SPOT, an online system for one-on-one lessons by active voice actors, will begin service this spring. Recruitment for the first term begins on February 7.

Four major voice actor production companies, Across Entertainment, Ken Productions, Stayrak, and Moveman, have announced the joint development of "SPOT," an e-learning system for voice actors that allows "anyone, anywhere, anytime" to become a voice actor. The four companies, Across Entertainment, Ken Productions, Stayrak, and Moveman, announced that they have jointly developed the voice actor e-learning system "SPOT", which allows anyone to become a voice actor "anytime, anywhere".

The system name "SPOT" is an acronym for "SEI-YU PERSONAL ONLINE TRAINIG" (voice actor personal online training). Unlike conventional voice actor schools and voice actor training schools, this service is inexpensive, does not require travel expenses, and features one-on-one instruction by voice actors via PC or smartphone.

Background of "SPOT" Joint Development

Currently, many aspiring voice actors have given up on their dreams because of the cost of voice actor schools and the time and transportation required to commute to such schools. This situation was a source of concern for voice actress Michiko Nomura, well-known for her roles as Wakame in "Sazae-san" (1976-2005) and Shizuka in "Doraemon" (1979-2005), who wondered if it would be possible to create an environment where anyone could easily take up voice acting.

Keisuke Hazama, president of MoveMan, Kentaro Utsumi, president of Ken Productions, Daisuke Namikawa, president of Stay Luck, a popular voice actor who also serves as president of a voice actor production company, and Jun Fujisaki, president of Across Entertainment, to which Koichi Yamadera belongs, agreed to this idea. The project was launched to transcend barriers.

Outline of SPOT

SPOT" offers 40 courses, ranging from basic courses in vocalization, katzetsu, and accent correction, to practical training in voice-over work with voice actors using animation footage.

Current voice actors teach one-on-one, allowing lessons to be tailored to the level of the student, from the inexperienced to those who have once aspired to be a voice actor. Talented students have the possibility of joining voice actor production companies or becoming special students at their training schools. The outline of the system is as follows.

Outline of the system
SPOT
System contents: One-on-one e-learning system by voice actors
Curriculum and cost:
　40 lessons for 80,000 yen
　System usage fee of 20,000 yen and materials fee of 10,000 yen will be charged separately.
　Each one-on-one lesson with an active voice actor lasts 15 minutes

Recruitment of 100 students for the first term also started

SPOT" will open on March 25, 2020. The school has about 10 instructors who are active voice actors, and will start recruiting the first 100 students for the first term on February 7.

Outline of the first term of student recruitment
Application period: Friday, February 7, 2020, from 1:00 p.m.
Number of applicants: The first 100 students will be accepted. After that, we plan to accept new members at any time.
How to apply: Apply from the official website.
Opening date: March 25, 2020

Open campus will also be held

To deepen understanding of "SPOT," an online open campus will be held on February 29, featuring Daisuke Namikawa as a special lecturer.

Outline of the Open Campus].
Date and time: February 29, 2020, 4:00 p.m. - tentative
Special lecturer: Daisuke Namikawa
How to watch: YouTube Live
Channel name: YouTube: SPOT Channel
*Details will be announced on the official website at a later date

Comments from voice actors involved in the development

Comments from Ms. Nomura, who initiated the project, and Mr. Hazama, Ms. Utsumi, Mr. Fujisaki, and Mr. Namikawa, who were involved in the joint development, are introduced below (all in Japanese only).

Voice actress Michiko Nomura
I was asked three years ago if I could create an online system that would allow students to study voice acting at home. And because it's one-on-one, I believe I can take good care of my students."

Keisuke Hazama, President of MoveMan Inc.
I have a feeling in my heart that I want to become a voice actor. How long have you had this dream? Animation, dubbing for foreign movies, games, radio, stage, etc. The world of voice acting is expanding rapidly. We wanted to help you get started. SPOT makes it possible for you to take a step forward and not let your dream end as a dream. What you will learn here is to take on the skills of active voice actors on a one-on-one basis. SPOT makes it possible for you to realize your own charm and bring out your talent at a reasonable price. Every year, auditions are held for the most trusted and proven SPOT participating production companies. Opportunities are right around the corner. No matter how old you are, it is not too early or too late to start learning in a safe and secure environment. SPOT is the gateway to your dreams.

Kentaro Utsumi, President of Ken Productions Co.
Let's take the first step at SPOT!

Jun Fujisaki, President, Across Entertainment Inc.
SPOT is here to help you.

Daisuke Namikawa, President, Stayluck Inc.
I am always anxious about what I can't see. Please try SPOT. Please use SPOT. We look forward to working with you in the industry in the future.