DiMaggio, the voice of Bender, premieres documentary on voice actors

More than a 150 fans crowded together on Nov. 8 to watch John DiMaggio -- better known as Bender in "Futurama,” Jake the Dog in "Adventure Time" and Marcus Fenix in "Gears of War" – premiere his documentary “I Know That Voice” at the National Press Club. 

The film takes an in-depth look into the life of a voice actor, the people you may have never heard of but certainly have heard.  DiMaggio produced the film along with the help of producer and director Lawrence Shapiro and producer Tommy Reid.  The movie, which debuted Nov. 6 in Hollywood, gives the audience an inside feel of the methods and personalities of these actors with interviews from the industry's top professionals including Nancy Cartwright (Bart Simpson), Jim Cummings (Tigger and Winnie the Pooh). “ I Know That Voice” also includes voice directors and producers giving their take on what they look for in actors and showcases legendary Simpsons creator and producer Matt Groening. 

After the screening DiMaggio took to the stage to answer the audience questions that ranged from how to get into voice acting to why adult language is used in comedy today.  DiMaggio also entertained audiences with his impressions and later voiced a conversation between Barry White and Bender the Robot.  After he received the traditional Club mug, the crowd gave him a standing ovation. 

The night wasn’t over after that as fans lined up for a chance to speak and interact with DiMaggio.  For over an hour he signed posters, shirts and figurines for everyone who wanted an autograph.  DiMaggio even sat down with the few children in the audience and spoke to them in their favorite cartoon characters’ voices as he took pictures with them and signed their memorabilia.  DiMaggio took pictures with everyone who asked and at times, stole fans' cameras to do "selfies" of him with the group. 

The documentary will be released on Video on Demand, iTunes, and DVD this December.  To watch the trailer on YouTube, click here.