I am a big fan of people who “do”.  Especially when it comes to puppets.  Here is a great example of that.  Mr. Furry Fur Fur is a pilot children’s show concept that looks to teach children about the environment.  Produced by Ingaldson-Smith Productions and featuring puppets made by Furry Puppet, this is a classic example of people setting out to make a show and not just talking about it.

 If you are curious to learn more about Mr. Furry Fur Fur then be sure to check out the website and to see videos you can check out their videos page or their Youtube channel.

From the folks who brought you Mr. Meaty, Jamie Shannon and Jason Hopley. Broadcasted from his garage, Swami Jeff tries to teach his dad the path of enlightenment. Not only is the puppetry top notch, but the sets, sound, wardrobe, lighting….basically everything is very well done. This show was originally made for Zed TV in 2002, but now is appearing on Youtube and even has a Facebook group. Check out a show HERE!

Speaking of German puppets, I came across a wonderful collection of videos on Youtube for a German kids show called Hallo Spencer created by Winfried Debertin and produced from 1979 until 2001.  I don’t speak German, but I really enjoy watching the puppets, sets and camera framing used.  If you understand German then these will be a treat for you.  If you don’t you can enjoy them the way I did, for how they look.

Check out the awasome Youtube Channel called OinkramProductions that has a ton for videos for you to enjoy.

 In English that translates into “Wonderful Puppets!”  That is exactly what you’ll find from German puppet builder Norman Schneider (please note the website is in German so you may need to use an online translation tool to fully understand it). 

I had a chance to visit his website and I can say that I am an instant fan.  His characters are wonderful and he using a great combination of painting as well as standard puppet fabrication techniques in his building.

 I am personally interested in using more painting with my own puppet building.  Norman has given me some really great inspiration.  To see more of his work be sure to check out his company website called Figurenschneider (which I believe means “Figures by Schneider”).  They are beautiful!  He also has an awesome blog with tons more pictures here.  Check it out.

So for those of you who don’t know, a Puppet Slam is when a bunch of people get together to try out experiemental puppetry in front of others. The themes are often “adult” and they are generally not intended for children. Toronto will be having one soon and I will make every attempt to be there.

Some of the performers will include (and the list is currently growing):

David Powell (Puppetmongers)
Jamie Ashby and Grey Muldoon (PuppUTopiate)
Lisa Pijuan-Nomura (GirlCanCreate)
Joel Brubacher (Banjo Puppets)
Dahlia Katz (draft89)
Helen Androlia (Fiat Ars Theatre)
Ann McDougall (Tinderbox Theatre)
Jamie Shannon (The Grogs: CBC’s Nanalan’, Mr. Meaty)
Michelle Gram
Beth Washburn
Madison Cripps (Strings Attached Marionettes, USA)
Meghan Thompson

Time and Place Date: Sunday, January 27, 2008
Time: 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Location: Puppetmongers studio theatre
Street: 1110 Dundas East (at Logan)
City/Town: Toronto, ON

So come on out if you would like, admission is $10.00 at the door.

I can say that Jamie Shannon and Todd Doldersum are two of the many talented puppeteers I have met who have puppeteered for the preschool show Nanalan’.  There was a special day when Jamie’s own Nana (who was the inspiration for the show) came on set.  This song was written for her and performed with two of the show’s puppets.

 There is a great part where the camera pulls back and you can see Jamie and Todd performing. 

Enjoy.  Oh and Happy New Year everyone!