Jeff Pie
Through performance and voice acting, Pie seeks to entertain others while escaping the monotony of his daily life as an office worker. Many of his works also involve confronting an often unsuspecting audience.Artist Statement
"After finishing my art studies, I initially felt I could continue to express myself as a painter even if I joined the corporate ranks. However, I soon found that the 'professional' character I played at the office was gradually seeping into my artwork, making it harder for me to create meaningful original statements and release tension. After working part-time as a fake priest for wedding ceremonies, I discovered the pleasure and release of performance. Becoming someone else has helped me to both rediscover myself and enjoy a more balanced lifestyle."Works
Turkey Ranger
Turkey Ranger is a central character in director Satoshi Fumihara's animated hit TV show, 'The World of Golden Eggs', which first aired on MTV Japan in 2004. The character is portrayed as an insecure and unskilled superhero who manages to get by thanks to luck and a little help from Chicken Lady, his talented female sidekick. Making the show even more post-modern is the character of Ryan Miller, an insecure and unskilled actor hired to play Turkey Ranger. Jeff Pie portrays the 'live' Turkey Ranger at 'World of Golden Eggs' promotional events, live theatre shows and 'World of Golden Eggs' musical tours. Whether play-fighting bad guys onstage or interacting with crowds, Jeff Pie must simultaneously channel Ryan Miller and Turkey Ranger while creating an original 'live' character (which he miraculously manages to do without much skill and confidence).
Work Work Watching
Voicing all of the English speaking characters except for that of the amazing translator, Yohko Sujata, Pie helps give life to this animated tale of modern cultural (mis)understanding. Director Satoshi Fumihara presents the actors with loose situations and allows them to ad lib as necessary, later creating the animation that gives the series its hilarious plot. →Search Work Work Watching on Youtube
91 TV (George Bush Lincoln)
Jeff Pie channels both Abraham Lincoln and George W. Bush (in Japanese!) to help director Satoshi Fumihara tell the story of a group of female ninjas. →Search 91TV on Youtube
Tokyo Horseman
In addition to donning a horse head, Jeff Pie writes and directs these silent tales of adventure and corporate lifestyle (along with Jack Daily, his trusty sidekick, co-writer and film editor).
Maker of Nike Shoes
In a Flash video on the Nike website, 7 people, all identifiable as Jeff Pie, make a giant Nike baseball shoe.
Seibu Lions Fan
In an advertising campaign for the Seibu Lions, a Japanese professional baseball team, Pie enthusiastically demonstrated Seibu fandom in both video and print advertising - despite the fact that he is actually a supporter of the Chiba Lotte Marines.
Wedding Actor
As a fake priest, Pie officiates real Japanese weddings.Carnival Clown
Dressed as a carnival clown, Pie occasionally visits art festivals, where he interacts with locals and puts on impromptu performances of mime and dance.
