It’s exciting when a piece of what I consider to be my nerd history is willing to talk about their involvement. If you are a transformers fan, it’d be hard to miss the name Frank Welker. He has been the voice actor behind everything from Scooby-Doo to Megatron. Being a bit of a Transformers fan I focused on the Megatron side of things in this short interview. We here at BigShinyRobot would like to again thank Mr. Welker for his time. Please note that the awesome emanating from the interview is hard to do justice. He signed the email, Megatron leader of the decepticons. Read on folks here is the Interview!
BSR:Thanks again for the opportunity and Frank, thank you for taking the time.
F.W.My Pleasure!
BSR: This isn’t your first gig voicing a Transformer, what is the difference in the voice work you do as Megatron now as opposed to the earlier years?
F.W.: In the G1 shows we didn’t have a lot of time to develop the story and there were so many characters and loads of action that we were driving our characters at top speed all the time. In the new show “Transformers Prime” there is much more focus on individual characters and their stories. Plus threaded shows and episodes devoted to an individual’s problem allows us more time for slow builds and subtle approaches to the dialog. This is an enjoyable area to explore….we don’t have to continually drive over an aggressive action track. Not to say wedon’t have plenty of action, we do..but we are allowed to get there more slowly and I think less characters in each show along with more in depth stories gives me time to play with both the vocal and acting range.
BSR: In my opinion (and I’m sure many of our readers) you voiced the Transformers that I grew up loving, before Michael Bay hurt their purity, what is it like being the voice of some of our favorite characters?
F.W.: It still shocks me to think that I am in the category you mention. It is always a thrill to find out that there are fans out there that like your work and have been so supportive for so many years…it means a lot!
BSR: Do you have a favorite Transformer and why? Also is there a voice you like doing the most either from the current series Prime or from the 80’s?
F.W.: What am I going to say…Optimus Prime!!!!!! (Okay I do love that voice..but don’t tell Peter) Megatron of course! How can you not love doing one of the great villains of all time. So much fun. But I do love Soundwave and I am disappointed that I have not been given the role in “Transformers Prime.” Currently as you know he has no voice…I don’t really get that, I may be a bit prejudice since I have the Soundwave suit in my closet. Also, I would like to see Bumble Bee talk and that would be fun to take a shot at his speaking voice too! I guess for now I should be happy being Megatron, the guy who keeps destroying Optimus Primes dinner parties!
BSR: Thanks again for your time, and I look forward to seeing and hearing more of your work.
F.W.: Thank you Thomas for your interest and support.
Megatron Leader of the Decepticons!