SacAnime 2024 was a treasure trove of pop culture joy, but one of its standout highlights was undoubtedly the appearance of Melanie Zanetti and David McCormack, the voices behind the beloved Bluey characters Chilli and Bandit Heeler. Their rare U.S. appearance was a significant draw for fans, and their two Q&A-style panels moderated by Joe Deas over the weekend were a masterclass in charm and insight. Here’s an in-depth look at what made these panels so memorable.

A Fresh Perspective on Conventions

Melanie Zanetti and David McCormack, despite their rising fame as the voices of Chilli and Bandit, are relatively new to the convention circuit. This novelty was evident in their interactions, making their panels feel both intimate and refreshingly genuine. The duo’s enthusiasm was palpable, and their earnestness in answering fan questions added a personal touch to the proceedings. It was clear that they were still adjusting to the convention environment, and their sincerity and down-to-earth nature only endeared them further to the audience.

One of the most charming aspects of their panels was how they navigated repeated or unusual questions. Rather than showing frustration, they embraced every query with good humor and patience, embodying the same warmth and kindness that define their Bluey characters. This approach not only highlighted their professionalism but also their genuine love for the fanbase.

Behind the Mic: The Making of Bluey

The panels offered a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the production of Bluey. Melanie and David discussed the unique recording process for the show, which involves recording their lines separately and only coming together to see the final product once the episodes air. This separation underscores the meticulous work that goes into creating each episode, highlighting the attention to detail and coordination required to bring Bluey to life.

One particularly intriguing revelation was about the episode “The Sign,” which was split into two parts due to its complex storyline. Melanie and David shared that they, too, were left on a cliffhanger, adding an extra layer of connection with the audience as they navigated the suspense alongside viewers.

Both actors expressed their surprise at the show’s immense popularity and impact. They recalled that while they knew Bluey was “special” from the outset—especially after seeing the script and recording the first episode, “The Weekend”—they did not anticipate the profound effect it would have on families around the world.

Personal Reflections and Favorite Moments

Throughout the panels, Melanie and David shared personal anecdotes that offered deeper insight into their connection with the show. Melanie’s favorite line, “This is what happens when you are not happy with what you got. Someone’s husband eventually gets it,” reflects her appreciation for the show’s humor and relatability. David, on the other hand, fondly remembered lines like “Dad enters the Room. Here’s Dad!” and “I’m not taking advice from a cartoon dog,” which resonated with him for their humor and simplicity.

The conversation frequently turned to the topic of parenting, which is a core theme of Bluey. David humorously compared himself to Bandit, admitting that his animated counterpart is a better father than he is in real life. He shared how episodes like “The Pool” and “The Omelette” have influenced his own parenting approach. They reiterate multiple times to fans that the episodes are only 7 minutes long so it’s easy to be a good parent in 7 minute blocks . Melanie, drawing from her large family background, emphasized the value of the show’s depiction of equal parenting roles. She highlighted the balance in emotional and domestic labor shown in Bluey, noting that it is presented subtly but effectively.

Melanie: “One thing that I love that this show does is that both parent are shown doing cleaning and looking after the kids and there is an equal dividing of emotional and domestic labor. It’s one of my favorite things about the show.”

David: “It’s such a strong statement and it’s subtly done. It is what it is. It’s 50/50.”

Insights into Australian Culture and Production

Melanie and David provided intriguing insights into the cultural aspects of Bluey. They explained that the show’s setting in Brisbane is inspired by real-life locations and Australian slang, such as “dunny” for toilet and the presence of fruit bats. This cultural authenticity enriches the show’s storytelling and adds depth to its setting.

Another fun tidbit was the story of Bob Bilby, a mascot in the Bluey office. Bob Bilby is passed around among the staff to celebrate their achievements, with photos documenting his travels from concerts to getting tattoos. This quirky office tradition adds a personal touch to the show’s production environment.

Favorite Episodes and Future Aspirations

The actors also shared their favorite episodes, with Melanie singling out “Sleepytime” for its poignant portrayal of parental love and the unseen efforts involved in parenting. She recalled her own experiences of staying up at night with a cup on the side of her parents’ bed and praised the episode for its emotional depth. David mentioned his fondness for “Escape” and “Sleepytime,” noting how these episodes showcase the culmination of the show’s creative efforts.

When asked about future aspirations, Melanie and David expressed a desire to create a musical episode with notable musical guests, including Elton John, Billy Joel, and Taylor Swift. David humorously pitched the idea of a late-night talk show for Unicorse, complete with the character’s signature line, “and Why should I care?” This playful banter highlighted their ongoing engagement with the show’s humor and their imaginative outlook on its future.

Pressing Issues and Fun Trivia

The panels also touched on some lighter, behind-the-scenes trivia. Melanie’s favorite foods include mangoes (specifically Australian ones from Kingston) and cherries, while David enjoys carrots and peas. They discussed the challenges of recording for various episodes, with David finding the French in “Pavlova” particularly tough and Melanie struggling with the animal sounds in “Asparagus.” David also mentioned how much he hated recording the video game because he had no idea he was just going to be repeating numbers and words over and over again.

One of the more amusing moments involved a question about the rules for the “daddy robot,” which left Melanie and David in a humorous spin as they tried to piece together the details. Additionally, when a young fan asked about the gender of Bluey’s sibling at the end of the “Surprise” episode, Melanie cheekily responded that it’s a surprise, adding a touch of whimsy to the panel.

Concluding Thoughts

Attending Melanie Zanetti and David McCormack’s panels at SacAnime 2024 was a remarkable experience. Their genuine interactions, insightful anecdotes, and playful humor offered fans a deeper connection to Bluey and its beloved characters. The panels were a celebration of the show’s success and the positive impact it has had on audiences of all ages.

The warmth and authenticity that Melanie and David brought to their panels exemplified the best of convention experiences. Their willingness to share personal stories, discuss the intricacies of their work, and engage with fans created an atmosphere of joy and appreciation. SacAnime 2024, with its engaging panels and enthusiastic guests, once again proved why it remains a standout event in the convention calendar.