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Angela A. Lambru

One Story That Mattered

Part 1 – I Didn't Set Out to Become a Producer

Lately, I've been feeling a bit like Geppetto working away in my little workshop, hoping to bring something I created to life. But I'm getting way ahead of myself. To understand why I'm learning animation today, we have to go back to where this story began.

I've always loved creating, and I've always had a deep compassion for animals. Years ago, those two passions came together when I wrote a short story about a rescued pit bull. The story sat quietly for years until I decided I wanted to turn it into a short film.

After a lot of research, I realized that making a film was far beyond my budget, so I let that idea go. Then, just before the pandemic, I discovered podcasting.  I knew absolutely nothing about producing a podcast.

I started researching, asking questions, and eventually found a podcast editor through Facebook. I wasn't even sure if I needed one, but he turned out to be exactly the person who helped fill in the many gaps.

Podcasting suddenly seemed like the perfect medium. It also gave me the opportunity to use my voice again after taking time away from voice acting.

What I didn't realize was just how much went into producing a storytelling podcast.

I suddenly found myself casting more than ten characters, writing scripts, scheduling rehearsals, meeting with actors and my editor, raising funds, and overseeing recording sessions. Then, as a union actor producing the project, I learned I also had to follow SAG-AFTRA producer requirements, even when hiring non-union performers. That meant contracts, paperwork, and pages of legalese that often felt like learning a new language.

Without realizing it, I had become a producer. There were moments when I asked myself, "Why am I doing all of this?"

The answer always took me back to the seven-year-old girl who rescued her first animal; a small bird. That experience filled me with compassion, and over the years I've rescued countless animals, volunteered with animal organizations, supported rescue efforts, and advocated for animal welfare whenever I could.

That story became The Kit Bull Story, a natural extension of my lifelong commitment to animal advocacy.

The heroine is Kit, a rescued pit bull who lives at a doggie daycare run by a kind and caring woman named Rose.” Kit is gentle, thoughtful, wise beyond her years, and has a remarkable ability to connect with other animals and help them. Through each episode, Kit, Rose, and the rest of the characters explore the relationships between people and animals, showing both the kindness and the misunderstandings that exist between them. Along the way, they gently encourage empathy, compassion, and a better understanding of what animals need from us.

Over three seasons, I had the privilege of writing the scripts, voicing three characters, collaborating with talented voice actors, both seasoned professionals and newcomers, and introducing The Kit Bull Story through social media. The audience has grown gradually, we've made wonderful connections, and we're proud to be part of Kids Listen, a wonderful community dedicated to children's podcasts.

Creating the podcast also reminded me how much I missed voice acting.

I realized that if I wanted to return to the industry and compete professionally, I needed to invest in myself. I sought out coaching, joined voice-over organizations and workout groups, recorded new demos, and continued learning.  And that was only the beginning.

Next blog: I realized the industry had changed... and I had a lot to learn.