Interview

Interview from "The Cult of Feabie" (Fan Website for "Meridian"), Summer 2002

Unless you've been living under a rock the past week or so you've heard of Crossgen's plans to have "Comics on the Web" enhanced w/ audio! That's right! You can now listen to your favorite CG comics online!

One of the comics that has an audio option available is Meridian, and we here at the "Cult of Feabie" were able to arrange an interview with you guessed it, the Voice of Feabie, Miss Heidi Salinger! Heidi is an actress from Central Florida and has performed in numerous film, television, voice-over, and stage productions. Be sure to check out her website.

And despite her busy schedule Heidi was willing to take the time to answer a few questions about her new role as the voice of Feabie. So without further ado . .

DT: The first thing I'd like to know is how you got the job. Basically, how did you end up as The Voice of Feabie? Did CG contact you, did you have to audition etc.

Heidi: Crossgen had an open audition and I was not available to attend, so I sent in a tape and was asked to come in and read for Barbara in the studio.  She offered the part of "Feabie" to me right there on the spo.  It all happend so fast ... I was quite flattered and then I read for little "Adeline" in "Ruse" and she offered me that too. She has so many voice actors that I understand why she felt like she needed to do it all so quickly -- grab them while you can.  There are a lot of roles to fill... 3 series and all right now.  She is handling it so well, Barbara.  She is so organized... I give her a million kudos! She is just amazing and so fun to work with!

DT: Secondly, comics have traditionally been targeted towards a male audience, while Meridian has been targeted more towards young women. Do you think Meridian is a comic that appeals to young women and if so why? What parts of the book have you enjoyed the most?

Heidi: Yes and no... I say "yes" because our heroine is such a strong young woman and she is an wonderful role model for young girls and then I say "no" (and please don't be offended), because a lot of men like "Meridian" for the graphics... Of the women... Goodness, at my audition I read from issue #22 and the first pic I saw of Feabs was her butt and I was like, "okay" and Barbara laughed and said, "remember comic books are drawn by men..." -- see what I mean? LOL! I found it quite funny and was quite amused! As for the parts I have enjoyed the most... Goodness, Feabie like cries quite a lot... And as funny as it sounds, I love her attitude because she seems like so honest in many ways... That's at least how I see her... I feel like I can relate to her a lot right now (art imitates life, in some ways for me, currently in time)... So I don't know if I could pick a specific favorite part... I liked the wedding and the "ow, little vermin" parts... I dunno, I like feabs a lot and every bit of her is fun to play with (Barbara has a lot to do so we don't get a lot of chances but she's always pleased so that is great to us!).

DT: Now onto the important question :D. As the voice of Feabie, what feelings do you have for the character? After reading the series, what do you think has been Feabie's defining moment so far?

Heidi: (Kinda answered that above)...... I don't know if I have yet to record what I feel as her most defining moment... I'm still working her out some... :)

DT: And just a few more . . . do you find it hard to "get into character"? Of all the characters in Meridian, which one can you identify with the most?

Heidi: Not really so much, I find it kind of humorous that Barbara had Zouka and I play some voice exercises before we ever started... When Feabie and Zouka are together, they always finish each other’s sentences which we have to be quick and then most of all... All of Feab's sentences go up (so I sound kinda hyper!) And Zouka's all go down... Unless Feabie is sad and Zouka is happy, but that only happened after Jad walked away from her once... Anyways.... It's kinda fun to get into character cuz Feabie can be kinda bubbly... And I like that! And definitely at this time, and I think I always will... Identify with Feabie the most... Her charisma and strength and wanting the best for Jad, is something I admire. :)

DT: And finally. . . Jad's been leading Feabie on . . . hasn't he?

Heidi: Oh baby... has he ever.... hmmmmm.... I don't know what to do about that Jad... I tease "Jad" in the studio, it's kinda funny... we really get into it.... we have some pretty funny outtakes... lol!

DT: Thanks for taking the time to answer the questions Heidi! Wish you all the best of luck in the future and looking forward to hearing more of your work on Meridian!