Known as the "Grandfather of Fansubbing", Wiliam Chow is the founder of “Arctic Animation”, an analogue VHS fansubbing group that was known for the speed and quantity of their fansubbing efforts back in the VHS tape trading days of the ‘80s and ‘90s.
The group was known for being the first to fansub the entirety of “Kimagure Orange Road” and “Maison Ikkoku”, along with many other classic works (Sailor Moon, Patlabor, Bubblegum Crisis, Gundam, etc). The distribution of their VHS fansubs reached pre-internet anime fans and fanclubs throughout Canada, the United States and even places in Europe.
William was also the founder and chairperson of the “Vancouver Japanese Animation Society” (VJAS), and the owner of the Vancouver-based anime video rental store “Anime Jyanai” where he operated his VHS fansubbing operation day and night with his team.
Having stopped fansubbing decades ago, William now works on his YouTube channel ( @WilliamChow ) with his vlog-style video documentary series “History of Fan Anime”, documenting his experiences as both a fansubber and a retro anime fan in a pre internet VHS tape trading world.
William’s YouTube Channel: @WilliamChow
William’s personal archival website: https://www.anikionline.com/
Some links from William to check out:
How the translation was done (the video I mentioned at beginning of this podcast episode):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0LOjNl4X_U
“Arctic Animation” Dedication Page (features fan letters mentioned at 10:09 and 43:29):
https://www.anikionline.com/fame/Arctic_Animation/aa.html
Talking about the receipts mentioned at 1:44:59:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Maw2DYdgnR4
The song "Loser" and music video by “Beck” mentioned at 1:52:50:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgSPaXgAdzE
William’s Top 30 ‘80s Anime TV Shows:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VufG8Nai6A8
William’s Top 30 ‘80s Anime Movies:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LI1PIK8ZWI8
A spreadsheet index of every video William has done:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1KOtP0iyLeQP53NRy-z67ql8md6lM8Og0
Edited Intro Stinger with reverb applied:
"Into the Fire" by Ikoliks (licensed for use by Artlist.io)
"Your Strength" by Alex Grohl (licensed for use by Artlist.io)
Where to find Geeks Re:Connect:
YouTube: @geeksreconnect
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GeeksReConnect
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geeksreconnect/
Where to find the Podcast Host:
YouTube: @ReConnectJulien
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ReConnectJulien
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reconnectjulien/
