

[Suzumebachi]

Do you got any contact with the real creator?

Probably not. He's kind of an ass.

[gokuden553]

Hello! I love how you make Naruto sound. It's really cool! Keep up the good work on that. My question for you is do you have a favorite episode? And which one would that be?

Ye what's your faverourite episode Maile:amuse

[beautycharmaine]

I think she is quite busy now with Naruto. I hope you enjoy your character, maile. He is an adorable kid.

[Snake-Eyes]

i saw the interview in the shonen jump I got yesterday about what character you would be if you weren't the character you are already, along with some other people. I think choji is funny too, but it would be kinda creepy if you did his dub, in my opinion.

[beautycharmaine]

can u poost that clip snake-eyes :P

[SunOfAlubarna]

Welcome to the forums, VA of Naruto! *big grin*

Your voice is overall pretty good, only that I don't like the high-pitching that much.. or I mean, you should tone it down a bit. Other than that..

.. "BELIEVE IT~!!" owns. lol. >_>

[Sketchor]

Your Naruto is really shaping up. Keep up the good work.

[gokuden553]

Your Naruto is really shaping up. Keep up the good work.

It sure is:amuse

[Sasuke_Uchiha13]

I think she is quite busy now with Naruto. I hope you enjoy your character, maile. He is an adorable kid.
Wait... did you say she! I didn't know that! Put that as a mental note!

[BeansyMcPork]

Yes, Maile Flanagan is a woman. Maile, I think you've done an excellent job so far with Naruto, and I hope you don't take this the wrong way but you do a great job of making Naruto sound convincingly male ;), surpasing the original Japanese VA in that department. So um, yeah. Just my two cents.

[Spiral Man]

Coolness.
Ello and welcome to NF.

-Lizard-kun

[Air Grady]

A lot of people seem to dislike Naruto's voice in the english version, but personally, I have no problem with it. I think your voice perfectly first Naruto's character. Keep up the good work.

[Hyuuga_Neji]

I would just like to ask if you have or will be doing a all english uncensored version of naruto?

[Sabakumike]

man another english voice actor, this is amazing

welcome to the forums, your naruto voice is great

[BeansyMcPork]

I would just like to ask if you have or will be doing a all english uncensored version of naruto?

I can't answer for Ms. Flanagan, but I don't believe any of the dialogue was cut from Naruto in the first place, just some of the violence, (and the accidental kiss from the second episode which they later showed in flashbacks anyway). This isn't like Dragonball Z, there should be nothing for her to re-dub. Even if that wasn't the case, I'd think they'd do both version at the same time.

At any rate an uncut boxset of the first 13 episodes is coming out this summer, complete with original opening/ending themes/credits and all the original background music (although most of that was intact to begin with). Presumably more will follow.

[Moonlit]

wait, japenease version and english version of Naruto played by girl voice actors?! i never knew that, cool
anyhoo, great work!

[AoiJounin_Mizu]

yes, it's really me.
as for pitch - ha! - they usually pitch me down if i get too up there (even though it is higher in the japanese version - her version/voice of Naruto is higher, so i guess they want me lower)


So doing naruto's voice does it hurt your vocals doing that trying to sound like that

You rock as naruto and episode 2 made me laugh so hard I fell off my bed because it was funny watching in dub because I was use to sub titles so I never really got to see what happen in the episode and miss some of the good parts but that was great ^_^ I love naruto at school I cosplay at naruto for Super Hero day ^_^

[harp_devil]

Hey its great to have the VA's on here, nice personal touch.
Maile, I gotta admit that at first I didnt like your take on Naruto's voice, but all I had seen was when he nearly slips off the tree and sticks with his chakra and says "haha, just kidding!". I thought that was too OTT, but as that was all i'd seen, I think i was too quick to pass judgement. However now I have watched a scene from the chuunin exam when they face Orochimaru and I think you did a great job, so I apologise for my preconceptions.
And as you say, im sure it does take a while to get used to a role and to develop it personally.

So great job, but still I have one small gripe I hope you could pass on. Everyone in the english dub puts an emphasis on the 'na' part of 'Naruto' which i think sounds a bit basic and dumb, and unrealistic for some reason. So I dont know if this is a desision you guys can make, but perhaps you could think about changing the emphasis to the 'ru' part? I think this fits alot better, alot more like the original (perhaps thats why I think it sounds wrong?)

Anyways, great to 'meet' you, and i look forward to what you have to say. I would have liked to have gone to the London Expo, but couldnt make it. Hope you had a good time!

[Catterix]

wait, japenease version and english version of Naruto played by girl voice actors?! i never knew that, cool
anyhoo, great work!

... and countless other posts of the same response just shows how good your are Maile at creating a young teenage boy's voice without sounding too womanly!

Btw, I'm a british fan of Naruto, and I heard that you were at the Anime EXPO yesterday... I SO wanted to go :cry But I was going to the Premiere of Poseidon and the aftershow party afterwards as well, so that was awesome. But still, Naruto coming to the UK?! PLEASE show at the October EXPO, I really wanna say hi!

Anyway, geeky fanboyness over, I think you do a really good job (I've seen clips) and I think you did a fantastic job with your speech's in episode 19. As that's my favourite episode (Its the first animated piece to ever make me cry since I was 4!) I was so glad at how well you did it. Thank you and keep working hard! :)

[gokuden553]

... and countless other posts of the same response just shows how good your are Maile at creating a young teenage boy's voice without sounding too womanly!

Btw, I'm a british fan of Naruto, and I heard that you were at the Anime EXPO yesterday... I SO wanted to go :cry But I was going to the Premiere of Poseidon and the aftershow party afterwards as well, so that was awesome. But still, Naruto coming to the UK?! PLEASE show at the October EXPO, I really wanna say hi!

Anyway, geeky fanboyness over, I think you do a really good job (I've seen clips) and I think you did a fantastic job with your speech's in episode 19. As that's my favourite episode (Its the first animated piece to ever make me cry since I was 4!) I was so glad at how well you did it. Thank you and keep working hard! :)

Same here I'm a british fan of Naruto aswell:amuse

[Danielle]

Naruto's here as well!? Welcome! I hope you enjoy your stay. :wink Your voice has really grown on me. I love it. I hope you're here for the long ride. The show's pretty long. :)

[gokuden553]

Naruto's here as well!? Welcome! I hope you enjoy your stay. :wink Your voice has really grown on me. I love it. I hope you're here for the long ride. The show's pretty long. :)

Ye it's growing on me aswell:amuse

[Naruto Ninja44]

Yeah your voice was shaky at first, now it's awsm! Welcome to NF Maile!

[Master of Jutsu]

Welcome to NF! I think your voice is really good for Naruto. I have one question. How many Naruto episodes have the cast of Naruto dubbed already?

[kyuubiotaku]

...she hasn't responded in about a month or more. Guess she's busy with the show (understanable, what with playing the title character who's in almost every single episode).

[gokuden553]

...she hasn't responded in about a month or more. Guess she's busy with the show (understanable, what with playing the title character who's in almost every single episode).

Ye she must be very busy with the show, I'm looking forward to her next reply in the future:amuse

[Uzumaki Jiraiya]

I have a few more questions.

1. I'm sure this is among the top question you get from fans, but since it hasn't been posted hear yet: What exactly is with the phrase "Believe it?" And is it true that you're planning on cutting back on using it?

2. I'm sure you're aware by now that Naruto is trying to follow his own ninja way, as he called it in the dub, "The way of the Naruto." Was it a mistake at the end of the Chuunin written exam when he said "the way of the ninja," as opposed to "my way of the ninja?"

3. Are you currently doing any other VA work other than for Naruto?

1)if some1 hasnt already answered Beleive it covers up the mouth flaps the phrase -ttebayo causes. -ttebayo is an enthusiastic i said.pefect for an energetic ninja like naruto

[gokuden553]

1)if some1 hasnt already answered Beleive it covers up the mouth flaps the phrase -ttebayo causes. -ttebayo is an enthusiastic i said.pefect for an energetic ninja like naruto

Ah I see thanx:amuse

[***sasuke**fan***]

*screams in delight* I CAN'T BELIVE YOUR HERE ON THIS FORUM OMG!!!!!! I LUV YOUR WORK AS NARUTO OMG OMG OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ME LUV MAILE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!