The REAL Story Behind The Ghost Stories Dub

[@GlaurungTheGreat]

I'm glad you made this video. It's kind of remarkable how little information there is about Ghost Stories' production on the internet given how big a phenomenon it's become; almost all there is is a few bits of unsourced and oft-repeated factoids and a handful of interviews with actors at cons.

[@STE7ENFOSTER]

And I'm glad you liked it! Maybe with a little luck, the real story will get out. But you know how it is. If there's a void, someone's going to fill it. Does that sound nasty?

[@mattybrunolucaszeneresalas9072]

@@STE7ENFOSTER I mean I don’t know how both of you are ignorant to the countless videos that actually do get it right. I mean especially the one that personally interviewed you

[@STE7ENFOSTER]

@@mattybrunolucaszeneresalas9072 blah.

[@mattybrunolucaszeneresalas9072]

@@STE7ENFOSTER Understandable. Have a nice day.

[@STE7ENFOSTER]

@@mattybrunolucaszeneresalas9072 forgive me, but I just don't understand why I'm being made to be the bad guy in this. What reason would I have to make up a story about GS being a flop? What invested interest do/did I have? Baby, I am only telling the truth as I know it. I wish you (small percentage of) people would stop trying to pin some sin on me that I haven't committed.

[@aaronmeade5435]

Steve I'm Autistic but the special Olympics joke with the cat was hilarious

[@STE7ENFOSTER]

I love you SO much, jungle. Thank you for telling me that. It's the best compliment ever.

[@hijeejoo398]

Steven, this is one of the funniest shows I've ever seen, animated or otherwise. My brother and sister and I had so much fun and we still quote this show to this day. You're awesome! Thank you

[@STE7ENFOSTER]

Ah, thank you so much, JJ! That is a HUGE Pat on the back. Hope you find my channel worth a watch!

[@dragonflarefrog1424]

“You just wait. When that wonderful president finishes stacking the Supreme Court, we won’t have too.” Not dated at all good sir

[@STE7ENFOSTER]

Sad, ain't it?

[@dragonflarefrog1424]

@@STE7ENFOSTER Yeah, who knew we would get a court that would throw 50 years of precedent in the trash like it’s nothing.

[@TrampMachine]

​@@dragonflarefrog1424When Trump got elected people acted like it came out of nowhere but this joke proves those kinds of people been around for a while 😂

[@Aszod96]

Can't wait for more Steven! I'm glad we can humble you with our love for Ghost Stories. You've made a lot of people laugh

[@STE7ENFOSTER]

I'm so glad something I did had such a happy impact on people!

[@yarukineez0]

The outtakes were great! Thank you for sharing all this info. With how big anime has gotten, it's interesting to take a peak behind the scenes for voice acting

[@kanchomerocks12]

Ok, I just found this video, and I want to preface what I'm going to say with this: I don't think you're lying. I think you're honest with everything you say, and that it's the truth at least from your perspective. But there are some things that just don't add up. Like the whole Japan flop story. Your friend appearently told you that the ratings for the show weren't actually great, but fact is that the average viewer percentage at the time was around the same as extremely popular shows like Pokemon, Digimon, crayon Shin Chan... There was also a poll in Japan in 2021 where it ranked as the 5th most popular horror Anime of all time. If it really didn't have good TV ratings japanese audiences would definitely not have voted for it so much. So I don't really buy that it was actually an unpopular show. It even got a bonus episode months after its original broadcast, the show saw multiple reruns over the years. You also say that it was cancelled after one season, but I would argue it's much more likely it was never meant to continue beyond the first season in the first place. One of the KZbin videos you alluded to pointed to the very plausible explanation that ghost stories was made as a filler show to help transition One Piece to a new time slot, which is supported by the fact that there was never any merchandise released of teased for the show. That's why they only ever planned a single season. As for why they didn't ride the hype train to cash in on it... Maybe they just didn't want to. Sometimes products do well but they never see sequels or anything. Take for example the videogame Bloodborne. Massively popular, sold millions of copies... Still has yet to receive a sequel, even 10 years after releasing. Or the Spyro reignited trilogy, a bundle of games that remake the classics. Again, extremely well received among critics and massive sales numbers. But the IP is still weirdly dormant. So yeah, products can absolutely be successful and still never be continued. It's definitely not unheard of. I also find it hard to believe that they would expect the western market to somehow make them money from a show 4 years after it initially aired. So my best guess is somewhere there was some miscommunication/mistranslation that led to this situation.

[@STE7ENFOSTER]

Oh, I don't disagree with your stated facts. Cuz I'm just quoting something I saw online. Your view of the ratings is just as valid as the comment I read (from supposedly a person who worked in Japanese TV).The only issue I have with your reply is the last part about "I find it hard to believe/money/4 years, etc." Because, kanchomerocks, it is ALWAYS about the money. If you look at it through that lens, I think you'll find it's much more believable. And again, thank you for your comment.

[@Porkchop1999_]

Thank you for the brilliant video Steven It was really cool to hear some of the history behind the Ghost Stories dub and what actually went into some of the production choices, It was also super interesting to hear some of the other titles you had a hand in (Especially Appleseed That's one of the original anime I watched back in the day, It still holds a place in my heart, Good old nostalgia) I didn't really realize it until I was looking up the shows you mentioned here that it rarely says on Wikipedia who actually worked on a dub other than the voice actors, Might have to get yourself a full on Wikipedia page full of all the cool stuff you've done over the years lol Thank you for all your hard work (round of applause for the team too) This was definitely worth the wait, It covered some of the stuff even I wondered about can't wait for part 2, It's rare I watch videos at normal speed these days but it sure was worth it I'd love to see some more of your stories like what were included at the end there ~Come with me~ ~And you'll be~ ~In a world of OSHA violations~ I hope everyone is having a lovely day, Have a wonderful rest of your week, Be safe and Take care out there wherever you are (^=W=^)7 Also Thank you for the good advice, It's rare I see people actually doing nice things for each other these days, It's nice to hear someone else say be kind for once, Stay safe out there until next time and have a wonderful Christmas/Happy holidays (Yup it's Christmas time already I heard the usual songs on the radio LOL) (^=W=^)7

[@STE7ENFOSTER]

Exactly! Where's MY Wikipedia page! lol I'm so glad you guys like hearing all this stuff. Sometimes I think "Nobody's gonna care about this" so it's nice to know I'm "giving the people what they want!" lol

[@lexapro.4140]

Haha, I met you a while ago randomly in a comment section and when I learned you were the director of ghost stories I subbed. I just checked back in and its so cool you’re posting now! As someone who is and has friends in many, many various minorities that are poked fun at in the show, we all adore it. Personally, its not offensive writing and ultimately cause it goes after everyone, its hilarious. Thanks for this hilarious piece of media from just under 20 years ago.

[@STE7ENFOSTER]

L.o.L., thank you for the VERY nice comment and thank you for tracking me down! I'm glad that what I had up here didn't disappoint! I love it when someone I comment on in another video cares enough to look for me elsewhere. It's so nice of you! xoxo, Ste7en

[@KINKYmustache]

Sir, I have this question for years now, and who else to ask but you. It's a little silly, but I hope you will provide an answer. It is related to point #4 so here goes. In episode 15, during attendence check, the student's names are heavily changed to the point where thry become truly hilarious. However I was never able to understand the names of two them. We have Gerardi, Campbell, and then two more which I never got. Maybe you could shed some light on what these names are, and the joke behind them. On topic: This video was excellent. I am glad we finally have these matters explained clearly. I can't wait to learn more, and thank you for taking time to keep in touch with your fans

[@STE7ENFOSTER]

Let's see if I can remember...I know one is Sprecktamegankai (I don't remember how I spelled it) and...yes! got it! Tubmanfunkawitz! Is that right? I think that's right! And the story was, I was just making up names and one made-up name I've used for years is Sprecktamegankai. Tubmanfukawitz was made up on the spot. And then my awesome sound engineer and a couple of the actors said "Here" and other noises in response to the names. Wait. Isn't Noonchuck one of 'em? Shit. Now I need to go find a clip! BRB

[@STE7ENFOSTER]

Okay, got it. The complete list (and thank you for the suggestion! I'll do a video on this, but until then, you, my friend, get the scoop) is Ayoma, the girl who disappeared I believe. That one's legit Harris is actually one of the young ladies playing one of the coven members, Imani Harris, who was a joy to work with (She's also the woman on the telephone in the "crackhead ass into some rehab" but don't tell anyone cuz there's a video on all the double and triple roles actors did) Tubmanfunkawitz, see above Bashir, an Indian name cuz, as with the rest of GS, we were very inclusive! Fister, which is just me bein' dirty Gerardi, Italian Campbell (for the soup joke) Imunchuk, I just made up and then the engineer did a South Park kind of response to that one Sprecktamegankai, see above aaaand Crapper, so we could do the sound effect joke

[@KINKYmustache]

@@STE7ENFOSTER When we debated this part of the dub, we'd assume all of them were somehow references. But I ascertained that the last three are just part of a 'fuck it' moment and you guys just went crazy. Glad to finally have the confirmation that I was right. This is why we won't have another thing like GS Dub. And I am glad we won't. I (somehow) patiently await the new videos. Thank you for being such an awesome man.

[@murderalphabetinc.5162]

Ghost Stories, again, was not a flop in Japan. It had 12.5% of the entire population of Japan tuning in to watch. It *was* a flop in southeast Asia. Everywhere else that had an authentic dub saw some success as well. The idea that it flopped in Japan is completely false.

[@STE7ENFOSTER]

Look, murderallhispantiesinawad, It SAYS in a FREEZE FRAME in the VIDEO that the ratings were (yes, you're incorrect) 12.2%, So get off my goddamn ass. And, once again, there was only ONE SEASON. Read: flop.

[@murderalphabetinc.5162]

@@STE7ENFOSTER There was only one season because the manga was short. Do you think there are an infinite number of famous Japanese ghosts? No, you complete failure. "There was only one season of Fullmetal Alchemist, clearly it flopped." Highly "regarded" individual right here.

[@murderalphabetinc.5162]

@@STE7ENFOSTER Additionally, not changing the plot or the names is *industry standard* and all you really changed was no different from 4Kids changing onigiri to jelly donuts in Pokémon. They also kept the names the same and did not change what the Pokémon did, so they had the exact same specifications that you did. You're a habitual liar and I'm glad ADV is gone forever.

[@murderalphabetinc.5162]

@@STE7ENFOSTER Still waiting patiently for your sincere apology for disinformation.

[@MangasColoradas941]

@@STE7ENFOSTER Cowboy Bebop also had one season, is it a flop too? They should have let you ruin that dub too! Talentless hack with an undeserved ego lmfao

[@WALLYMASSAGE]

More videos please, love the explanations

[@STE7ENFOSTER]

Thank you, Wally!

[@Cashcorn]

The real story behind the stories

[@STE7ENFOSTER]

More to come! We were working on the Inside Jokes video last night.

[@S4M352]

Have you guys ever thought of making a reboot? If so, Will you guys ever make one because I want more of this series cuz its too funny!

[@STE7ENFOSTER]

Oh, Colbar, it's not up to us. But if some studio came out and wanted to do it, I know 7 people who would def sign on.

[@haruhichan2756]

Hell yeah!!! Have been waiting for this one!

[@STE7ENFOSTER]

🥰

[@dopeynhappy]

I'm such a massive fan of yours and of Ghost Stories! It's so very good to see your face and put a voice to the man/myth/legend responsible for Ghost Stories!

[@STE7ENFOSTER]

I GOTTA get a T made with man/myth/legend on it. That would be so funny. And then walk around like I was some big deal. Can you imagine?? I'd walk into a coffee shop and everybody'd go, "Who's THIS douche?" lolololol

[@dopeynhappy]

@@STE7ENFOSTER with a conspicuously large V on the front and you could point to it and say, the V on my shirt stands for Very Big Deal! ❤️

[@STE7ENFOSTER]

@@dopeynhappy AHAHAHAHA! That was fuckin' hilarious! (Is it conceited to laugh at someone quoting you? But your comic timing and placement were bang-on I have to! Thank you for the laugh as I wake up on this freezing morning! Hope you're safe and warm!)

[@De2Venner]

Thank you for always making me and my friends have a great time with this wonderful show! Rewatching it, it’s crazy to me how well many of the jokes aged. Cheers from Denmark!! ❤

[@STE7ENFOSTER]

DENMARK!!!! Howdy from Texas! Thank you for your nice words. It freaks me out when GS transcends oceans. Comedy is a universal language.

[@tribaltreegoat]

if something like the ghost stories dub was made today twitter would be so mad

[@STE7ENFOSTER]

I confess I'm not on twitter that much. It's just so nasty, so angry. I doubt anything we did could make them any more ugly. And if it did, would we really care? lol Thank you for the comment, TTG! And thank you so much for watching!

[@TheLOOKOUTSquad]

You would not believe how much I laughed at this dubbed. When I first watch this, I was like there's no fucking way, then I find out its official. My abs hurt FOR WEEKS because of this dubbed and if it were released today? NO WAY it would survive the first episode especially that Rabbit. The fuckin rabbit LMFAO ROTF

[@STE7ENFOSTER]

You’re a GENIUS. The Ghost Stories Ab Workout! Laugh your way to a six pack. Can’t you see the millions we’ll rake in with our 3 am infomercial?!?

[@evanmak7837]

To this day I wonder what you guys would have done with the episode about the Slit-Mouthed Woman if it wasn't banned😂. Thank you for creating one of the funniest anime I have every seen. I remember showing the rabbit clip to a very good friend and he was dumbfounded when noting to him that it was the actual english dub.

[@STE7ENFOSTER]

Hey, evanmak! It is a good question, isn't it? I think we would have done all the slit mouths proud. lol

[@Taylors_Trainspotting_Videos]

Your an absolute legend for making this dub, I've just finished it off it's so funny and was addicting to watch.

[@STE7ENFOSTER]

Thank you, Subzero! Honestly, I'm just so glad something I did made people laugh so much. God def gave me my writing gift. But it's nothing compared to the gift I'm given every time you guys smile.

[@Taylors_Trainspotting_Videos]

@STE7ENFOSTER Thank you too. I've never laughed so much in my life.

[@mattybrunolucaszeneresalas9072]

I mean I don’t know how both of you are ignorant to the countless videos that actually do get it right. I mean especially the one that personally interviewed you

[@STE7ENFOSTER]

@@mattybrunolucaszeneresalas9072 Countless? That's an awfully high number. If you've got links, I'd love to see 'em. As for the one that interviewed me, I mean, yeah I know about that one. But I also know there's an asshat on here who SAYS he interviewed me but he didn't.

[@mattybrunolucaszeneresalas9072]

@@STE7ENFOSTER Not necessarily all of them are video essays like RedBard but most do agree with you if the subject of ghost stories does come up. I forget the name of the channel but he did a video called “The Truth about Ghost Stories” and basically saying he has “proof” -which I think is bs- that your Iawyer misIed to you what the Japanese company said and you just “ruined” another animé. And there was a “real” English dub out there and you emailed him. I’ll find the link to that but yeah kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYfOipiantqGq9k honestly it’s up to you if you haven’t already to search up videos about ghost stories’s English dub, not reaction videos but like talking *_about_* it.

[@apollo9288]

You just can't stop lying cant you.

[@STE7ENFOSTER]

Thank you for coming by! And I welcome different voices. But to your point: did you watch the video? The actors did contribute lines. The whole series just wasn't adlibbed like its mythology says it is. And...you know, I was there.

[@BasedPureblood]

Sneed Stories

[@STE7ENFOSTER]

I had to go look up sneed and i still don't know what you mean. Me and Keiicherou, sittin' right next to each other in the same class

[@remu6841]

@@STE7ENFOSTER The sign is a subtle joke

[@hydromk6175]

How funny me and my brother are rewatching Ghost stories and we happen to find this video ghost stories is one of the funniest shows I've ever watched thank you for making the dub so funny!

[@STE7ENFOSTER]

Awww, thank you, Hydro! I'm so glad you stumbled upon the channel! Welcome aboard!

[@hydromk6175]

@@STE7ENFOSTER Thank you for making video's about ghost stories!! I hope you make more :) And hopefully a season 2 20years later 😆 I would love that as I'm sure loads of other fans of the show would. Keep up the good work anyway!!

[@guacamoledolphin]

What happened to the original 2nd episode or episode 3 i forget which one was cut

[@STE7ENFOSTER]

Part 2 of this drops fri or sat.

[@guacamoledolphin]

@@STE7ENFOSTER ok cool thanks for the content

[@STE7ENFOSTER]

@@guacamoledolphin As you can see, that didn’t happen. So, since I am totally fucking you over, what, in your opinion, is the best recourse? To just keep my mouth shut and air the video this weekend when my consultant says is best OR do that but before that happens, whip out a quick, down and dirty video to explain why that didn’t happen, that way you guys would think I was a flake and there were (admittedly kinda hilarious) things beyond my control? And YES I am basing my actions on your input! No pressure. lolol

[@guacamoledolphin]

@@STE7ENFOSTER i guess the quick and dirty video then the part 2 option honestly i am not 100% sure i honestly think its up to you

[@STE7ENFOSTER]

@@guacamoledolphin GD!!! (Love the handle btw) part 2 is finished! But I am told optimum post days/times are fri sat sun. If my channel was older I’d be able to get hard stats on what times you guys are usually on but now I just have to shoot broad. But hopefully everyone’s sharing it. They’ll probably wanna share this one. It’s kinda bombshelly

[@remu6841]

Underrated video

[@STE7ENFOSTER]

OHMYGOSH, RIIIIGHT?!?!? lol. I'm kidding. But it's a super sweet thing to say. Thank you Remu!

[@elijahguest1885]

Hey Steven Aspiring artist here I am currently working on a character for a comic series (rough draft at least and very much outsider art) inspired by you it’s a bit of a satire of the dubbing industry and how many things have changed for better or worse and I’ve created this character called Marcus who is a failed screenwriter who has made controversial choices for his dubs he is a side character but gets into arguments with the main writing group about how it should be done again not attacking you this is just a character I’m thinking up, but this really showed your philosophy at least which is very helpful in how I can build this character around it. I’m seeing him more as this neutral figure who changes his ways to serve his boss which can be seen as what your saying. Anyways just wanted an opinion on all this from the man himself and how he might like it! Dubs have changed a lot and theirs a lot of stuff going around about a certain business which I plane to satirize. I’m still sadly conflicted about the success I do believe you when you say it flopped but there’s a lot of anime I like with One season which well manga wise have been successes manga wise again anime is a different story! I’m not a fan of ghost stories in fact it’s really quite dated, but I wouldn’t say you had any Ill intent with it. . Now some other more recent dubs not done or involved with you at all, again, different story. Sorry for the lengthy comment I’m a big fan of a lot of manga and anime and this is something although I know little I’m trying to write a story based on things that have happened in this industry Also wanna thank you for your live action super milk Chan segments while I can’t say I’m a fan of the dub those segments have been inspiring me alot! Thanks again I’m fairly young so any experiences and thoughts would be appreciated!

[@STE7ENFOSTER]

[e-mail]

[@murderalphabetinc.5162]

I wouldn't ask Steven for anything, he's literally just a failed screenwriter that took to falsifying dubs in a medium he despised. This is not a path towards success.

[@guy2870]

I love ghost stories and the cat guy 🤤

[@STE7ENFOSTER]

Hi, Rob!😆

[@guy2870]

@@STE7ENFOSTER I love rob

[@guacamoledolphin]

Take the hit hit taker 30:45

[@STE7ENFOSTER]

I laughed my ass off on this.

[@ghostly360]

think of a big black man chasing you

[@STE7ENFOSTER]

If they don't carve that on my tombstone, someone's gonna graffiti it on there. You just KNOW it.

[@WhirlwindHeatAndFlash]

LEGENDARY DUB have a like for the algorithm

[@STE7ENFOSTER]

your name is apt. You give ME value.

[@SlugfestWizard]

Yes!

[@STE7ENFOSTER]

Sluuuuuug! Thank you!

[@Laimixe]

СОЛЕК ТАЩИИ!!

[@STE7ENFOSTER]

I wish I knew what this meant. But I'm so American, I'm stupid about other languages. I blame it on my Texas education.

[@mattybrunolucaszeneresalas9072]

1:57 same diff

[@STE7ENFOSTER]

And THAT'S what happens when I don't write myself a script. i stand corrected.

[@mattybrunolucaszeneresalas9072]

@@STE7ENFOSTER dawwwe that makes it more authentic

[@DarkWraithKevin]

Oh it's you lol. Thanks for making this

[@STE7ENFOSTER]

Yes it is me and thank YOU for watching it! As I told Sinless up there, lemme know if there's something special you'd like me to cover. I'm open to all kinds of input!

[@JetFireHawk]

very cool

[@STE7ENFOSTER]

Gracias!

[@alisecakxkxk9301]

Big fan

[@STE7ENFOSTER]

lovin' you, AliSEc!

[@PerunaMuayThai]

Just dub the anime, anime dubber.

[@STE7ENFOSTER]

Just thank PerumaMuayThai, PerumaMuayThai thanker.

[@apnhackerteam1756]

This is the epic English dubbed in my anime history but sadly serious fans disagreed and gave me another opinion you know. I am a Japanese fan and really laughed at the Ghost Stories. but some of otaku Couldn't understand English 100 per cent and maybe there are issues of the religion, running gag jokes etc. But its not bad imo. I loved both (English, Japanese). Japanese creators changed the view and sharing the ideas. I have a official DVD Discotek one but already mirror side has scratched so I'm consider to turn to blu-ray one. It's because too much watched over and over again. My purchased animes ( Influenced with my life style. for readers: You don't have to collect everything! Just pick up you want to watch and enjoy. ) 1. Ghost stories (A must have) (Discotek Media) 2. Chargeman Ken! (Discotek Media) 3. Project A-ko (Discotek Media) 4. Lucky Star (Crunchyroll) 5. The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya (Crunchyroll) 6. Oreimo (Aniplex of America / MVM UK) 7. Comic Party (Right Stuf → Crunchyroll and Discotek Media) 8. A Little Snow Fairy Sugar (Sentai Filmworks) 9. Yuyushiki (Sentai Filmworks) 10. RE-KAN! (Sentai Filmworks) 11. Yuruyuri (NIS America) 12. Minami-ke (Japanese copy only, North American version not published officially) (King Record) 13. Maria Watches over us (Crunchyroll, Nozomi) 14. Tamayura: Hitotose (Crunchyroll, Nozomi) 15. K-ON (Bandai version) 16. Ms. Vampire Who Lives in My Neighborhood (Discotek Media) 17. Squid Girl (Media Blasters) 18. Non-non Biyori (Sentai Filmworks) 19. Sketchbook: Full Colors (not purchased yet) (Crunchyroll, Nozomi) 20. The World is Still Beautiful (not purchased yet) (Sentai Filmworks) Other: Chobits(Crunchyroll), Ajisai no Uta (Soft On Demand Japan), Full Metal Panic! (Crunchyroll) and Super Gals etc. June 18th 2024 note: Come to think of it, Ms. Monica Rial and Mr. Greg Ayres were in the anime: From the New World and she was in the English dubbing of "Shimoneta"!!! This is the reason why I searched in English version, its easy to find and buy it😊 You made my day. Thank-you for watching the long comment.

[@STE7ENFOSTER]

You're so nice to have GS at number 1, Apn Hacker Team. I've heard of some of these but I've heard the of Comic Party for YEARS. I need to check that one out.