Daily Inspiration: Meet Kim (Knode) Watkinson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim (Knode) Watkinson

Hi Kim (Knode), so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Years after his stint with the Voice of America radio network during WWII, my dad settled in Tokyo, Japan. It is my hometown and I still read, write and speak fluent Japanese. Although Dad entered the corporate world, he never lost his passion for voice work. Thanks to him and my glamorous
stepmother actress, I was introduced into the world of voiceovers and television from an early age.

I was privileged to work with the late Bill Ross dubbing the voices of characters in the famed Tora-san films series for Japan Airlines. NHK also welcomed me as a series regular on a TV show entitled A Step to English. I also worked quite a bit on NHK Radio.

In addition to the on-set training I received from watching other experienced actors in Tokyo; upon graduation from UCLA Theatre, I was able to study with Sue Blu (of Transformers and Smurfs fame) and Oscar-nominated Sally Kirkland. Loved my time honing my comedy and improv skills at the Harvey Lembeck studios, too.

LA is a tough town and not made for sensitive types…I learned a lot and was able to pay my rent mostly working for Japanese companies. A bonus was meeting my husband in dance class. We were married 17 years ago by Elvis (not the real one!) in Las Vegas.

The move from LA to Denver two plus years ago prompted a return to fulfilling dreams. Maybe the majestic mountains or the blue jays singing in my backyard inspired me! At any rate, I booked a commercial and several voice over jobs…and I want to do more!! I am also encouraged by the lovely reviews on my Fiverr.com and Voices.com profiles.

Another link that shows my on-camera work is at Casting Networks. Also, I am represented by the Eden Talent Agency.

My professional home studio is set up. I’m ready to keep recording commercials, animation characters, and corporate narrations in English (American or British accent) and in Japanese. I’ve also written and voiced some custom-made Mary Poppins-style meditations.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
LOL! There has been a LOT of learning. Emotionally and financially.

Without bringing out the violins or launching into a telenovela, learning to love myself – just like Whitney Houston’s song says – is the greatest gift of all.

I also attribute a lot of the healing to my teachers at MSIA. (Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness.) AND Dr. Deborah Bilder and Tracy Parra – both in LA. AND Melanie Mattison who I was introduced to by the fantabulous Hay House author, Jean Haner. (Melanie and Jean are experts in the thousands years old art of Chinese face reading…and healing!)

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
One of my specialties is providing voice overs for copy that requires a soothing tone. I also LOVE voicing characters for anime, cartoons, and audio books for children. My ideal client brings life to inspirational, uplifting projects. That said, it is great fun playing villains in video games, too!

Samples of my work are available at Fiverr.com. Please search for Kim Watkinson – voice overs – @Storyteller_Kim.

On LinkedIn – I also post a lot of videos with voiceovers in English and Japanese. Most of the time I include subtitles as well. It’s a free service I provide to those learning English or Japanese. I do my best to keep the videos fun and motivational for lifelong learners…and travel foodies!

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Yes! Learn to meditate. Learn to listen for the still small voice. Discern and trust what works for you despite what the experts might say. To quote and paraphrase one of my beloved teachers, John-Roger:
“Check it out…Take what works for YOU and leave the rest.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.fiverr.com/storyteller_kim
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theninjabaker/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DancingLanguageNinja/
• Other: https://america-traveling.com/

Image Credits
Production scene from Julie Béna’s forthcoming film “Dirty Shirley” (2024). Black Cube Headquarters, Englewood, CO. Courtesy of the artist, PLATO Ostrava, and Black Cube Nomadic Art Museum

***For the To Tell the Truth photo***