RPGFan Feature - Vic Mignogna Interview

Vic Mignogna Interview

September 23, 2015 Vic Mignogna is a skilled actor who has lent his voice talents to several anime and video games. With a list of credits a mile long, Mignogna is most renowned for his portrayal of Edward in the popular Fullmetal Alchemist anime series. We at RPGFan, however, know him best as Junpei Iori- one of the most memorable characters in the beloved RPG Persona 3. Mignogna convincingly played Junpei with an uncannily natural ease, and that performance is why we love the character. We are, therefore, honored and privileged that Vic Mignogna took the time to speak with us about his experiences with voice acting, the universe, and everything else.

RPGFan: Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us. First question, what got you into voiceover work in the first place?

Vic: I got into it quite by accident. I have been acting since I was very young on stage and in some films. But I was encouraged to audition for a company that dubbed anime and was looking for actors. I auditioned, got cast, and just kept doing it!

RPGFan: Who are some of your voiceover and acting influences?

Vic: I don't think I have any specific "influences." I have always loved certain animated shows, but never really thought about the voices behind the characters.

RPGFan: We here at RPGFan enjoyed your inspired performance as Junpei Iori in Persona 3. How did you prepare for that role?

Vic: I love Junpei! But I'm sorry to say that there wasn't much preparation. I was cast to play the role and when I went into the studio, the producers told me about him and then let me do my thing. But it's always such a pleasure to do more Persona!

RPGFan: When recording Junpei, were you only given a script to read or were you also shown storyboards and character art for inspiration?

Vic: Just the script :)

RPGFan: For Persona 3, did you and the other actors record together in one location or did everyone record their lines separately? What were the advantages and disadvantages of how you did it?

Vic: We recorded alone. Most anime-related productions record the actors seperately. It's just easier to control timing and sync.

RPGFan: When recording Junpei's new scenes for the PSP version of Persona 3, how was it jumping back into that character?

Vic: As I said, I have always loved this character, so every time I find that there's another Persona project I get jazzed!

RPGFan: Along with Persona 3, you've voiced characters in several video games including T'Nique Arcana in Star Ocean: First Departure, and Katana Faraway in Project Silpheed to name just two. Have you played any of the games you've contributed to and if so, which ones did you most enjoy playing?

Vic: I'm sorry to say that I have not had the chance to play those games! I'm too busy making them to get to enjoy playing them! But I live vicariously through others who tell me about them and friends of mine who play them :)

RPGFan: As anime fans, we also loved your spirited performance of Edward in the Fullmetal Alchemist anime. Between Fullmetal Alchemist and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, most fans prefer Brotherhood. What's your take on those two series and did you approach playing Edward any differently in Brotherhood?

Vic: Well.... I totally concede that Brotherhood is a more in depth, heavier, and more complete series than the original. HOWEVER, I must tell you that I have a very special place in my heart for the original. That's where I was first introduced to this amazing world and these wonderful characters. So I may have to choose the original FMA as my personal favorite.

RPGFan: You're involved in several other fields as well, such as sound/music production, film/video production, and even graphic design. Are there any special projects in those areas that you'd like to tell us about?

Vic: There are always fun things to talk about! I'd have to say that my web series, STAR TREK CONTINUES, is the thing I am most excited about and currently working on most. It picks up where the original series in the 60s ended and continues their mission. And I get to fulfill my childhood dream of playing Captain Kirk!

RPGFan: What are some of your future aspirations?

Vic: I'm so deeply grateful to God for the privilege to do what I do. My only desire is to be able to continue doing it for as long as possible!

RPGFan: Do you have any advice for aspiring voiceover artists you'd like to impart?

Vic: If you're interested in voice acting, check out the free download titled "So You Want To Be A Voice Actor" in the store at The Risembool Rangers. I answer many of the most common questions on the subject.

RPGFan: Are there any last words you'd like to share with our readers?

Vic: THANK YOU. I always want to say thanks to the fans for their support and enthusiasm for my work. They have brought so much joy to my life and I'm eternally grateful to them!