Skewed and Reviewed recently had the opportunity to interview Transformers Prime voice actor Steve Blum (Starscream) regarding his work on Transformers Prime, Guild Wars, Bulletstorm and the Transformers: Dark of the Moon game.

Here are a couple of snippets, but please visits sknr to read the full article.

How did you become involved with the new Transformers project and your character?

I prayed a lot, bribed a little, cried some. [Laughs] Actually, I just auditioned for it like anything else – and got really, really lucky! Starscream has always been one of my favorite characters – especially as played in recent years by the great Charlie Adler and also the great Tom Kenny! In fact, after hearing Charlie’s recent performances in the films, I felt I had to get his blessing before I could even accept the role! By the way, what a gentleman – love that guy! Tom’s a hell of an act to follow too – jeez! It’s very hard for me to take over a character that has been so masterfully portrayed – especially when my friends are the previous portrayers! I didn’t try to consciously copy anything that had been done before me, I simply did what came naturally and apparently (thankfully) they liked it!

... working with a cast (like in Transformers) – is always more fun. We get to play a lot of nuance off of each other that just doesn’t exist when I’m in a room by myself. And we laugh. A lot. Sometimes too much. This cast in particular is amazing. I get a huge kick out of sitting back and watching Peter (Cullen) and Frank (Welker), the “Godfatherbots” themselves – duke it out. It’s a joy and honor to work in the same room with two of my biggest heroes! They ARE a comedy team. Like the old school, masters of improv and impersonation, the real deal. So much talent in that room, and an unusual mix of voices! It’s humbling.

What sort of research did you do for the parts and what challenges did it present compared with other work?

I read a lot of stuff on the internet and watched an episode or two from each of the older series. I was already in my 20’s when G1 came out, but I was certainly aware that Transformers was something new and different and I have to admit that I did play with my kid’s action figures. I still do. Except I have my own action figures now. That counts as research, right?

What can you tell us about your work in Guild wars 2 and the new Transformers game in terms of who you voice and what were your experiences on each?

Ah, Rytlock Brimstone, one big, nasty Charr – wields a huge sword and speaks in a gravelly, deep voice. That’s pretty much my entire knowledge of the guy. I’m not a gamer, so I play, I fight, I move on. Seemed pretty epic at the time.
If you’re speaking of the newest Transformers game – WAY too early to talk about it, methinks. Lasers trained on my temples. In the past, I’ve played a lot of bots – good and bad, including Barricade and Breakdown. Vocally stressful, but any time I get to live in the Transformers universe, I’m grateful.

MTV and Herocomplex have posted trailer for Transformers Prime Episode 12 Predatory, showing of Airarchnid, the character who's name we unveiled to the world.

FanofTransformers has posted the trailer for the the next Transformers Prime episode, Predatory.  In this episode a character from Arcee's past (believed to be Airarachnid (the characters who's name we exclusive;y revealed first)) returns to take revenge on her nemisis.

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You can now find a full image gallery of the latest Transformers Prime episode,episode 11 Speed Metal.

The episode sees Jack, Bumblebee and Knock-Out take part in a street race.

You can see the gallery both on Transformers Prime and also on Transformers At The Moon.

Below you will find the latest press release sent out by Hasbro, this time covering their Storybook Apps for iOS(iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad) and GoogleAndroid.

• Divide and Conquer - 17th April 2011 (which is a Sunday)
  
• Sick Mind - 29th April April 2011
• Out of His Head - 6th May 2011
• Shadowzone - 13th May 2011

Keep an eye on the Divide and Conquer date as its likely to be changed to the 22nd April which is the following Friday.

Both sites only contain a small description of the "Sick Mind" episode which MSN describe as "Optimus Prime becomes infected with a Decepticon plague", where as TV Guide contain the description "A Decepticon plague infects Optimus Prime, so Arcee and Bumblebee sneak onto the Nemesis to find the cure".

Credit to Seibertron.com for the spot.

The Hub recently issues the following full press release regarding their 2011-2012 programming schedule.

The Hub Television Network Unveils Robust 2011-12 Program Schedule, Building on Success as Destination for Kids and Their Families

"Scrabble Showdown," "Majors & Minors," "The Game of Life," "The Aquabats Super Show" and Warren Buffett Animated Specials Among New Action-Adventure, Family Games, Music, Comedy Series to Join Lineup

Returning Series Include "Transformers Prime," "Dan Vs.," "Family Game Night," "R.L. Stine’s The Haunting Hour: The Series," "My Little Pony Friendship is Magic"

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A music competition for kids, family game shows based on iconic, beloved brands, and an animated Warren Buffett are among the nine new original programs that will join ten returning popular series with new episodes in the 2011-2012 program lineup on The Hub television network, a destination for kids and their families. Announcement of the network’s continued ambitious strategy of original programming – which includes 425 half-hours of new production, on a single network in one television season -- was made by Margaret Loesch, President and CEO, The Hub, in advance of the network’s upfront meeting with advertisers in New York Thursday evening.

The Hub, a joint venture of Discovery Communications and Hasbro, Inc., was re-branded on October 10, 2010, and is available to 60 million U.S. cable and satellite households.

"In the short period of time we’ve been a newly branded network, we’ve seen that our strategy of providing quality, engaging entertainment to kids and their families — in an environment where they can watch and enjoy programs together -- is exactly the right space for us," said Ms. Loesch. "We have a tremendous advantage with strong, proven brands, and we are working with some of the best creative minds to bring those brands to life across multiple platforms and also to create new properties that will become future brands. The programs that we are announcing today will add strength, dimension and excitement to a schedule that is already resonating with viewers and building an extremely loyal audience."

The Hub’s lineup of new series and returning series with new episodes -- live-action and animated -- will join a schedule that will also feature a wide range of acquired series and popular family movies, all targeting children 6-11 and providing opportunities for children to watch programs together with their families.

New, original series on The Hub for 2011-2012: (in alphabetical order)

"The Aquabats Super Show" (Hub Original Series)
From the creators of "Yo Gabba Gabba" comes this quirky comedy adventure show featuring the popular rock band The Aquabats. A hybrid of concert footage, live-action skits and animation, the Aquabats battle evil with music and superhero powers unlike any seen before. The Aquabats are a touring band with five albums currently released. Produced by FremantleMedia Enterprises and The Magic Store.

"Blythe Loves The Littlest Pet Shop" (Hub Original Series, working title)
Inspired by the beloved "Littlest Pet Shop" brand, Blythe moves to the city and discovers that her new apartment is where her neighbors’ pets come to play when their owners are away. In this animated series, Blythe befriends the pets and introduces them to a world of adventures just outside their door. Produced by Hasbro Studios.

"Clue" (Hub Original Miniseries)
Inspired by the iconic family game brand, this live-action series features six teens who are brought together when they believe they’ve witnessed a terrible crime. As a team, they discover conspiracy theories and cover-ups dating back centuries! They must work together to solve one mystery, only to realize that they may have opened a Pandora’s Box. Produced by Hasbro Studios.

"The Game of Life" (Hub Original Series)
The live-action family game show "The Game of Life" will be presented in an entirely new way as each family team gets a chance at the iconic spinner and hops in the car for a one-of-a-kind journey through a larger-than-life virtual world. Hosted by comedian Frank Nicotero (co-host of "The Sharon Osbourne Show," "Street Smarts," and Yahoo! TV’s "Primetime in No Time"). Produced by Hasbro Studios.

"Kaijudo: Rise of the Duel Masters" (Hub Original Series, working title)
In this animated series inspired by the wildly popular trading card game, "Duel Masters," a 14-year-old boy discovers a secret world in which mind-blowing creatures rule! These creatures harness special powers that if unleashed, could destroy the world as we know it. It is up to the boy to master his abilities in the ancient art of Kaijudo to protect their world and his own. Produced by Hasbro Studios.

"Majors & Minors" (Hub Original Series, working title)
This groundbreaking reality series follows 16 talented young performers as they are mentored by the biggest and most established artists in the music industry. While no one is ever voted off, one lucky "star-in-the-making’ will claim the final prize of a recording deal with the RCA/Jive label group and an opportunity to be featured in a cross-country concert tour. Among the musical artists already scheduled to participate are Leona Lewis, Jordin Sparks, Sean Kingston and Ryan Tedder (of One Republic). From Evan Bogart, the songwriting hit-maker for music stars Rihanna and Beyonce, and top TV producers Tim Bogart and Gary A. Randall, the series is produced by The Boardwalk Entertainment Group in partnership with Sony Music's RCA/Jive Label Group and BMI.

"Rescue Bots" (Hub Original Series, working title)
Inspired by the iconic "Transformers" brand, a group of Autobots, too young to protect humanity alongside Optimus Prime and his team, are partnered with a close-knit human family of first responders. Together, they learn teamwork and heroism alongside their new human friends in this animated series produced by Hasbro Studios.

"Scrabble Showdown" (Hub Original Series)
The world’s most popular word game comes to life in this new game show in which families use teamwork to solve a variety of word games and puzzles that test their speed, spelling and vocabulary for points and prizes. The live-action series is hosted by Justin Willman ("Hubworld," Food Network’s "Cupcake Wars"). Produced by Hasbro Studios.

"Secret Millionaire’s Club" (Hub Original Series of Specials)
The Hub will air four half-hour specials of Warren Buffett’s "Secret Millionaire’s Club," a new animated series created by one of the most successful investors in the world. Warren Buffett is a secret advisor to a group of kids who learn about business and how the world around them works. Through a series of adventures, kids learn basic business principles, and discover that the most valuable investment they can make is an investment in themselves. Created in partnership with and voiced by Mr. Buffett himself. Produced by A Squared Entertainment and Andy Heyward, former CEO of DIC Entertainment.

New acquisition

"Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?"
From Mark Burnett, "Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader?" is an atypical game show that measures adults' lack of knowledge – as revealed by how much they've forgotten since grammar school. Jeff Foxworthy hosts the half hour as grownups find themselves in a classroom setting, revisiting their youth, as they tackle subjects they were taught years ago ranging from art to geography and math to social studies. The live-action series premiered on FOX in 2007 followed by all-new episodes in syndication. 309 half-hour episodes have been acquired by The Hub. Distributed by Twentieth Television.

Returning series with new episodes on The Hub for 2011-2012: (in alphabetical order)

"The Adventures of Chuck & Friends" (Produced by Hasbro Studios)

"Animal Mechanicals" (Produced by Halifax Film, a DHX Media Ltd. Company)

"Dan Vs." (Produced by Film Roman in association with The Hatchery, LLC)

"Family Game Night" (Produced by Hasbro Studios)

"My Little Pony Friendship is Magic" (Produced by Hasbro Studios)

"Pound Puppies" (Produced by Hasbro Studios)

"R.L. Stine’s The Haunting Hour: The Series" (Produced by The Hatchery, LLC, in association with Front Street Pictures)

"Strawberry Shortcake’s Berry Bitty Adventures" (Produced by American Greetings Properties)

"Transformers Prime" (Produced by Hasbro Studios)

"The WotWots" (Produced by Pukeko Pictures LLP)

THE HUB is a multi-platform joint venture between Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) and Hasbro, Inc., (NASDAQ: HAS) with a goal of entertaining, enlightening, empowering and educating children and their families. The cable and satellite television network features original programming as well as content from Discovery's library of award-winning children's educational programming; from Hasbro's rich portfolio of entertainment and educational properties built during the past 90 years; and from leading third-party producers worldwide. The Hub lineup includes animated and live-action series, specials and game shows, and the network extends its content through a robust and engaging online presence, www.hubworld.com. The Hub rebranded from Discovery Kids on October 10, 2010, and reaches approximately 60 million U.S. households. The Hub logo and name are trademarks of Hub Television Networks, LLC. All rights reserved.

You can visit The Hub on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/hubtvnetwork 

We told the world about the name Airachnid when Hasbro first applied for a US Trademark, which failed, for the name.  Well now Airachnid is set to make his debut in Transformers Prime, in the episode Predatory.

TVGuide (Americia) lists : Episode Synopsis: Arcee must protect Jack when a routine mission is complicated by Airachnid's arrival

I have updated both Transformers-Prime.com and Transformers At The Moon with an image gallery and review / synopsis of the latest episode of Transformers Prime, episode 9 Convoy.

The image gallery contains 336 stills taken from the show in high resolution and can be found within the resources section of Transformers-Prime.com and the Cartoon section of Transformers At The Moon.  You can find direct links to the galleries here on Transformers-Prime.com, and here on Transformers At The Moon.

Transformers-Prime.com uses a fancybox style image gallery which can often make it easier to view the images.  You can also use your keyboard to toggle between the full size and scaled versions of the images by using the up and down cursor keys on your keyboard.