Tested Visits Jim Henson’s Creature Shop!
When we talk about puppets in television and film, Jim Henson is the first name that comes to mind. Henson’s legacy endures at his Creature Shop, where fabricators, engineers, and animators continue crafting the art of puppet-making and performance. We’re privileged to be able to visit Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, where we chat with Creative Supervisor Peter Brooke to learn how modern technologies combine with classic techniques to bring characters to life.
Shot by Joey Fameli
Edited by Jon Finger
20 thoughts on “Tested Visits Jim Henson’s Creature Shop!”
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That was so cool. I bet there is a whole lot more he could say and show. There is a lot of great history in that shop.
The heads mounted to the wall give it a macabre touch. I love it.
(Who is Jon Finger?)
This was right up my alley! Thanks Norm, Jon, & Joey for this. Very jealous! 🙂
Very cool! Love how the Skeksis puppets are just hanging out in the shop.
I like CGI in films but I also like practicle effects. but will always agree that high quality puppets will last longer than CGI because CGI ten years ago looks already outdated compared to something that is made with using puppetry.
I’ve been envious of a lot of the things the Tested crew gets to do but Norm being inches away from a freakin’ SKEKSIS tops the cake. Well done.
Fantastic job, Norm and Joey, on not only the interview, but of the little tour of their shop, as well.. 👍
You guys definitely took the “We want more puppet content” to heart 🙂
Gotta love Jim Henson’s creature shop, so many amazing characters brought to life there.
Really enjoyed this video, especially since finding out that SyFy didn’t renew the Jim Henson Creature Shop Challenge for a second season. If you haven’t seen it yet I highly recommend it, the contestants build some amazing creatures!
And my favourite moment from the whole series, when Chiana was reunited with Dominar Rygel 🙂
That was awesome, Norm!
I’m a big fan of Jim Henson’s. Always loved the different characters they’ve made — and performed — over the years. From the Muppets to Yoda, to the characters in Labyrinth (Sir Didymus!) to Dinosaurs.
EDIT: I wonder if they’re using more silicone today instead of latex.
Really awesome. Thanks Norm and Peter.
That has to be one of the most terrifying Tested thumbnails I’ve ever seen!
This was wonderful to see! ‘Work in Jim Henson’s Creature Shop’ is always my answer to ‘what would be your dream job?’ The magic they manage to create was such an integral part of my childhood, and the part of me that loves to costume and build is still captivated by it today.
I am not ashamed to admit it at all, but Jim Henson, and Kermit The Frog are probably the biggest reason why I am a performer….
This was a great vid, but man I would have watched 4-6 more hours of it, easy!
Thanks Tested!
Awesome video!! Huge Henson fan for the last 30 years…ever since I was old enough to watch the Muppet Show. Loved this interview. Only wish you could have done MORE! Would have loved to see in-depth discussions of items on the walls – i.e. the decaying heads of the Dinosaurs characters, etc. Great job guys – any and all Henson is always more than welcome!!
Having been to Henson Studios and walking around, this is exactly what I was expecting the creature shop to be like! They had just moved the Creature Shop across town when I visited, so I never got to see it, but the sound stages and Charlie Chaplin’s footprints outside his studio were so cool. Did you guys get to tour that location as well? (Jim Henson Company Lot is where we went)
Great video!, such an interesting field of work.
Absolutely fantastic would love to see more.
There is so much the Henson shop could show on tested when it comes to blending electrical and mechanical rigs, as well as combining that with foam, plastic,rubber and latex. Above all it is a great example of showing practical engineering functionality with art.
Is there any chance of getting a tutorial about simple puppets and servos in the same blend of Frank’s molding vids. Or something in the same flavor of the arcade table. Thanks tested for this type of content I’d be happy to support more of it.
I think an animatronic tutorial is in order now.