Method: A Voice Actor Prepares (My Quirky, Long-Awaited Film is Now Online!)

I’m beyond excited to share that my award-winning short film, Method: A Voice Actor Prepa

res, is now available to stream online! After over a decade of twists, turns, and “just one more thing” moments, it feels surreal to bring this quirky, comedic project to the world.

Method: A Voice Actor Prepares is a lighthearted peek behind the scenes of a recording studio, starring a thespian who takes his craft very seriously. It’s a comedic celebration of voice actors, a profession I’ve long admired for its talent, dedication, and often

underappreciated artistry.

(ID: Method: A Voice Actor Prepares film poster with festival laurels. Backdrop is turquoise with a mic icon silhouetted in a black circle with the cast list written on the left in maroon and the director's name in white )

Working in animation and dubbing for years, I witnessed firsthand how these incredible performers bring characters to life, sometimes in the same show, they’ll be a dragon, a little boy, and a villain all at once! I wanted to make a film that honored their craft, poked fun at how seriously show business can take itself, and just made people laugh.

(ID: Patrick Seitz in a blue polo & Erin Fitzgerald in a pink tank and gold sweater look shocked.)

The idea for this film came while I was working as a production coordinator and Japanese translator in a sound studio in Los Angeles. I thought about all the dedicated voice actors I knew, many with classical theater training, Broadway experience, and national tour credits, who often go unrecognized by the larger film and TV industry. That’s when I began imagining a comedic short centered around a voice actor who is also a method actor, taking everything to the next level.

(ID: Method promo postcard with Ben Diskin in campy anime costume running through LA's Chinatown..)

And then I met Ben Diskin. He was juggling multiple series at once and even resembled a character from a very popular anime. I knew I had found my star. Ben was a dream to work with, willing to wear silly costumes and embrace the absurdity, and once he was on board, the rest of the cast eagerly joined the fun. Our ensemble includes Emmy winners and fan favorites like Yuri Lowenthal, Tricia Pierce, Maile Flanagan, Patrick Seitz, Erin Fitzgerald, Wendee Lee, Ricky Moore, and Amanda Chism. We even had original music from Eye Shine, led by Johnny Yong Bosch, who also has a long history in anime and Power Rangers.

(ID: Production still of Jessica Renslow directing the lead and camera man in Chinatown..)

Making this film was not easy. Although we finished shooting in 2010, post-production only wrapped in the January of 2022. Over the years, I faced job changes, the death of a mentor, cross-country moves, computer crashes (twice!), a surprise bundle of joy, and an international pandemic. My production partner and editor, Lindsey Myers, also had her share of wild adventures. But through it all, our Almost Fairytales crew kept faith in this passion project and in each other. Our motto has always been, “We Make Projects into Productions,” and this film is a testament to that.

(ID: Jessica Renslow in a black dress with red hearts on a film festival red carpet.)

The tenacity paid off, our little film had a great festival run. I even had the amazing experience of returning to see my first film in a theater since Covid started and have it be my own! Now, after screenings in festivals across the country and earning awards along the way, Method: A Voice Actor Prepares is finally available for everyone to see. We premiered online for free on the Tuesday before Valentine’s Day, and some of the cast joined for a live Q&A afterward (you can view the recording here).

(ID: Jessica Renslow in a cream dress with black flowers stands next to a film festival poster at a theater.)

For me, this film is more than a comedy. It’s a love letter to the unsung heroes of voice acting, to the collaborative chaos of production, and to anyone who’s ever worked tirelessly behind the scenes. It’s got slapstick, silliness, meta jokes for animation fans, and even a streak of romance, it’s a workplace comedy with a heart.

(ID: Yuri Lowenthal and Ben Diskin in a "ninja battle.".)

I’m deeply grateful to everyone who made this film possible: the incredible cast, our Almost Fairytales crew, mentors, and supporters who stuck with me through a decade of challenges. Bringing this film to life was truly a labor of love, and I hope it makes you laugh as much as we laughed, making it.

(ID: Ben Diskin being ridiculous in the studio with Tricia Pierce..)

So, grab a snack, maybe a cup of coffee, and settle in. The voice actors are ready to show you just how seriously you can take silliness. You can watch Method: A Voice Actor Prepares here.

(ID: Maile Flannagan aka the voice of Naruto giving a great reaction..)

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