Suspense: A radio drama series from Blue Hours Productions

This Interwebby world wide online malarkey is pretty fabulous isn't it? Now I know that it has its share of detractors, and some of the criticisms made of this new digital existence may certainly have more than a grain of truth behind them. I for instance love with a passion many aspects of Social networking, I twit and facebuckle on a daily basis to my cold heart's content. However, even a rampant narcissist such as myself finds certain aspects of people's online behaviour a trifle strange at times. For example, I went out for a rather nice dinner last week with my family to a splendid restaurant in Aberdeen where the service was fine and the drinks were flowing. However at no point when the quite delicious meal was put in front of me did I think to stop everyone from starting their meal and say out loud.........

"Hang on, hang on everybody. I really need to get my phone and take a picture to show the rest of the online world what I am about to eat!!!"

I just don't get it. If someone could explain to me why people do this (when often the food looks like utter crap), then that would be rather fab.

Nor do I get some of the 'keyboard warriors that feel the need to attack and belittle  another person online with no cause for the consequences, but that's a story for another time.

The past few years have seen entertainment industries begin to change and adapt to the new cyber environment, with perhaps the movie and music industries acting as prime examples of the metamorphosis that is still taking shape. Indeed, the music industry has changed immeasurably since the pre-download and streaming days, and with it the money that artists and record companies once made by the millions certainly being affected by the opportunities that the Interwebby world wide online thingy offers we mere mortals in terms of access to music. It's difficult to say just what the future holds for music in terms of production and whether certain forms will endure, the current Rock scene for example is in a pretty dire state and shows little sign of seeing the influence it once had in contemporary music. Though on a selfish note, being able to download every single available recording from Tom Waits (legally of course) has made me very very happy and a unapologetic lover of downloading .

It's been noticeable too since I began this blog a couple of years ago to see how the sci-fi & horror genres particularly have benefited (in output, not necessarily in overall quality) from the new and ever increasingly exciting and cheap opportunities that the cyber world provides. The current indie horror scene is awash with new productions together with an ever thriving indie sci-fi community. Though it's not just new and wonderful methods and formats of entertainment that have profited from technological advances, because other more 'traditional' mediums have not only survived the cyber revolution, but have in fact seen something of a resurgence. This week's article is a prime example.....

This week I was contacted by John C. Alsedek who enquired as to whether my couple of readers would be interested in finding out about his company's production of the radio anthology series Suspense, which is a revival of the classic CBS Radio series which ran from 1942-1962. 'Who cares about the readers???!!!' I thought to myself......I'm certainly interested!

'Hmmmm" I then said out old to myself, 'Maybe I should continue with this new fangled method of actually doing a little research before I go all effusive and glowing about a venture'......So before I put finger to keyboard I asked John to send me a couple of episodes to listen to first. This would achieve two things; firstly I would be able to be make an informed decision about something (some would say, for a change) and secondly; I get some stuff for absolutely free......

John very kindly gave me access to three episodes from their first full season, one of which immediately caught my eye. It was only an adaptation of perhaps one of my very favourite stories from one of my very favourite authors; 'Cool Air', by H.P. Lovecraft. The story was originally written in 1926 and was an immediate hit with Lovecraft's fans when it first appeared in the classic publication Tales of Magic and Mystery in 1928. 

I was naturally more than a little reticent before hearing this particular broadcast, after all, we Lovecraft aficionado's can be a rather 'keen' bunch when it comes to people messing around with his work. However, I had no cause for concern, for the Blue Hours Productions adaptation of Cool Air is rather wonderful. For a start it remains true to the original narrative with the narrator (though here it is a woman rather than a man in the original story) starting proceedings by informing us as to why a simple "draught of cool air" is the most detestable thing to her. We learn that after a long search for accommodation the character has had to settle for a less than desirable room in converted housing in a less affluent part of town. The habitation she decides upon itself is less than remarkable, save for the strange chemical smell that pervades from the floor above where the narrator learns that a reclusive old man who was once a doctor resides. In due course the woman and the doctor become unlikely friends - that is, until a shocking discovery is made........

The changes to Lovecraft's story in this adaptation by John C. Alsedek and Dana Perry-Hayes are skilfully and faithfully written and clearly show a genuine appreciation and sympathetic appreciation of the source material. The episode itself is wonderfully acted slice of SUSPENSEful drama (see what I did there?....I'm here all week btw) with a nicely authentic melodramatic introduction and narration by the wonderful voice of Daamen Krall.

The character parts are also nicely acted, particularly in the case of Adrienne Wilkinson who carries the main role with style and confidence. The fact that this feels such an accomplished and successful episode is made all the more remarkable considering that it was the team's first recording back in 2012!

I am genuinely delighted to see that classic radio drama is not only surviving in this modern hi-tech age, but indeed seems to be thriving if the number of affiliates broadcasting the Suspense series is anything to go by (more of which later). I, like countless others both here in the UK and in the States, will have found memories and experiences of great radio drama. I'm sure that we're all far too young to have experienced the heydey of great radio back in the 1930's & 40's, but I have no doubt that classics like the truly stunning Orson Welles production of The War of The Worlds are known to many. There have been countless other series that have enthralled generation after generation, including offerings such as Alfred Hircock presents and also the eponymous original Suspense series which produced over 900 episodes of quality suspenseful drama.

Here in the UK we've had a fine tradition too of classic radio drama with standout examples such as Dick Barton, numerous sic-fi & horror adaptations and perhaps my favourite of them all, the daddy that is The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy......Holy Moly, how I loved that show.

So allow me to let you in on some details of how radio suspense drama is not only alive and well, but in the hands of Blue Hours Productions, is bloody well thriving.

In their own words, Blue Hours Productions are

" Purveyors of Retro-themed programming for radio, television and the Interweb since 2010". 

Formed by John C. Alsedek and Dana Perry-Hayes it all started off seemingly with just a few ideas between them that they thought were a little cool and interesting. Now, just over four years later, Blue Hours Productions include a diverse & talented group of actors & Musicians, with whose help they produce one of the worlds most popular radio drama's Suspense. They also have a number of other exciting projects in the pipeline.

As of this moment in time the team have completed their first full season of 24 episodes, and have actually recorded 10 episodes of Season Two (2015) already.

It's all extremely exciting for Blue Hours Productions for two reasons. First, they feel that they are well and truly hitting their stride in terms of scripts. As in all ventures of a creative nature (particularly ones that may not be as common as they were in their heyday) Season One was a continuous process figuring out what worked and what didn't, whilst at the same time producing drama of the highest quality. Believe me, from listening to three of the 24 episodes so far, they have well and truly achieved this aim.

It doesn't seem though that John and the team are resting on their laurels, they have a continuous desire to further and further perfect their scripts, both in terms of the originals and the adaptations (the latter because they're finding a lot of great old pulp-era stories that they will be giving giving a significant tweaking).

Secondly, it seems that they also have a great and ever-growing pool of acting talent. When Suspense first began first started, there was a great deal of emphasis of the talents of the aforementioned Daamen Krall (their narrator) and Adrienne Wilkinson- who were each in at least 18 of the first 24 episodes.  Whilst both will still feature greatly in season two, the show's rising popularity now means that this is a much wanted place for the Californian acting community (and maybe beyond) to ply their talents. For example, season two will feature two fabulous friends of The Fifth Dimension, the legend himself that is Bill Oberst Jr. and the talented and ridiculously gorgeous Ellen Dubin. 

If that wasn't enough, names such as Camden Singer ('Annabelle'), Charles Rahi Chun ('The Interview'), David Blue ('Stargate Universe'),  Kin Shriner ('General Hospital'), Michael Teh ('Sleepy Hollow'), Mike Powers ('The Transporter 3'), and Vic Mignogna ('Fullmetal Alchemist') will also feature in the upcoming series.

If you don't believe me just how good the Suspense series is (and I wouldn't believe you if you treated all I say with barely concealed disdain), well as a matter of fact not only do the audiences love the show the critics do too. The fact is that Suspense is up for a Peabody Award, which is simply put the radio equivalent of the Oscars or Emmys. 

The selection process of the Peabody awards are famously rigorous in nature and just to be considered as being in the running is rather splendidly excellent!

To find out more about Blue Hours Productions and the fabulously atmospheric radio drama Suspense, then all the following splendid outlets are available:

The Blue Hours Productions website can be found RIGHT HERE

The Facebook page for Blue Hours Productions is at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Blue-Hours-Productions/230197658751?fref=ts

You can also find them on twitter via @BlueHours

DNA ONE - An Indiegogo project to send your DNA into Space.

This week I had quite possibly the most surreal requests yet for an article to appear in the Fifth Dimension blog. I must admit that when this little hobby endeavour of mine began to take off a couple of years ago I hoped that certain things would happen. Ambitions perhaps to be able to pass off my own views about films/TV etc, to deal with other like-minded individuals, to meet and talk to a whole range of creative individuals and possibly even get the chance to communicate with people I admire within the genres. Happily and rather surprisingly, all that as happened. I know, get me. Believe me, I still have to pinch myself.

I will freely admit that the request that I received this week has quite simply surpassed any expectations of what I might ever be asked in regard to this blog. Not only might those who know me be taken aback by the request, they may also be more than a little worried. They may be worried not only for the effect that I may have on the future of humanity on Earth, but also they may worry for the changes that I may inflict on the entire Universe.

Let me explain................

Earlier this week I received an email from a Taiwanese group asking me whether it was possible for me to feature in my blog their brand new Indiegogo Project “DNA ONE” which will be the first in history to send human DNA into outer space. If that wasn't enough, they would also in the process arrange for me to have my very own DNA sent into space too. That's right, my DNA could soon be winging and meandering on its happy way through the Universe with god knows the consequences for what (or who) may be in the way. I kid ye not.

Now I'm fully aware that there are many on this planet who would gladly testify in an open court of law  that having just the one version of me is probably one version too much. The possibility of my genetic make-up wandering around the Universe with the potential of landing on some far off planet or being discovered by some Alien race could just far too much to bear for some. The possibilities of my genetic imprint infesting otherworldly systems could potentially be remarkable in their outcome. After all, I've often thought that it was inevitable matter of time until I became the outright king of the work. Now it seems that even after I depart this mortal Earthly coil, domination and influence on a cosmic level may indeed be mine. 

But as usual I digress.............let me get back on track.

So what is the DNA ONE project?

"DNA ONE is both a genetics project and a space project. For the first time in all of human history, we will launch a capsule containing human DNA (in this case a strand of your hair), and let it travel into outer space."

When is this event going to take place?

"On May 20th, 2015, the rocket will launch into space, the location will be in the US. Since we are now negotiating with 4 private companies, the exact location of the launch pad is not yet known. It will be announced after we select the company."

Just how the hell are you going to get hold of a space rocket thing? They're big and expensive you know!

"We are now in touch with a private space company who specializes in the space cremation business. But instead of sending ashes to the moon, we will send our hair into space, and let it travel forever. Your hair will be placed inside a heavy duty capsule and it will be released from the rocket at an altitude of 200,000 km (after the rocket escapes Earth’s gravity)."

Er, why do you want my hair? It's not exactly in the same plentiful and bountiful supply that it once was!

"Space travel is humanity’s greatest adventure, but the greater the adventure, the more expensive is the price. Since you hair contain your DNA, it is the single light part of your body that we can afford to send to outer space. A single strand of hair that measures 4 inches long will weigh 0.45 grams on the average."

So in other words, my lifetime wish of cosmological immortality a la Emperor Ming is actually within my grasp?!

"Since this is the first project that will put human DNA into outer space, your name will be part of human history.

Secondly, you will be sure that a part of you will still be

in existence even after the Earth and all of the living things have disappeared.

Thirdly, can you imagine 23 years from now, you can say to someone that your hair is now reaching Planet Pluto? 

How cool is that?"

Damn Cool - count me in!!! So what happens now?

" STEP 1: You will be asked to send a strand of your hair to our HQ for processing.

STEP 2: Your DNA will be inserted inside DNA ONE.

STEP 3: DNA ONE will be sent to the private space company, where it will be installed inside the rocket.

STEP 4: Check the weather on launch, if its suitable, Launch will commence, if not,

reschedule the launch date.

STEP 5: Live feed of the launch will be available to all the contributors."

See below to watch the clip of the initial DNA ONE promotion

So I hereby go on record now as stating that I have my piece of hair and all prepared to be very soon to be winging its way to the DNA ONE people. The future of humanity may not exactly be in safe hands when my DNA starts travelling through the cosmos, but it sure is something to put on my blogging CV. And if nothing else, the chance that in countless years time when future races might stumble across my particular DNA and quite naturally want to recreate the individuals that once provided this genetic imprint, is simply too good to miss.

The fact that in an unknown future millennia there could be another me wandering around as only I do should be enough to put the chills into anyone!

BEWARE FUTURE!! BEWARE!!!!

If you are interested in contributing to this quite frankly wondrous venture, then please see the following link for more details: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/dna-one

Interview with actress Ellen Dubin.

The very lovely Ellen

My article this week features a talented and gorgeous cult figure in the Sci-Fi world. No, that's not a description of me - though you would of course be forgiven for making that quite understandable assumption.  After all, I have previously been called something of a cult. Well at least I think that's what they said......

It would be safe to say that my previous post featuring an interview with the legend and all-round good egg that is Bill Oberst Jr. was something of a major success. Not only did I manage to successfully include a number of sentences in my writing that were almost correct in both grammar and spelling (I said, almost), but far more importantly in my shallow and superficial world the piece has been incredibly popular in terms of blog views. In fact in just over a week, nearly a thousand views have been recorded, making it the most popular post for quite some time.

Now for a change I'm not deluding myself. I know that the response was partly due to the fan-base that Bill has and also because of the new Sci-fi series that he will soon be appearing in - Starfall. However, my reader knows me well enough by now to realise that of course I'll take success in any way I can find it, even if it is by proxy and by hanging on to the coat tails of others.

The direct feedback to me has also been nice to receive - some of it has even been complimentary. The best one came from a co-star of Bill's from the Starfall series, the very lovely actress Ellen Dubin, who said my piece was wonderful (oh yes she did!)......that was her big mistake. Because not only did I respond back and thank her for her remarks, but I also managed to sit her down and undergo another of the legendary Fifth Dimension interviews in the process. This wasn't as easy a task as you would first think, because I just happened to be a fan of series that she appeared in some years ago, the weird and wonderful Lexx, and to be honest, I quite fancied that pants of her character, the dastardly cannibal queen Giggerota the Wicked.

So not only did I have to act all cool and professional-like (I know, there's a first time for everything) when discussing the questions, I also had to curtail my natural sassy (some may say inappropriate) remarks. For instance, when a talented and gorgeous actress responds to ones requests for photos etc for inclusion in my article and asked quite harmlessly and legitimately whether I wanted more head and body shots - well I had to hold back my usual type of innuendo-ridden response. Blimey, it's difficult being all professional-like.

I do want to say very sincerely that Ellen has been quite wonderfully gracious in her time and efforts in dealing with my questions and requests. In fact, without hopefully sounding overly sycophantic, I would go as far as saying that she has gone far and beyond being helpful in providing time, photo's and information. What a fab gal.

Anyhoo, with any further ado.....here's some bio on the fabulous Ellen Dubin.

The very lovely Ellen again - one cannot have too much of a good thing :-)

Ellen is a Gemini Award nominated actress for her series regular role Jeri Slate in the Leo Award winning supernatural drama THE COLLECTOR (which just aired on Chiller TV in the US and Space in Canada, and has aired in 65 countries), Ellen is also a cult figure in the sci-fi world for playing the wild alien cannibal Giggerota the Wicked in the international cult hit LEXX. She has the distinction of doing all four seasons and playing four different characters in this very popular show. Ellen played the first female Pope in sci-fi history in LEXX. 

She recently wrapped two sci fi pilots  NOBILITY with the legendary Walter Koenig, Doug Jones, Cas Anwar, James Kyson , Christopher Judge, Torri Higginson and Adrienne Wilkinson. The other pilot STARFALL, she worked with Andrew Jackson and Damien Puckler in Reno, Nevada. Both roles are very unique and intriguing!

She also enjoyed working on two recent film roles playing a nerdy shy wallflower in BIG FAT STONE with Academy Award nominated Robert Loggia, Tony Nardi and Margot Kidder which won many awards including Best Picture at the Action on Film Festival in Pasadena and NO DEPOSIT where she played a foul mouthed alcoholic woman opposite Art Hindle, Peter Coyote, Doris Roberts and Eric Roberts.

Her comedy zombie film DEAD BEFORE DAWN 3D with Devon Bostick and Christopher Lloyd opened at the Grauman’s Theater in Los Angeles and across the United States. The zomedy won the Perron Crystal Award for Live Action 3D Film from the prestigious International 3D Stereo Media Summit and Film Festival. DBD was nominated for five Canadian Comedy Awards.

In NAPOLEON DYNAMITE, the multi award winning Sundance Film Festival favorite and one of the most iconic film comedies of all time, Ellen plays the Tupperware-loving mom of Napoleon’s potential prom date.  

Her affinity for the unusual has also lead her to starring roles in THE LISTENER, THE DEAD ZONE, EARTH: FINAL CONFLICT, BLOOD TIES, MUTANT X, A WRINKLE IN TIME and HIGHLANDER: THE RAVEN where she is the only female to have a broad-to-broad broadsword fight in that shows' history.

She is also the go-to-girl for a host of movies on the Lifetime Network. She stars in THE WIVES HE FORGOT opposite Molly Ringwald, LIES AND DECEPTION with Madchen Amick and SECOND CHANCES with Melissa George, all airing now on LIFETIME. Her Hallmark Hall Of Fame Presents/ CBS Emmy nominated movie of the week THE LOIS WILSON story (opposite Winona Ryder) is among her favorites. 

Ellen voiced many characters in Time Magazine’s #1 PC video game of 2012 GUILD WARS 2 and Ultimate Game of the Year ELDER SCROLLS V: SKYRIM. She also was thrilled to lend her voice to DEFENSE GRID:2, WORLD OF WARCRAFT and MURDERED:SOUL SUSPECT.  She is the voice of the highly acclaimed Disneyland attraction THE WORLD OF COLOR and  WORLD OF COLOR:WINTER DREAMS and the new promo trailer for SCREAMRIDE coming out next year.

Ellen is honored to be the spokesperson for the Make A Wish Foundation in Toronto and Central Ontario, volunteers at the Los Angeles Mission.

THE INTERVIEW BIT

Giggy on a slab is fab.....

Q) Ok, first things first, I need to be honest. I was trying to act all cool-like when we first talked about doing an interview, but I distinctly remember the part you played in the fabulous Lexx. What are your memories of playing the very sexy Giggerota the Wicked?

ED) I love how “cool” you acted and am thrilled you remember Giggy The Wicked. I devoured every moment playing that role. It was my first major introduction to the sci fi genre as an actress and what an awesome beginning. It was so satisfying creating a character from the ground up playing a ballsy, no holds barred character. Giggerota said whatever was on her mind and I loved how I was able to toy with everyone and have my way with them. Loved playing the humor of this role. And thanks for noticing that Giggy was “very sexy” – I called myself the sexy comic relief. The gals playing Zev/ Xev (Eva Habermann and Xenia Seeberg) were the true sexy leads. But lots of people got a real rise out of Giggerota’s unique character. I miss Lexx - the fantastic locations Germany, Halifax and Thailand and the wonderful cast and crew. One of the best experiences of my career! 

Q) Did you get to keep the rubber suit?! :-)

ED) Here is a little secret that not too many people know. There were two suits. It was a grotesque brilliant costume design – I wore the skin and head of a man I ate – the head was dangling at the back of the costume! That was the crazy wacky world of Lexx. In one scene, Giggerota emerges like a creature from the Black Lagoon out of the water. Well, the rubber latex was so heavily weighed down with water, it started to crumble and that was the end of suit one. Also the first suit was so heavy and didn’t breathe. That they had to cut slits in the knees and elbows so I could move. The rubber suit added weight to me – it bulked me up by about 15 pounds. So every time people would see me in person, they would say : “Oh, you are much thinner in person”! Also, no one wanted to eat lunch with me, because it smelled of rubber latex. After the water scene, that suit was thrown in the garbage.

The second unitard was much lighter and made of more durable, flexible buckskin suede and was more body hugging. I was able to move more freely in it and everyone ate lunch with me. Smelled much better!

I don’t have the suit. No. But I do have some of the Pope stuff I wore in Season 4. I played the only female Pope in Sci-fi history in a brilliant episode called APOCALEXX NOW.

Being fab on a slab with the inimitable Barry Bostwick

Q) Can you believe it's over 13 years since Lexx finished??!! Why do think it still has much affection for fans ?

ED) Wow, time flies when you are having fun!

Here’s the thing. Even if someone didn’t like LEXX, they would never forget it. It was so different! Plot lines that were so off beat and characters that were unforgettable in a very unusual world.

Lexx was way ahead of it time. So many shows after LEXX used elements from the show. I really believe Paul Donovan who created it was so clever- the storylines appealed to kids because there were some funny characters visually but it had a lot of story lines that had double entendre- it was sexy, intelligent and really wacky. There were lots of references to politics and religion as well.  It was funny, daring, wild and wacky.

Fans loved Giggerota because I was the only recurring character that was in all four seasons and also I would die and come back as another character with the same traits as Giggerota.  How brilliant is that. Fans got a kick out of that. They embraced the weirdness of the show. Brilliant concept!!!  Makes me smile everytime I think of it. Fans love to watch it again and new fans are enjoying discovering it for the first time!

Sr Lieutenant Shingh- ah desperately trying to erase 

her internet search history....

Q) Tell us about the character you play in Starfall?

ED) I love this character on Starfall. I play Sr Lieutenant Shingh- ah. Shingh-ah is of the Selsky race who have been scattered and hunted nearly to extinction. My character is hiding a deep dark secret and will one day be forced to choose between loyalty to her crewmates and her people. The arc of the character is wonderful. That’s all I can say right now!

Q) What, if anything, will set Starfall apart from other Sci-Fi shows? 

ED) John Ellis has created an amazing world for our characters that no one else has every done. Yes we are part of a crew of a space ship called the Ardri Jennet and many wonderful Sci fi shows have their base on a ship but the character’s back stories are so fascinating and so different than any other thing I have seen in this genre. I wish I could be a little more specific but you will have to wait till the pilot to see it. It was shot in Reno, Nevada.

Q) I interviewed your Starfall co-star, Bill Oberst Jr. recently. I know that he comes across as being a nice guy & Gentleman - but you can now dish the dirt. He's a trial to work with isn't he? ;-)

ED) Alas, never got to work with the amazing Bill Oberst Jr, We didn’t have any scenes together. But was a huge fan before. And here is the “dirt” I heard, everyone loved working with him! Ha, no trial, I am sure!! Hope when the show goes, we can have scenes together!

Ellen as as Colonel Theia with Adrienne Wilkinson and Darren Jacobs 

Q) Another Sci-Fi show I know you’re involved in is the upcoming 'Nobility'. I've heard it dubbed “The Office” meets "Firefly", which sounds intriguing. Can you elaborate?

ED) It is a fascinating show. Made even better by this amazing cast. NOBILITY has a lot of comedic elements like “The Office” and “Firefly”.

NOBILITY ‘s crew has faults and quirks especially the characters played by Walter Koenig, James Kyson and Doug Jones. My character Colonel Theia is a very elegant, commanding person who is a member of a very intelligent race called The Eujins. The Eujins come aboard the Nobility s ship to teach human beings some valuable lessons. Again, that is all I can say at this moment! E J de la Pena has created a fascinating new world in this compelling sci fi pilot. Stay tuned!

Q) There are one or two other fellow 'big-hitters' in Nobility, I believe - A certain Mr Walter Koenig (some Star Trek thing), James Kyson (Heroes), Doug Jones (Hellboy) and Christopher Judge (Stargate SG1). Have you shared scenes with any of these guys & what was the experience like?

ED) Ha, this is a sci fi fan’s dream cast!

Sadly, I didn’t work with any of these wonderful men. Not yet, anyway!
I did work with the fabulous Cas Anwar (Assassin’s Creed and the new sci fi show The Expanse) ,Adrienne Wilkinson (Xena: Warrior Princess)  upcoming British actor Darren Jacobs and the wonderful Torri Higginson (Stargate Atlantis). We had great chemistry working together.

I did get to hang with all of them at San Diego Comic Con (except Walter) and they were a blast. Had a great time greeting fans with these awesome quick witted, fun men. Loved doing panels with these guys. The audience at SDCC just ate it up.

One of Ellen's many characters from ELDER SCROLLS V:SKYRIM

 - sent to her by a fan

Q) You've voiced numerous characters in a number of video games, such as GUILD WARS 2 and ELDER SCROLLS V: SKYRIM. How enjoyable is this kind of acting as opposed to 'regular' acting?

 ED) I find voice over acting freeing. It is so rewarding working on these wonderful games. And the best voice over actors are well-rounded well trained actors. Video games are so sophisticated now- fans are very savvy in this genre- that the acting has to be first rate. That is why so many great video game producers hire a lot of us who have strong theater backgrounds- we are able to speak the language, summon up emotions at the drop of the hat and are able to go from comedy to drama in a flash. I also love not being cast for my look or my age. I have a great time creating these unbelievable worlds with just the use of my voice. Special thanks to my LA Voice team at VOX Inc. for encouraging me in this genre. 

Q) I also hear that you're the voice of the Disneyland attraction THE WORLD OF COLOR - how crazy is that? Have you been to it and heard yourself?

ED) I was so thrilled to be the voice of THE WORLD OF COLOR and THE WORLD OF COLOR: WINTER DREAMS. To be a part of Disneyland’s California Adventure Park was such a fabulous coup for me. I loved recording at the spectacular Walt Disney Imagineering Studios in Glendale and to hear the beautiful London Symphony Orchestra and the Nashville Choir complimenting my voice in the finished product, just made my heart sing. Amazing! Have not heard it in person. But have heard snippets of it online that fans have sent to me.  It is one of those spine tingling voiceovers! WOW! Loved being a part of the Disney theme park world. Brings out the kid in me! I am so grateful to Brian Nefsky for casting me. 

Q) Have you ever worked over here in the UK?

ED) I haven’t yet! But I am dying to. I have a wonderful fan base there.

So many astounding shows come out of the UK as well. The UK has an amazing talent pool.  If you have something, let me know. LOL!

Ellen & James Kyson (Heroes) doing their thing at San Diego Comic Con

Q) Aberdeen (my local city in Scotland) is hosting it's very first Comicon in 2015. Do you attend fan conventions? What are your experiences? (We fans can be quite obsessive!)

ED) I LOVE CONS!

Can I say that loud enough? Fan reactions are one of the best reasons to be an actor. When you can make a fan laugh or move a fan by your work, it is so rewarding.

I did a panel this past year at Wondercon and also at San Diego Comic Con and was part of the Nobility booth. I have never seen such a crowd of fanatic fantastic fans in my life.

The costumes, the passion. their dedication to this genre is beyond fabulous!

There is no better fan then the sci fi fan. When someone knows every line of dialogue you have ever said and designs a costume (that can take a year to make from scratch) in the exact image of your character, it is wild and fabulous.
I love it!

I want to come to Aberdeen! This sounds like a good one!

The link link for the Suspense Radio Show

www.bluehoursproductions.com

Q) What does the future hold for Ellen Dubin?

ED) My motto is to enjoy every moment of every day and appreciate the little things in life. I will continue to work on the video game ELDER SCROLLS ONLINE content with my wonderful director Rene Veilleux. 

I just finished an amazing radio show called SUSPENSE for producer John Alsedek and Dana Perry-Hayes which is a throwback to those old style radio programs – Really fun melodramatic meaty material. Hopefully that will air soon. I played opposite my NOBILITY co – star Adrienne Wilkinson.

I have a promo trailer coming out for a wonderful game published by Microsoft Studios for the Xbox One and Xbox 360 called SCREAMRIDE – so listen for that.  

My film BIG FAT STONE – a heist film just played Action on Film festival in Los Angeles  won many awards including  best film .  And another film I did NO DEPOSIT will be released next year as well as a pilot for a new sitcom called LA TRATTORIA with the amazing Doris Roberts. All these projects were so rewarding to work on with the very talented Frank D’Angelo at the helm.

I hope to continue my work with Make A Wish in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

And look for the best chocolate éclairs everywhere I go!

Once again I would like to say a big thank you to Ellen for being so generous in her time. I'm sure you'll agree that not only is she a fine actress and all-round good egg but she has a rather fine line in humour.

So go and give her Facebook fan page a like at   www.facebook.com/EllenDubinActor?fref=ts

Ellen can be followed on that Twitter thingy via @EllenDubinActor 

You can access Ellen's website at www.ellendubin.com 

Her IMDB page can be found at http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0239294/?ref_=nv_sr_1

The website for the Nobility series can be located HERE

The website for Starfall can be found RIGHT HERE