After Comic-Con Panel, Voice Over Film Crowns Imitation Contest Winners; Exposes Distribution Deals

LOS ANGELES - Sept. 6, 2013 - PRLog -- The streets of San Diego may have said goodbye to more than 130,000 Comic-Con goers, but anticipation from fans and aspiring voice over artists for the new documentary “I Know That Voice” has peaked. Following its wildly successful San Diego Comic-Con star panel, the first documentary to uncover in such depth the excitement and mysterious lives and humor of 150-plus voice over actors, is finally set for release.

In response to 1 million combined YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xivQ6_gu3W8) views, 3,000 VIP List sign-ups and DVD pre-orders, 200+ submissions for its Cartoon Voice Imitation Contest on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/iknowthatvoice), and a standing-room-only celebrity panel, the film has finally announced the winners who may turn into the next big voice over star.



Emmy-nominated executive producer John Di Maggio, also the voice of “Bender” in Futurama, “Jake the Dog” in Adventure Time, “Rico” in The Penguins of Madagascar and “Fung” in Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness, officially claimed CJ Goss, Elizabeth Freeman and Ryan Bowden as the best cartoon voice imitators in the contest. Winners received a copy of the DVD, signed by DiMaggio and a poster autographed by some of the “I Know That Voice” celebrity cast.

With an estimated 3,000 fans filling the standing-room-only Comic-Con room in San Diego, the panel included “I Know That Voice” cast members James Arnold Taylor (Johnny Test, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, The Doc Files), Rob Paulsen (Animaniacs, The Looney Tunes Show), Tom Kenny (Spongebob Squarepants), Dee Bradley Baker (Star Wars: Clone Wars, Ben 10, American Dad), Fred Tatasciore (Hulk, Ben 10, Mad), Andrea Romano (25-time Emmy nominated, 8-time Emmy winner for Animaniacs, Pinky and the Brain and more), Pendleton Ward (Adventure Time), Tommy Reid (Producer) and Lawrence Shapiro (Director).

DiMaggio revealed that the documentary has now strategically selected its global distribution partner, GoDigital Distribution. DiMaggio said he plans to gives fans access to “I Know That Voice” through iTunes, Amazon, Xbox, Netflix, Hulu, Google Play, Vudu and Playstation. The film will potentially play for limited time at select theaters in November. In December 2013, the film will also be available via Video On Demand and will run at The Gateway Film Center in Columbus, Ohio, from Nov. 8, 2013 to Nov. 14, 2013. “We want to get this film in your hands as soon as possible,” DiMaggio said.

The documentary’s debut release occurred this past weekend at Dragon Con in Atlanta, Ga., were John DiMaggio personally handed out DVDs.

Director Lawrence Shapiro said “I Know That Voice” encompasses the entire voice over industry. “To wrangle 150 people was a difficult task,” he said. “But we wanted to create a movie that entertains, enlightens and inspires people.

“I Know That Voice” takes viewers on a voyage through the evolution of the voice over art form and how it has grown from radio plays to what it is today, complemented by emerging technology, said Producer Tommy Reid.

Tom Kenny believes voice actors rarely receive the attention other distinguished on-screen actors reach, including having their faces published on People magazine. “I wouldn’t trade my career for anybody,” Kenny attested.

“That’s why we made the movie,” DiMaggio responded, adding that its purpose is to expose these unsung heroes who created characters that brought lasting memories into the souls of millions of people around the world for decades. “… And if you don’t love cartoons, there’s something seriously wrong with you.

Editing nearly 160 hours of footage into a 90-minute masterpiece, “I Know That Voice” producers are excited to bring the pent-up anticipation to an end and release the documentary to hundreds of thousands of thirsty fans.

Fans at Comic-Con couldn’t help but share their love and appreciation for voice over actors. “Thank you guys very much for making my childhood not only full of light, but also full of color, happiness and fun,” one fan said. “Thank you for giving me a childhood,” applauded another.

Comic book junkies and aspiring voice over artists can still be added to the “I Know That Voice” VIP Pre-Order List, although the cut-off date is approaching soon. To add your name to the list, visit http://www.IKnowThatVoice.com.

For exclusive photos, videos and news on “I Know That Voice,” visit http://www.iknowthatvoice.com and http://www.facebook.com/iknowthatvoice.

Follow the documentary on Instragram @iknowthatvoicemovie and #iknowthatvoice. Watch the trailer on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xivQ6_gu3W8 and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiSPvsTP02A. The full cast list can be found on IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2113683/.

About the “I Know That Voice” Team

John Di Maggio, Tommy Reid and Lawrence Shapiro’s combined chemistry and strengths came together to form the groundbreaking “I Know That Voice” documentary. Stated by Tommy as “a true labor of love,” the film took two years to make, collected extensive interviews and compiled never-before-seen footage making “I Know That Voice” truly one-of-a-kind of its subject matter. Emmy-nominated and Annie award winner John Di Maggio is known for his iconic role as “Bender” in Futurama and “Jake the Dog” in Adventure Time, as well as his roles in The Penguins of Madagascar, Gears of War, Kim Possible and more. Tommy Reid is a renowned producer of films including Kill The Irishman, Americans, Superthief: Inside America’s Biggest Bank Score, Danny Greene: The Rise & Fall of the Irishman and Strike. “I Know That Voice” Director Lawrence Shapiro directed films including Jam in the Dam, Los Lobos, Kiko Live, The Marshall Tucker Band: Carolina Dreams Tour and Blue Cheer: Rocks Europe.

GoDigital is a full-service Digital & Video on Demand (VOD) distribution company dedicated to acquisitions, sales, marketing and technical operations. Launched in 2008, GoDigitial is now one of the industry's premier digital distribution networks. The company boasts more than 1,000 high-quality films from independent cinema to award-winning documentaries and foreign