Pokémon. How many of us grew up on Pokémon or have kids who were obsessed with it, or still are?
This panel was moderated by Jessica Tseang, pop culture historian, and centered around a discussion about what has made Pokémon an unforgettable part of our culture.
Panelists included Ed Goldfarb, the music composer and songwriter for Pokémon the series and film, Akhil Gopal, senior composer for Pokémon series and films, and Lisa Ortiz, the longest-running voice casting director of English dub Pokémon since 2016.
Lisa had to leave early, so the panel started out with questions from the audience.
QUESTION: What is the proper pronunciation of Pokémon?
Lisa – It is PokAmon, not PokEmon.
QUESTION: What are some things you are looking forward to with the Pokémon Wins and Waves game that is set to be released soon?
Both composers are excited to see how the public will react to the music score. At the end of the cast party, every person broke out into song from the game as they all loved the score.
They are hoping to get the same reception from the public
Lisa is looking forward to seeing how it will play out compared to other Pokémon games.
It has something for all generations, and she is anticipating it to be a hit.
QUESTION: What is your favorite Pokémon?
Lisa – Oshawott, Spheal AlolaEd – Eevee
QUESTION: When is there going to be new Pokémon?
Lisa – There aren’t any planned for the time being. The child asking the questions had all of them, which is pretty impressive!
Lisa had to leave, so the remaining questions were answered by Ed and Akhil.
QUESTION: What is it like seeing it completed and on screen?
Akhil – it was a very special moment as we (composers) never get to experience the joy of hearing music and seeing the project in real time. It was very humbling.
Ed – A composer can’t think about the final product while making it. You have to be pure and not think about how the audience will react.
QUESTION: How did you get involved with the project?
Ed (Madcap Labs Live) – I was asked to audition. I created a score to see if they liked it, and they did! Genie Miyashita was the inspiration for the score.
Akhil – I had been developing multiple skills such as composer, director, etc., and a friend recommended I audition. He is an avant-garde jazz musician, so this was something new and exciting for him to be a part of.
QUESTION: Community is one of the major things about Pokémon. What do you feel about the characters creating community?
Ed – It is a positive vibe with the music team as it is unique, and it keeps you young. The community has a sense of play and positivity that interlocks with the whole universe.
Akhil – All of “us” have chosen a different Pokémon as “theirs”. Even the villains are lovable, and this brings something lovable and friendly to the game.
QUESTION: If Eevee was a human, what would her favorite music album be?
Ed – Vivaldi Four Seasons or Bach’s 4th Brandenburg Concerto
QUESTION: Who is your favorite trainer?
Akhil – Dot from Horizons
QUESTION: Who is your favorite Mega Pokémon?
Akhil – Tarzan or Charizard
QUESTION: What is your favorite theme song?
Ed – Under the Alolan Moon.
QUESTION: Do you like music from the show or the game?
Ed – Evolutions took tunes from the classic game and created new scores. Neither works with music from the games in the show
Akhil – He said he grew as a composer during the series. It allowed him to explore music that doesn’t have to “mickey mouse” every scene. To “mickey mouse” something is “a film and animation scoring technique where the musical accompaniment strictly mimics or syncs with physical actions and gestures on the screen beat for beat”.
For more Pokémon visit the official Pokémon website at:https://www.pokemon.com/us
Here’s to another 30 years of Pokémon!
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