Save Our Voice Actors: Difference between revisions

Save Our Voice Actors, commonly abbreviated SOVA, was a Pokémon community-driven campaign to bring back the original English dub voice actors to the Pokémon anime instead of recasting them. It disbanded on February 18, 2009, but had been regrouping since 2011. The group had shifted its focus on Veronica Taylor in later years, in hopes that she would have regained her role as Ash Ketchum, since many other characters stopped appearing on the show.

Mission Statement

SOVA originally formed in 2006, after fans heard that The Pokémon Company International (aka TPCi) was going to replace the voice actors currently working with 4Kids Entertainment, starting with "The Mastermind of Mirage Pokémon" special episode. This turned out to be an unfortunate side effect of doing business with a new dubbing company, with whom the actors couldn't transfer to due their commitment with 4Kids at the time. With the goal of campaigning for TPCi to return the 4Kids actors, we were well known throughout large Pokémon communities such as Bulbagarden and Serebii. In the end, TPCi continued to use new dub studio and voices anyway, despite the protests.

Today, we're working to rebuild SOVA and learn from our mistakes in order to continue expressing to the company that many fans still prefer the original actors. In today’s age of mass communication, TPCi needs a positive and supportive fanbase, and it’s vital that we continue to express our desires for Pokémon’s future. Moving forward with this kind of mentality is beneficial for the fandom and maintaining the quality of the franchise. To summarize, we stand by a few core values.

1: We're dedicated to supporting the 4Kids voice actors (primarily those whose respective characters are still on the show) and expressing our desire to see them on Pokémon again. No matter how much time has passed, as long as fans support them, these talented actors still have a chance to return.

2: We recognize the importance of maintaining contact with TPCi. They are a worldwide leader in the entertainment industry and fan feedback from all ages is extremely valuable and helps them to make wiser decisions for Pokémon. This in turn leads to better profits, and a more loyal fanbase.

3: We intend to show proper respect to fans with differing opinions, the current actors, TPCi, and the dub studio, regardless of where some of us stand with their decisions. Whatever happens along the road, we must remain headstrong and confident that we’re doing the right thing by reaching out to the company and each other.

Be sure to check out the How you can help, and FAQ tabs. You can also join the SOVA group page to chat with other members in Save Our Voice Actors. The main page here will be used primarily for announcements and information, or if you have questions/comments. Here at Save Our Voice Actors, there is one lesson learned from Pokémon that stands out here; strive to achieve your goals, and never give up!

Staff

Last known staff

• Ryan Woosley - Administrator
• Taylor Barton Moorefield - Administrator
• Mel Clattenberg - Administrator
• Trevor Anderson - Administrator

Former staff

• Nekusagi - Leader
• Dark Master - Leader
• Pie - Leader
• Shadow25 - Leader
• Lisa Levenson - Leader
• Tommy - Administrator
• Misty - Administrator
• Nick-kun - Administrator
• Trainer Rachel - Administrator
• Szlemm - Administrator
• Charzard03 - Administrator
• offkilter- Administrator

External links

Bulbanews has an article related to this subject:

Opinion: Fans rally to combat anime change

• Save Our Voice Actors website (defunct)
• Save Our Voice Actors Facebook page (defunct)
• Save Our Voice Actors Facebook group
• Save the Dub
• Save Our Voice Actors Serebii branch
• Save Our Voice Actors DeviantArt page
• Save Our Voice Actors on Twitter

• Old SOVA forum
• Old SOVA forum

This article is a part of Project Fandom, a Bulbapedia Project that aims to write comprehensive articles on every aspect of the Pokémon Fandom.