AX Idol

[Whatocean]

Note: AX Idol = A singing and voice acting competition held by Anime Expo on the July 4th weekend in which the contestants compete for a chance to record their song or a small Bang Zoom demo, among other prizes. Some details at
http://anime-expo.org

====================

MAJOR UPDATE: 20080309

Hey guys,

Anime Expo has upped the ante for this year's AX Idol Competition.
The Voice Acting winner not only gets a chance at the studio....
They win a trip to Japan!
No, I'm dead serious!!
Not only that....
AX Idol is now a ticketed event. And the holder of the winner ticket stub number chosen at random will ALSO WIN a trip to Japan!

Here's a couple of new rules that a lot of people are going to hate:
-ABSOLUTELY NO MINORS. 18 and up
-People who've made finalist and onto the stage last year cannot compete this year and have to wait until 2009

I kind of hate that last part because I've had a lot of good friends who won't compete again this year! >_<

Anyway, more info here (http://www.anime-expo.org/2008/03/07/new-hosts-join-ax-idol-season-6-at-nokia-theatre-la-live/).
Register here (http://www.anime-expo.org/convention-info/programming/main-events/ax-idol/).

Oh yes,
Vic Mignogna and Jonathan from AnimeTV are the hosts this year!

====================

ORIGINAL POST
So AX Idol '07 videos have finally been released by Anime Expo.
These are not Hi-Quality, just fairly decent - a step up from the fan vids that we've seen so far.
For a bonus, I've thrown in the AX Idol '06 videos from my YouTube page as well.

AX Idol '06 Vids (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=A6EEFC2C1726955B) from me
AX Idol '07 Vids (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=6663038D1B605573) from my bud Jose


Check out some of our own VAA members:
'07
Feep - Jason Wishnov (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeDa2eDrGyw)
Haushinka - Kira Buckland (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBHKWbTfD1U)

Those who are interested in AX Idol '08, I have a couple things for you...
- Minors can compete, but need their parents' permission. I think you sign a waver or something
- If you are a professional already, you cannot enter. A lot of people need clarification on this, so I'll just say what Joe tells everyone.
If you've been paid for your singing and acting in the past, you are disqualified. That's all I know, please don't ask for anything more detailed than that. I was a contestant once and was fully qualified to compete in the past two years, even though I am disqualified now.
- This next part is important, although not in the official rules, but that may change very soon....
Bang Zoom Entertainment has become very insistent on winners of AX Idol to be local - that is, living in Southern California. They want you to be in their studio if they are possibly going to use you in the next potential anime.
That's why I STRONGLY ADVISE YOU that if you're going to compete, please be local.

Well, in any case, enjoy the vids! ^_^

[Yugure]

hey, I'm pretty sure Reno_7Turk1 was at AX 07 idol... I don't remember

[Erica]

I'm still jealous that Kira got complimented by Haruko Momoi ;_;

[Haushinka]

@__________@
I look like such a dork!

[Kai-chan]

Ooh, that looks like so much fun! Everyone did so well.

Minors can compete? I coulda swore it said 18 and over only..maybe I'll check it out this year, since I'm most likely going.

[Nick Tiner]

I am GOING to be in AX Idol 08!

...I mean it this time!

[Yugure]

Ooh, that looks like so much fun! Everyone did so well.

Minors can compete? I coulda swore it said 18 and over only..maybe I'll check it out this year, since I'm most likely going. trust me. Its 18+ unless you have MUCH PRE-APPROVED paperwork.

EDIT:
exactly 3:49 you see the Sakura? I'm 4 rows infront of her, just out of veiw with Reno_7Turk1 LOL

Hau-chan you rock socks with that evil laugh

[Katrina]

wow everyone did so well ^_________^ YEA! VAA POWER!!!~~ xD
man iam really jealous, they never do these kind of things here in the uk T___T if they did i so0o0o would go there for a shot!

Anyways, good job everyone!~~ and well done haushinka, your haruhi was amazing! ^___^

[Yugure]

Anyways, good job everyone!~~ and well done haushinka, your haruhi was amazing! ^___^

I hated how they treated her like she was retarded. The pros are so disrespectful in the way they talk!! Like they think it's some "big secret" of how to match up your mouth with a character and match voice and lines. My god! We fangirls aren't stupid, yo!

[Whatocean]

Actually, Yugure, there really is no need to be offended.
That's how directors and producers really talk.
Some are light on criticism, some are heavy, but most all of it is constructive.
If you're in the business, you really have to have a good sense of humor, thick skin, and/or learn to let everything go. If you get offended by little talk like this, professional voice acting will very rough on you.

Being teased all my life, I've learned how to let a lot of talk go.
^_^

[Suky]

Wow, I was looking for somthing like this for a while now.
Too bad it's in CA, I don't think there's anyway I can go there. TT__TT Besides that I have to ask my grandparants if I could go, and I can't go by myself. (plus the deadline on the sign-ups)
But it'll be awsome to see some of you guys there though.
Whatocean-san, do you know if there's some other orginizations like AX Idol?

[beckiebootwo]

I hated how they treated her like she was retarded. The pros are so disrespectful in the way they talk!! Like they think it's some "big secret" of how to match up your mouth with a character and match voice and lines. My god! We fangirls aren't stupid, yo!


And it's funny because a lot of clips I watch seem to have that very problem...
Good job, peoples. I wanna go!

[Haushinka]

I hated how they treated her like she was retarded. The pros are so disrespectful in the way they talk!! Like they think it's some "big secret" of how to match up your mouth with a character and match voice and lines. My god! We fangirls aren't stupid, yo!
I didn't see it that way. I think they were just surprised because normally people just getting started in voice acting don't really know how to do and time reactions. When I participated in the Sakura-Con voice acting contest, we were given just a dialogue script and had to match it up with a picture... and the girl was running, pushing things, etc. Surprisingly, I was the only one who vocalized those o__O;

[Yugure]

Ah, i see. ^^; maybe its just that I took it wrong.. but I really thought of their words that way.. @_@ Maybe I shouldn't watch youtube at 2 am.

[Azure]

Wow what cool clips, thanks for sharing! I've been wanting to see these ever since I hear you guys were in AXidol!

[Dymatrex]

Sweet! I remember participating in this back at AX '06, but I didn't make it past the first round.

Great to finally see videos of the finalists, though!

[Suky]

Does AX Idol travel around the US or they have the convension only in CA?

[Whatocean]

Whatocean-san, do you know if there's some other orginizations like AX Idol?New York Anime Festival (http://nyanimefestival.com/) on December 7-9 has something similar called Who Wants to be a Voice Actor? (http://www.nyanimefestival.com/en-us/493.cfm) The rules are very similar, but unlike AX Idol, even though you register, they will randomly pick contestants out of the registrants. Plus, they guarentee you a role if you win whereas AX Idol only lets you audition and get your voice in their database if you win. I don't know how that works exactly. And I don't know about other cons. Just look around.Does AX Idol travel around the US or they have the convension only in CA?Anime Expo was in New York in 2002 and Tokyo in 2004. However, AX Idol has been strictly a Southern California event at the main con.

[Suky]

Oh, thanks a bunch WhatOcean-san. Just wondering are you Viet or Korean or Chinese? You are the Bobby person right?

[Whatocean]

I'm Lao - an extreme minority in the world. ;p

[Okami-Kun]

Dear lord i hope they don't impose that rule. I'm hoping to make it down for AX 2008 and compete once again in AX Idol (that is if I don't get a professional role between now and then, which is looking 50/50). Anyways, great videos, I was hoping for them to be posted eventually, just so I can see Kira's performance once again (as well as the TRUE singing winner, Jose Sanchez). Good job to everyone! Ugh, I just wish they didn't use my clip in the "Tryouts" video...it makes me look like such a loser for saying "Yeah I've practiced this for over a year" and not being able to make it into the finalists x_x...

[Suky]

Lao, is for....*sorry I am really stupid when it comes to shortened names*
I was watching your audition clip thing and I was like 'aww, the MC is teasing WhatOcean's name' It's the same as when people are trying to say my grandparants' last name they say Tang instead of Tong. *the spelling is actually t-a-n-g pronounced Tong* People might call me Zao instead of the real pronounciation, but oh well. .___.;;

[P3RFECT]

New York Anime Festival (http://nyanimefestival.com/) on December 7-9 has something similar called Who Wants to be a Voice Actor? (http://www.nyanimefestival.com/en-us/493.cfm) The rules are very similar, but unlike AX Idol, even though you register, they will randomly pick contestants out of the registrants. Plus, they guarentee you a role if you win whereas AX Idol only lets you audition and get your voice in their database if you win.

Oh,snap. This sounds good. I think i'll give this a try.

[Seeshelle]

New York Anime Festival (http://nyanimefestival.com/) on December 7-9 has something similar called Who Wants to be a Voice Actor? (http://www.nyanimefestival.com/en-us/493.cfm) The rules are very similar, but unlike AX Idol, even though you register, they will randomly pick contestants out of the registrants. Plus, they guarentee you a role if you win whereas AX Idol only lets you audition and get your voice in their database if you win. I don't know how that works exactly. And I don't know about other cons. Just look around.Anime Expo was in New York in 2002 and Tokyo in 2004. However, AX Idol has been strictly a Southern California event at the main con.
Plus, you would have to go through these 'challenges' like they mentioned in the rules for NYAF. I found that part confusing..since I'm not sure what they were talking about. Can anyone explain?

[P3RFECT]

Plus, you would have to go through these 'challenges' like they mentioned in the rules for NYAF. I found that part confusing..since I'm not sure what they were talking about. Can anyone explain?

1.) Bring forth your own material and act it out. It has to be less then 1 minute.

2.) They give you some script with some unkown character you have to play.

3.) Dub an animation infront of them.

[Seeshelle]

1.) Bring forth your own material and act it out. It has to be less then 1 minute.

2.) They give you some script with some unkown character you have to play.

3.) Dub an animation infront of them.
Ohhh..I get it now. thanks for explaining! It sucks you have to be 18+
for AX IDOL, would it be okay if you joined again but for something else?
EX. entered the singing contest last year so this year you want to try the voice acting contest

[Jedirabiz]

Hey guys, I'm pretty new to the forum. I just wanna say, I was there for A/X Idol '06 and '07, tried out both times and didn't make it due to forgetting lines or stumbling on japanese. Anyways, a not efor people who actually want to participate, don't get sour to the judges like on of the other contestants did. This guy made it to the finals both years, but since he was a jerk he didn't win when he actually had a shot.

Also, here's another thing, if you don't get into the contest and approach voice actors or executives in voice acting companies DO NOT try to audition for them right then and there. Thats a sure fire way to screw up in the business. I've seen it happen.

I actually ended up getting some voice acting roles through dumb luck. It's just that simple sometimes, however there are a few things you should know.

The first is to be very polite and to work well with others. Nobody wants a diva in the recording booth.

The second is that just pure chance will not always get you anywhere, keep trying, but make it reasonable. To get into this business you need to know someone already in the business for the most part. If that's the case, then get to know people because opportunities like A/X idol are difficult to pull off because you are going up against voice actors of pretty high calibur.

Third, you actually need talent. If you can do a wide range of voices, you can probably start off as a character actor and move yourself up. The wider your range, the better your chances of getting in. One of the directors I worked with once told me that character actors have it the best because they don't get famous and then fall. If you get famous, one day you're hot and the next day you're not, people get tired of the same voice over and over again.

Anyways, I know this stuff is probably all just a given but I thought I'd share anyway.

[Whatocean]

We appreciate your insight on the business. Good tips there. But...This guy made it to the finals both years, but since he was a jerk he didn't win when he actually had a shot.Which guy are you referring to?
Do you mean Jason Wishnov, Jose Sanchez or me?

Just to set things straight:
1) Jason and I only made it to the finals for only one year each. And Jose is one of the most respectful performers I know.
2) There was static and misunderstanding between Jason and the host, Johnny Yong Bosch, in forums. Both guys may come off strong but they're still good guys.
3) If you thought I was a jerk, I'd like to know why you think so. If you can find a valid point, I'll apologize but right now I can't think of anything. I've only been advising people how this contest works. If you win, Bang Zoom really does like it if you're local so they can use you.
If you saw me at the con and thought I was a jerk, well, OK, I guess. I've been happy and respectful to everyone I meet.
I wish you wouldn't slander me or anyone else here on my thread, sir.

[Jedirabiz]

We appreciate your insight on the business. Good tips there. But...Which guy are you referring to?
Do you mean Jason Wishnov, Jose Sanchez or me, Bobby Thong?

Just to set things straight:
1) Jason and I only made it to the finals for only one year each. And Jose is one of the most respectful performers I know.
2) There was static and misunderstanding between Jason and the host, Johnny Yong Bosch, in forums. Both guys may come off strong but they're still good guys.
3) If you thought I was a jerk, I'd like to know why you think so. If you can find a valid point, I'll apologize but right now I can't think of anything. I've only been advising people how this contest works. If you win, Bang Zoom really does like it if you're local so they can use you.
If you saw me at the con and thought I was a jerk, well, OK, I guess. I've been happy and respectful to everyone I meet.
I wish you wouldn't slander me or anyone else here on my thread, sir.


It was none of you guys. You guys were all great. Jerk may be a strong thing to say, but I believe I read something Johnny had posted on his myspace blog after A/X (it appears that he's taken it down by now), however, the contestant I'm talking about was there for both years in the voice acting portion of the competition. He was sorta trying to be funny, but at the same time he made some jokes of ill taste on stage. He didn't seem like a bad guy, but on stage, he made himself to look arrogant. I'm just stating what I saw.

I apologize if I offended anyone.

[Whatocean]

Ah, you were referring to Jonathan.

Well, I do agree that his comebacks were a bit unwise and ill-mannered.

Sorry about the last post. ;p

[Shintarou Inuzuka]

Dear lord i hope they don't impose that rule. I'm hoping to make it down for AX 2008 and compete once again in AX Idol (that is if I don't get a professional role between now and then, which is looking 50/50).
Same here; I was going to try for this this year, and if they impose that rule, good-bye, any chance.

[Feep]

Wow, just found this thread! Awesome videos! I loved rehearing Jose's, Kira's, and Shantal's performances. They were spectacular.

I was unaware of the "Be in Southern California" unspoken rule for the contest, as I currently reside in Florida, about as far away as you can get. Still, I plan to at least try out again, because I'll be moving there around January 2009. Hopefully they won't mind. = D

Regarding the thing with Bosch, yeah, we had a bit of a tiff. In the end, though, he actually straight-up apologized on his blog, and I left a comment and apologized too. I was considering going up to him at Comic-Con and shaking his hand, but the line to see him was incredibly long. = (

Anyway, to everyone wishing to compete, don't let anything stop you! The best time I had at the entire expo was hanging out backstage and the next day with all the awesome voice actors I met during the competition. I'm pretty sure I'll be there, so I expect a lovely reunion (and in one case, the deadly conclusion to an epic battle)!

<3!

- Jason

[andy ichigo]

Thanx for the vids!!!
I was there but I didn't get to see Haushinka T^T, even though I really wanted to.
I only got to see the singing portions. Dx
As soon as the locksmith came to get the keys out of my mom's van (that she accidentaley locked the keys in) we were driving back on our way to Bakersfield.
Well, with any luck I will go next year and see everyone. :)

[Mero-Chan]

that is so cool!!!!! Haushinka you rock i love your haruhi!

[BigTUnit1]

Does anyone know if they do this sort of thing at A-Kon in Dallas? I am going to that one,and I would love to give that a try:D

[Erica]

Does anyone know if they do this sort of thing at A-Kon in Dallas? I am going to that one,and I would love to give that a try:D

Short answer? Probably not.

Though looking at the A-Kon forums might better answer that question for you.

[Whatocean]

Everyone,
BIG UPDATE for AX Idol hopefuls this year.

Go to first post.

[Katrina]

o nooooooz! we wont be able to see bobby and the others again for this year's AX Idol D: i think that last rule is just LAME.

I wonder who from the VAA is going this year :0


And what?!...JAPAN?! man.. its a shame Kira didnt get it!!!

[Whatocean]

Oh I'm gonna be there!

I competed back in '06, so that rule doesn't apply to me.

However, per the first rule on their page, I'm not going to compete ever again.

[AllyKatAVR]

ah man, the prizes make it all the more tempting for me to compete, but despite that I'll be moving out to LA this summer, I'm gonna have a big issue with just the transportation to AX...

[andy ichigo]

NUUU! Looks like I'm gonna have to wait a few years before I can compete..............sux. Dx

Well, I wish everyone in the VAA who will be competeing good luck. :)

[Kyo_Starr]

*reads*

...

I'M GOING TO LOS ANGELES! ...Yeah, I wish ^^; That would be so much fun to participate in, even if you didn't win it'd be a valuable experience. I'm actually 18 this year, too! Pffffffff.

[Sapphire]

Why can't Cali merge with Texas? :<

[Haushinka]

WHAT THE HECK.

They decide to start giving winners a trip to Japan...starting THIS YEAR?

w2t4p8y32t89y2309t58Q#@PY@#)(TYslgsaffdgsds;;

I don't think I even get free admission to AX... D:

[Sheepmage]

You know, it's stuff like this that really makes me wish I wasn't a midwestern girl. We never get fun opportunities out here. Even if I more than likely wouldn't get past the audition process, I still think it'd be fun to audition. <3

[Ayame-chan]

The trip idea is really cool~ I may end up competing this year...still deciding if I'm going to AX or not >.>

EDIT: Screw that, I'm totally doing this. Just need a monologue <.<


EDIT 2: Are we allowed to do stuff from unlicensed anime? Or should I stick with licensed stuff to be safe?

[asw]

Wow, that's pretty cool ^^
A trip to Japan, huh :)

[Kaiji]

...I can't even compete since I'm in ATV. >.<

[Whatocean]

Sheesh...

You can't compete because you're already a voice actor.

[mippa]

Ahahaha! I would want to compete, but I would be like hell no not going back! I just got here!

[Kaiji]

Sheesh...

You can't compete because you're already a voice actor.

...But...but...trip to Japan...so good...

[SakuraNek0]

Why would a singer want to attend a walla session? >_>;
Why don't singers win a trip instead of a ticket holder? ;-; That's so not cool..

[Whatocean]

...But...but...trip to Japan...so good...True. That's so rad. I miss Japan. I wanna go to Tokyo! I was stuck in Okinawa in the service. ;pWhy don't singers win a trip instead of a ticket holder? ;-; That's so not cool..I agree with you. The singers should go to Japan, too. -_-

[Erica]

Bwaaah. If only trips to California weren't so expensive.

And if LA wasn't so scary D:

[andy ichigo]

Why would a singer want to attend a walla session? >_>;
Why don't singers win a trip instead of a ticket holder? ;-; That's so not cool..

Seriously! Singers want to go to Japan too. We even sing in Japanese! :shock: Come on.

[SakuraNek0]

Bwaaah. If only trips to California weren't so expensive.

And if LA wasn't so scary D:
It's not that bad (LA, that is). It all depends. ]:

I'm trekking around in groups, sooo.. if you do come, feel free to come along with us!! (And room with me, ple-shot-).

[AllyKatAVR]

Oh yay, looks like I am indeed going to compete this year, lol not sure if I'll even make it passed the auditions since knowing me I'll probably get stage fright, but this'll be fun!

[Nitque]

I'm going to compete this year, if I get passed the auditions, lol.

[Ishi]

ooff, we've got many anime conventions in Germany, but no such contests. No wonder German anime dubbing is often quite bad -.-...

[Erica]

It's not that bad (LA, that is). It all depends. ]:

I'm trekking around in groups, sooo.. if you do come, feel free to come along with us!! (And room with me, ple-shot-).

If I can afford a plane ticket by then, I'd love to :<

[Hathor Liderc]

Hmm...Should I enter?

...even more so, Am I ready?