Guess it's about time: From the REAL Greg Berg

[minor muppetz]

I saw another thread in the Muppet Babies folder, where somebody asked if the second episode, "Dental Hijynks", was actually the pilot. Do you recall if it was the pilot? Here's the thread: http://www.muppetcentral.com/forum/threads/was-dental-hyjinks-the-muppet-babies-series-pilot.49330/

 

[KermieBaby47]

Luckily, voicing OTHER prominent projects have kept my talents out there..
Gave exclusive news to MuppetCentralNews...did you see The Muppet Movie?
I was heard in it!
There's the tease, hopefully MCN writes about it. Or I could, should anyone comment?

I was wondering about this. I'd checked out your Wikipedia page to see what else you'd done, and saw you listed for "The Muppets" as the announcer, something like that. So were you the voice that we all thought was Jerry Nelson?

 

[Walter]

Thanks for Joining us! I remember watching Muppet Babies when I was younger, after all these years it still feels as funny and relevant as ever! I do think Disney needs to put it back on the air! And who knows, with the new Disney Junior channel coming soon airing Bear in the Big Blue House, anythings possible!!!

 

[gregishere]

I was wondering about this. I'd checked out your Wikipedia page to see what else you'd done, and saw you listed for "The Muppets" as the announcer, something like that. So were you the voice that we all thought was Jerry Nelson?

The 'scoop' on Disney 'The Muppets' Movie.. I was asked to record the voice of the 'stage manager', in the critical scene of the Telethon starting on time-a very small clip, but to get ANYTHING in that show was a 'gift',withallthe celebrity stars it was packed with.
The gang is rushing around,Gonzo,I beleivesays15 seconds,..they hear me countdown '2,.. 1,.. and CUE SCOOTER!' (Later, when they have to get back on the air after the power outtage, they show a speaker and I'm heard giving the countdown to begin. As the movie listed the 'recognizable' names in the show, they were not obligated to list mine..thus uncredited..BUT the voice is heard!

I guess for the 'MUPPET MAVENS', they will savor this inside 'trivia' ort of the situation should they wish to stump another by asking WHICH MUPPET BABY ACTOR, WAS THE ONLY ONE FROM THE ANIMATED SHOW, TO DO A VOICE IN A LIVE ACTION MUPPET MOVIE??

At first I wondered if they wanted a 'character' voice, but then was infromed,.. 'No, just do your own voice, they like that one!"

 

[gregishere]

Thanks for Joining us! I remember watching Muppet Babies when I was younger, after all these years it still feels as funny and relevant as ever! I do think Disney needs to put it back on the air! And who knows, with the new Disney Junior channel coming soon airing Bear in the Big Blue House, anythings possible!!!

They should be just as entertaining..but unless the 'powers that be' agree or they realize the public would want the same..I don't understand the hold up..Although I've read an article stating how the Disney Studio wanted to keep behind the franchise, but after the changes in management, some extra business diverted the talked about push.

 

[gregishere]

Thanks for the responses...
CORRECTED: SWEETUMS
1.Re: Muppet Monsters....was a surprise to me as a Muppet watcher as well. I figured the 'creative' people behind the scenes' knew what they were doing, probably tested the idea, then determined it was network worthy??
As one of the newcomers to the 'animated voice' business..my first series, (and it was very high profile), I didn't want to rock the boat, and was happy that our segment would continue, plus we were to do other voices! And who was I to them other than the voice?

I recall speaking, maybe with another cast member or the director, upon hearing the title including 'Monsters', may cause the grown ups with children,to not watch.
I recall being told: 'they're cute monsters'...well,we saw the result.

When growng up, seeing Sweetums on the Ed Sullivan TV Show, was a bit frightening to me, as he was shown occasionally running down the theater aisle.
Another 'odd' feelingI had was when they showed the characters legs in the animation segment with grown Fozzie and Kermit.

2. When starting the show-speaking for myself-I was familiarwithmany of the characters from earleir shwos and appearances...as a teen, I had hoped to do Muppet type voices or even work with/for Jm Henson..however, I didn't study puppeteering and they were in NY, I was in Ohio, and planned to study acting in Hollywood, the mecca for tv/film acting),which I hadmyeyesset on pursuing professionally.

So, to get familiar with the characters I was hired for, I was given VHS tapes to look over. I loved getting to be Baby Fozzie, as I had previously worked in a comedy group and experienced standup comedy at the World Famous Hollywood Comedy Store. The script was already written, I just had to deliver the material well.

3.Jim Henson may have reviewed some shows and gave his input on the material and voice performances..again, I was brought in to voice and did not know anything of the creative process otherwise.
No, we never me the originals for coaching..then eventually Jim Henson honored us with a visit during one session.
A moment that still gives me an emotional thrill!

A rare cast photo may be up on my Facebook page:
Greg Berg

And for those in more on my early career start AND hear samples of my character, spokesman, and sound-alike demo's to give you an idea of my abilities, for fun or if you need a voice for any creative projects:
www.myspace.com/officialgregberg

(don't leave messages on MYSPACE though)
Email Contact: idovoices@yahoo.com

 

[Slackbot]

Welcome, Greg! I don't have a lot to say except that I think it's cool that you're here, and I enjoyed Muppet Babies. I have a bootleg DVD set, and would gladly replace it with a legal one if only I could.

 

[gregishere]

Welcome, Greg! I don't have a lot to say except that I think it's cool that you're here, and I enjoyed Muppet Babies. I have a bootleg DVD set, and would gladly replace it with a legal one if only I could.

Well, I had seen something of the sort online,and knew WE didn't get word of DVD release, so someone must have taken to make a buck or wanted to keep the show out there in theri way??

Even DVD's haven't been released, now THAT makes one wonder what maybe happening behind the scenes??

I recall hearing a talking story book was made or some item recorded that used other Non-Union talents to sound like us(?)..one dayanothervoice talentaskedmeif I was doing that new item and I had no idea of it..but never heard where the project went after it was complete. If anyone hears a program, with the Babies that may sound a little off, that maybe someone 'trying' to make a little extra..but hey,if Henson's/Disney okays it, the fans may have the final word.

**Someone wrote commenting on a credit they've seen for MONSTER'S INC. Video Game.. YES! I voiced Frank Oz's character FUNGUS. For whatever reason the company had to get a soundalike, I'm glad they chose someone,(me), from the voice pool of those respectable to sounding like Frank Oz and his characters.

 

[Drtooth]

I recall hearing a talking story book was made or some item recorded that used other Non-Union talents to sound like us(?)..one dayanothervoice talentaskedmeif I was doing that new item and I had no idea of it..but never heard where the project went after it was complete. If anyone hears a program, with the Babies that may sound a little off, that maybe someone 'trying' to make a little extra..but hey,if Henson's/Disney okays it, the fans may have the final word.

That reminds me of a question I was going to ask... I recently stumbled upon a Muppet Babies book and Tape recording that had Maurice LaMarche as Baby Animal (but the rest of the cast, including yourself, was the same). My question is, if you can remember, was this before or after Howie Mandel left, but before they cast Dave Coulier as some of his roles?

 

[CaseytheMuppet]

Will Muppet Babies Return to TV? I would love to see the whole series someday.