Last Place You Look
It's so windy here in Pasadena today, it's snowing leaves. There is this large area of a hillside in Burbank where there was a massive fire a few months ago, and a huge cloud of dust hovers over it, like a sandstorm.
The Santa Ana Winds are in full effect, and my dry skin, nose and throat are a small price to pay for clear blue skies and warm temperatures in November.
So here's something unexpected: I did a voice today on this new show for the Kids WB! The call came on Friday, and here's the cool thing: the director, a wonderful woman named Andrea Romano, who has won seven emmy's called my agent and requested me, based on my work with her last year on "The Zeta Project."
I can't say what voice I did, but I was told when I left today that they were so happy, I would probably be asked back to do the role again in the next thirteen episodes.
The episode I did was written by this really nice guy named Marv Wolfman, who co-created and wrote "Teen Titans" for sixteen years, created "Blade," and was just an all-around cool guy. We spent some time geeking out about comic books today...it just killed me that he was referring to Alan Moore as "Alan."
Animation is really fun, because it's really quick work (usually less than 4 hours for an episode), and the people who do it are all really cool...but it's also very hard to break into the animation world, because the community is extremely small, and very protective. Being asked by a very respected director to come back, based on her previous experience with me, is just HUGE, and it makes me feel really good, and it may signal my entry into the world of animation.
A few months ago, I made this major decision in my life: I would stop applying a singular focus to getting work as an actor. I would continue to accept auditions as they came along, but I wasn't going to break my back, or sacrifice time with my friends and family to play Hollywood's game.
Since I made that choice, stopped caring so much about acting, and started focusing on writing, and being a husband and father, I've gotten two jobs almost immediately.
So I guess I'm going to have to start calling myself "Writer-Slash-Actor."
You'll note that I did not say "Actor-Slash-Writer." This is a very important distinction.
Comments
First comment?
Woo hoo, Wil! I love the Teen Titans/Titans comics and was quite excited to hear about the TV show. Congrats on getting this offer!
Posted by: Shannon | November 25, 2002 4:31 PM
Woot! Marv Wolfman era Teen Titans?! That's HUGE! Along with the awesome George Perez on pencils this was one of the comics that first got me hooked.
...God, not only am I a geek, I'm old.
*sigh
Posted by: Daejin | November 25, 2002 4:36 PM
There really is something to be said for just living life HERE & NOW. Sometimes, it's in those moments when we stop chasing life that we begin to realize not only what is most important, but we find that opportunity magically comes knocking. Kudos, Wil...may this be only the beginning.
Posted by: Erica | November 25, 2002 4:41 PM
Congrats Wil!
It seems that good things come to those
who wait and wait and wait.
I loved Teen Titans as a kid and now
have hopelessly dated myself.
Yikes!
Posted by: ColleenS | November 25, 2002 4:47 PM
Wow, it never rains but it...well thats a lie it does rain.
But this is good rain full of stuff that you love and now you can be a Nerd-at-work and actually *be* a nerd at work.
Too cool.
Think how stoked your kids will be.
...and re-defining your own boundaries. Very Modern
The universe is a funny place at times...
Posted by: EnglishBen | November 25, 2002 4:48 PM
Cool! You seem to be doing better than any of your co-stars - working & enjoying life instead of desperately trying out for acting jobs.
Posted by: Mike | November 25, 2002 4:50 PM
Wil,
Very cool.
Congratulations
Posted by: MaxXanth | November 25, 2002 4:50 PM
it's funny... I was never very into comics, partly because I couldn't afford them when I was growing up, partly because I just didn't make the effort to learn all the writer/artist names. but I actually recognized the name "marv wolfman". never read the teen titans, but I know I remember seeing his name a lot in marvel comics (and not just when blade showed up in spiderman or doctor strange...)
oh, and yeah, "actor-slash-writer" is not recommended, because what if someone makes a mistake and writes it as "actor/slash-writer"?
Posted by: talysman the ur-beatle | November 25, 2002 4:51 PM
Very cool.
Can you teach me how to make that kind of decision? I'm having a very hard time remembering to live in the "here and now" as opposed to the "how am I gonna pay for gas next week".
Glad life is going well for you!
Posted by: Sunidesus | November 25, 2002 4:52 PM
You know if I ever run into Michael Dorn I wouldn't ask him to say anything Star Trek related I would die to hear him say. "I AM WEASEL!"
Here is hoping your the next Mark Hamill
Posted by: Jake | November 25, 2002 4:53 PM
Congrats wil! thats so cool!!! it all seems to happen when you stop focussing...like when you lose things, and then give up...they just appear!
Well done!
love Rach
xxx
Posted by: rach | November 25, 2002 4:54 PM
Keep it up with Ms. Romano and you'll be in good :)
Congratulations on getting in good with her, and let us know if you ever meet Rob Paulson (Wakko Warner/Pinky/etc) ;-)
Posted by: scall | November 25, 2002 4:54 PM
This is great! Good luck--
Eva
Posted by: Eva | November 25, 2002 4:57 PM
Wil:
Please let us know when the episode will air. I'd love to be able to identify it to my family and friends as the "really cool nerdy guy I admire and read every day from".
Ana Marylee
Posted by: anamarylee | November 25, 2002 5:00 PM
It's funny how it works out that when we settle down and do what it is that is in front of us to do - not only to we find amazing rewards and treasures in that -- we find that **and more**. Congratulations on the two jobs... and in the kudos that you received from the folks you are working for. Nothing better than that, than to enjoy your life and your work to the fullest.
Posted by: Janece | November 25, 2002 5:14 PM
Awesome, Wil! Tell us when it airs, totally. I would love to watch it.
Now, about the switch to writer/actor...Kudos (my most favorite math teacher ever hated that word, so now I have to use it at least twice a day to make fun of him and think of him) to you for constantly coming up with new ways to inspire me! Your site made me realize that the web is a great place to publish my writing/musings on life. I've been writing stuff since I was 5, and I've always wanted to do something with it but never knew how. So I've started myself on Blogger and just recently (by recently I mean several minutes prior to writing this) figured out how to manipulate my template and make my blog work properly. And I love having my thoughts on my own website. People probably don't read them, but it doesn't matter to me, so long as I know they're there.
And now, I can ponder over your new philosophy for life and hopefully apply it to my own. I need all the help I can get running my life...ha ha, that sounded...rather odd...
In the 6 days I've been a follower of wilwheaton.net, you've done heaps for me! Thank you so much! Hmm, this sounds like one of those late-night infomercials..."I lost 798 pounds in 3 months and the weight is still off! Thanks, Metabolife!"
Posted by: Angie | November 25, 2002 5:20 PM
you're quote: "You'll note that I did not say "Actor-Slash-Writer." This is a very important distinction."
*nice.*
Posted by: m | November 25, 2002 5:23 PM
Congrats, Wil!
The creators of The Simpsons will come calling soon.
"Hi, I'm TV's Wil Wheaton. Some of you might recognize me from such projects as..."
Posted by: delphine | November 25, 2002 5:24 PM
sorry - i have to do this - (obsessive compulsive): i noticed that i put "you're quote" instead of "your quote." in my comment above this one. this is just to prove to you that i'm not ignorant. anyway, i wrote that because i too, am a "writer-slash-actor/tress (whatever doesn't bother me)" and i too, put writing as my first priority. rock on, wil.
Posted by: m | November 25, 2002 5:27 PM
I have found many things in life just come to you when you stop TRYING for them. I'm not talking about about the new car type of thing, but happiness , a good relationship, a job you enjoy doing, etc.
As to the writer-slash-actor title, are you sure you want to use the phrase "slash" at all considering the fan fic bagage some of your previous roles have?
I've met Marv Wolfman at a few conventions and I think he is a really cool guy.
Posted by: JohnO | November 25, 2002 5:46 PM
i don't know who half those people are--
**runs to duck and cover**
either way wooo hoo!!! happy for ya dude!!!
very good choice- writer/actor-- and We love you for it!!!!
Can't wait for the book!!!
Posted by: Andie-Gypsy_girl | November 25, 2002 5:55 PM
That's awesome, Wil!
Now if you could just get on Space Ghost Coast to Coast, my life would be complete. :-P
Posted by: ezzvaldez | November 25, 2002 6:01 PM
Ah, Wil, but the subtle nuiances of a writer would have left it to OUR own devices to catch the important writer/actor line.
Careful how much you feel you NEED to point out to your readership or risk turning into a late Mel Brooks (pre-Broadway "Producers" of course)
Posted by: buntz | November 25, 2002 6:12 PM
1.That's great!!!! I can't believe after all these years they're finaly making a show out of it.
2.Yes,you are very cool,I didn't expect this site (or you) to be this cool.
3.I was in a writing class with a guy named Don McGregor,who also wrote the "Blade" character years ago-he was funny as hell-liek a real life version of the Sam kinison character in "Back to School"-great guy,but a MANIAC.He used to bitch at every opportunity about how the "Blade" movie sucked because he wasn't involved.He was probrably right.
4.i'm new here-why did you get cut out of "Nemesis??"
Posted by: jp | November 25, 2002 6:16 PM
Way to go, Wil!
I always wondered why I never heard you on Gargoyles.
Posted by: puck | November 25, 2002 6:21 PM
I want a slash of my very own...
Posted by: Thumper | November 25, 2002 6:31 PM
since you're now officially part of the animation world, how long will it be until that little wil cartoon on the mugs and shirts will gets his own show...
"the wil wheaton show"
nice ring, huh?
good for you!
Posted by: nikki | November 25, 2002 6:34 PM
"Writer- slash - Actor"... is that kinda like Spalding Gray?
Posted by: The Druken Bee | November 25, 2002 6:36 PM
Wow. If this show takes off, wonder what my New Teen Titans #1 will be worth?
Heheh.
Go, Wil! Make the show a hit! I've got comics to eBay, dammit!
Just remember: we're all counting on you.
Posted by: MrsVeteran | November 25, 2002 6:58 PM
duly-slash-noted ;)
congrats wil...thats pretty damn cool to hear..
it's like with girls..
when you try to hard, you smell of desperation, you have that, I NEED SOMETHING NOW, kinda vibe, that lets all the available girls in the vicinity know that you, indeed, are hard up, and looking for anything, anything ANYBODY WITH A PULSE!
but when you throw caution to the wind, and say, forget it...
it's not worth it..
i'm not going to debase myself like that...
whatever, man...
suddenly ..
all the girls see you in a whole new light..
it's all, 'hey...whos the young cat with the devil may care attitude..'
in other words...
it's heavy duty funkyass Mojo..
and you are working it.
cheers wil
Tyson
Posted by: tyson | November 25, 2002 7:10 PM
Writer-slash-actor, huh? Hehehe, that's kinda how I think of myself, except I use both Actor-slash-writer and Writer-slash-actor. Then of course, there's those random times when I feel like being cocky and I call myself an Actor-slash-writer-slash-singer, but's those are rare moments. =)
~Micah
Posted by: Micah | November 25, 2002 7:22 PM
...dork!
=p
heh
Posted by: Cherish | November 25, 2002 7:24 PM
I always thought the Sub-Mariner could kick Aquaman's ass,
Posted by: Fred Fowler | November 25, 2002 7:28 PM
Congrats on your re birth as a working writer/actor. Just promise us one thing. Do not write any star trek novels, don't become another William Fawken Shatner. Just wait, you will be in so many things, that those people at Star Trek will kick themselves in the butt, for cutting you out of the upcoming picture. Thank GOD you did not take that imfomercial.
Posted by: Terry | November 25, 2002 7:48 PM
WOOOOHOOO!!!
That is too freakin' cool! I loved the New Teen Titans back in my collecting days. All my X-Men drone friends looked down on me for it too. 8P (I'm not saying that X-men wasn't/isn't a fine mag, but snobbery doesn't have much place in comic book collecting IMHO) I look forward to checking out the new series. Having you as one of the voices Wil, is just gonna make it that much cooler. 8)
Posted by: Darzog | November 25, 2002 8:13 PM
I would also like to hear when this will air, It sounds like it will be really cool. And any excuse to see/hear/read something you've done is GREATNESS.
Posted by: AngelGypsy | November 25, 2002 8:29 PM
You may be happy about the wind, Wil, but it's driving my allergies nuts. I'll take rain and cold as long as I can breathe again.
Posted by: Vanessa | November 25, 2002 8:31 PM
Congratulations on the animation job !!!
Sounds like you should make that title more ...
Husband-Slash-Step Dad-Slash-Writer-Slash-The Voice-Slash-Writer-Slash-Wannabe Geocacher" :EVIL SARCASTIC GRIN:
Posted by: Matt (AMZ on Here) | November 25, 2002 9:04 PM
My Bad! I put "Writer" twice on that title above ... Change that second "Writer" to "Actor" ... Ooopsey! :]
Posted by: Matt (AMZ on Here) | November 25, 2002 9:06 PM
ROFL Go take a look a Fark. What a little cutie.
;-)
Posted by: amy | November 25, 2002 9:10 PM
Wil,
I would not even mention a film or tv job until I saw the final product. What if they cut your character again? Yes, you will be paid. It is so out of your hands but you still put yourself in the position that TNG, STAND BY ME and your INDEPEDENT FILMS put you in. I would not even tell anyone until I saw the final cut. You are a very trusting person. Pause, wow.
FG
Posted by: Fabian | November 25, 2002 9:56 PM
Way to go, Will (woot woot woot)! Just one thing to point out though. Anyone who's ever played a role as a Star Trek character should avoid using the word "slash" to describe themself in any fashion (wink wink).
Posted by: Michael Hirtes | November 25, 2002 10:26 PM
Before the phanboyz throw a fit at me, I already know I typoed one too many "l"'s in his name accidently. Bite me.
Posted by: Michael Hirtes | November 25, 2002 10:28 PM
Dude! Justice League! Aqualad may be kind of goofy, but hell, I would take the role of a damn Wonder Twin to be on that show! Cool as hell! I can't wait!
Holy shit, you did a voice on The Zeta Project? Who? I didn't realize that. Where have I been?
Posted by: Ruth Woytsek | November 25, 2002 11:10 PM
A buddy of mine worked with you on Prince Valient years ago and always commented on your work. By the way, the director on that show won 9 emmy's for prior work in children's programming.
Posted by: John | November 26, 2002 1:03 AM
How cool is that?
Yay!!
*happy monkey-dance of joy*
'You'll note that I did not say "Actor-Slash-Writer." This is a very important distinction.'
Definitely. Thanks for clearing that up.
Oh, and that's nothing, btw. I have *5* different jobs. :-P
Filling in the tax form is a nightmare, but it makes life so much more fun.
Posted by: ionicus | November 26, 2002 1:44 AM
Reminds of the Seinfeld episode(s) where George decides to do the opposite of everything and gets his dreamjob at the Yankees almost immediately.
Posted by: jandevries | November 26, 2002 4:36 AM
A friend of mine once said " A watched kettle never boils" cool saying I think. I hope that your kettle boils over. Your too cool of a guy, Wil. It is hard not to wish the best for you and yours. Take care.
Posted by: Artisticspirit | November 26, 2002 5:09 AM
Wil Wheaton - Writer/Actor.
Posted by: Nadia | November 26, 2002 5:17 AM
Man, I'm sorry. I don't think you'll ever do anything animated that's as cool as The Secret of Nymh. That's the bomb.
Posted by: quyet | November 26, 2002 5:56 AM
does anyone know what role Wil played on Zeta? I'm a sucker for halfway decent american animation, and didn't recognize Wil's voice... who did he play?
Posted by: Steve | November 26, 2002 6:01 AM
Woo Hoo! It always seems to happen when people stop trying, for success, for love, whatever. But I'm very glad it's happening to you. Time to update the current projects section!
Posted by: T.W. Lewis | November 26, 2002 6:15 AM
"You'll note that I did not say "Actor-Slash-Writer." This is a very important distinction."
But Wil, at the top of your archives pages it till says "written by actor and writer Wil Wheaton".
Posted by: lactose incompetent | November 26, 2002 7:00 AM
Wil, I am happy for your success, but unhappy because now I have to go buy a TV and start watching TV again! See if they'll broadcast it on NPR, please. : )
Posted by: Erika | November 26, 2002 7:04 AM
Wil,
There's a space in that Zeta Project link, so it doesn't go directly to the page. Could you fix that? Thanks. ;)
Signed,
Fellow Geek
Posted by: ttrentham | November 26, 2002 7:23 AM
Wil, good call on choosing "writer-slash-actor." I kinda dabble in acting, but I do more with music. On top of that, I'm a writer first and foremost. If were a nuclear scientist, I think I'd still list "writer" first. Can't wait to read your book. Also, can't wait to see "Teen Titans." How cool is it to be a comic book "geek" and get to voice a character? Lucky you, Wil. Keep up the great work. And a belated Iowa, Iowa Iowa-Mojo Mojo Mojo for Katie.
Posted by: Nelson | November 26, 2002 7:26 AM
"On Animated TV, no one can see you have poison oak..."
Posted by: Rick Op | November 26, 2002 7:27 AM
Wil, you lucky dog! I'd love to do work like that (I'm always annoying my family with character voices from cartoons, Sesame Street, etc.). When is the show premiering and who's airing it? If it's as good as Justice League over on Cartoon Network, I'll be watching!
Too bad they didn't cast you as Nightwing (or Robin, whichever incarnation they're using). I mean, it's still a cool gig but let's face it: Aqualad's not exactly an "A" List hero. I'm pretty sure I had an old issue where the other Titans beat him up for lunch money (that Cyborg dude was a total badass). Beats "Maisy" though. Maybe this will finally get you on The Simpsons!
Posted by: Shaun | November 26, 2002 8:49 AM
Cool. I didn't know that you did a voice for the Zeta Project. Now Teen Titians, majorly cool.
Posted by: angry penguin | November 26, 2002 9:06 AM
Hmmmm. Aqualad? You strike me more as a Changling kinda guy, given the way you write, and thats usually an indication of the way people speak, I think Changling, if he is a character for the show seems more like the goofy fan boy superhero type guy you actually are. ;-) But still, how cool is it for a comic fan to actually be doing comic related stuff? The Karmic Wheel is turning in your favor these days!
JimmyT
Posted by: JimmyT | November 26, 2002 9:48 AM
I LOVED Teen Titans! Marv Wolfman and George Perez were an unbeatable team! That is SOOO cool that you're doing Aqualad. I will definitely watch the cartoon!
Tracey (who will have a permanent smile on her face today)
Posted by: Tracey | November 26, 2002 9:49 AM
I'm trying not to say I told you do, but it's much easier to say it as a consequence of GOOD things happening. :-)
Posted by: Janis | November 26, 2002 10:01 AM
Wil - Give it up, bro. Get a job in the real world like the rest of us, 'cause animation ain't no meal ticket.
Posted by: JGreene | November 26, 2002 10:30 AM
Wil - Give it up, bro. Get a job in the real world like the rest of us, 'cause animation ain't no meal ticket.
Posted by: JGreene | November 26, 2002 10:30 AM
Wil, you probably won't read this or whatever, but please say a Big Hi to Andrea for me! She was the casting director back on The Flintstone Kids waaaaay back in the day. Which I was a part of. (Yeah, that's right, I'm a former child actor too. Surprise!)
Posted by: Beth | November 26, 2002 11:41 AM
I am happy to say, welcome back...
Posted by: ze-mag | November 26, 2002 1:28 PM
Hearing about Aqualad reminds me of Seanbaby's review of Aquaman. Sucky character = funny stuff. http://www.seanbaby.com/superfriends/aquaman.htm
Posted by: Bastian227 | November 26, 2002 4:19 PM
Maybe you'll be up for a "Slashie" award soon. :)
Congratulations on the jobs.
Kevin
Posted by: Renpiti | November 27, 2002 4:34 AM
Congratulations, Wil! This is wonderful news, most especially because Aqualad (now "Tempest") has always been my favorite comic book hero ever. (I even have a site devoted to him)! I hadn't heard that his character would be used in this new Titans series (he was, of course, in the original cartoons), so this is an awesome surprise! I'm sure that you did Aquaman's best friend justice. Thanks for the update and here's to many more appearances with you voicing the coolest Titan there ever was!!!
Cheers!-----Daria
Posted by: Daria | November 27, 2002 8:33 PM
OMFG! I was reading they were doing a Teen Titans cartoon but I was miffed they went back to calling Garfield Logan "Beast Boy". Changeling was a much cooler name. But I still have nostalgia for the old Titans. The comic turned pretty crappy when Devin Grayson took over and I'm not happy with the current writer. And OMG! You met Marv Wolfman!!!!!! *drools*
I wasn't going to watch this cartoon bc I was afraid it would deviate from the comics too much. But now I want to see it. :-)
I mean, you did a voice of one of my favorite cartoon movies when I was kid "The Secret of NIMH". That movie still rocks. I've wanted to see you do voicework ever since then. Congratulations! I can't wait to see this now. I hope it comes out on DVD. :-)
Have fun!
*does a happy dance*
luv,
-Su
Posted by: Su | November 30, 2002 10:22 PM
Congratulations, Wil! I'll definitely be watching Teen Titans.
By the way, there's a reason no one remembers Wil from "Zeta." He played a character in "The Wrong Morph," which is just one of those episodes Kids' WB neglected to put on the air. I got to see it recently, and it was great. "The good cop/bad cop routine usually works best when there's two different cops." LOL!
Posted by: Vanessa L. | December 3, 2002 6:15 AM