Dark Crystal Rehearsal Session

Last weeks video... • I worked on The DARK C...
Big thanks to Netflix and Randall Lobb for allowing me to use their footage.
My social media :)
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© Barnaby Dixon

[@barnabydixon]

Hi folks, this video might not be for everyone, but since I was able to get this B-roll footage, I figured I'd stick it up in full for those who are particularly interested to enjoy :) Currently working on a new Dabchick episode so stay tuned for that!

[@SootyBirdy]

THAT'S AMAZING!!

[@balthiersgirl2658]

The small puppet show has to honestly be my favourite scene you were amazing utterly brilliant

[@Denturess]

It’s iconic. I could tell it was you straight away. I’ve seen it before but watching how your hands work outside of the puppet is always so fascinating

[@kaelisacabbage5796]

barnabydixon Hi

[@telectronix1368]

In the words of (I think) Lisa Hensen @ 3:35 "It's amazing, right?"

[@MooseManYT]

Barnaby’s style of pupeteering is one of the coolest things. I bet Jim Henson would be impressed with the pure skill involved with it.

[@hoxton_hummingbird]

This isnt puppeteering. He must have souls in his fingers or something. My brain wants to think it's a puppet but on the other hand it's convinced that that little person is alive

[@pifflesomepuffnadder855]

....I'm not saying it...

[@creepscreak4361]

Yo moose man, that profile pick lookin clean

[@cammiedda6911]

I want to take you seriously but i cant stop getting a cursed feeling because of your pfp

[@RayAnimations..]

@@hoxton_hummingbird i even thought dabchick was real

[@Ididathing]

That was amazing to watch! It is so eerie seeing something so life like on the end of your fingers

[@barnabydixon]

Thank you man! And thanks for the assurance that they can't just be bitten off like carrots, I need those twiddly little buggers! :D

[@utemhsa]

hello

[@doctorpobrezahd3625]

@@utemhsa hi

[@lha2767]

@@barnabydixon yep

[@Naseem384]

Funny seeing you here.

[@munky9284]

I'm so happy that they used you in the scenes and let you display your talent in the series, rather than just steal the idea and do it themselves. Speaks volumes of them. I loved that scene when I watched the series. I never really thought of the hands/puppeteer during the scenes and was emersed completely into it. Excellent work!

[@WorldsWorstBoy]

Yes I absolutely love that. They noticed his talent and wanted him to be involved instead of finding someone who can replicate it for cheaper.

[@pinkwings8036]

His style requires a lot of finger dexterity and flexibility to do, along with a lot of training to get the fluidity of movement. They’d be hard-pressed to even find someone able to pull this off. Barnaby is basically the only puppeteer who really *can* do this style on a professional level.

[@Leviathandk]

ITs called copyright ;) Its not all bad.

[@Alexxave32]

The director was giving instructions to the puppet and not to the human and everyone was so mesmerized by the puppet itself, what a craft man!

[@silivrengamer]

I love that as he’s talking you’re making the Gelfling gesture and nod. You are so talented.

[@designbystu]

This is fascinating to watch, seeing the faces you know were behind the show each contributing ideas and working together. I feel like fly on the wall content like this was missing from the official documentary. This scene was incredible in the show.

[@Greg-vd2ie]

Ikr

[@somepotato1743]

Can’t agree more

[@mudshrooze]

I'm still so heart broken that netflix refuses to fund another season all it needed was two seasons...:'(

[@littlesounder1932]

You can tell he's having fun working with all these producers and people, and I'm glad he's enjoying it! I hope you had lots of fun working on this show!

[@looseleafpage5784]

The tiny, uncertain gestures of your Gelfling reacting in hesitation to the giant hand presenting the glave... just stunning. Absolutely beautifully done.

[@stijnvth]

SO impressive how these trained and skilled professionals are admiring your work mate.

[@wiskyr6510]

Because he does trained and skilled professional work

[@Shenorai]

I find it endearing when two people who share a craft but approach the craft from different perspectives come together and geek out over each other's methods.

[@rexgrl3]

I was so glad they asked you to show the hand mechanism because while I was watching I was thinking, "How the hell are those tiny fingers moving?"

[@Shenorai]

Barnaby was also on Adam Savage's Tested! and brought several puppets along for the ride. One of those puppets being his bug puppet. The mechanics aren't as hidden compared to here, but you can get a better idea of how the little details move about.

[@RoxellaRut]

That part was my favorite one of all Dark Crystal. "The ancient art of puppetry"

[@DTyrannosaurus]

I’ll be honest, I was hesitant to watch this show because I saw the original in its first run, and I was exactly the right age for it - I loved every second of it. With all the remakes and reboots churning out soulless cash grab junk food movies, I was afraid this would be another example. But knowing that Barnaby was involved, well, that’s giving me new motivation. (And I HAVE heard good things.)

[@keeleon]

This Netflix show is ABSOLUTELY not that. It's just as much a work of art as the original, if not more.

[@ZeFluffyNuphkin]

I want an update, did you like it?

[@Cheesy-Adventures]

D C it’s the best! I fell more in love with the original because of this series

[@Alexander-lh4rq]

so glad you got to work on something so big, you deserve it mate.

[@ElaMongrella]

How time flies. Toby Froud was the baby in Labyrinth. I feel old now.

[@TheUb3rN00b]

Ela Mongrella I thought that name was familiar.

[@TruculentSheep]

We still don't know what magic spell to use.

[@noniakamai2458]

Yeah, but that movie was made in like 1987... crap that means I’m old too! Lol

[@yvonneburns2786]

@@TruculentSheep slugs and snails, slime and puppy dogs tails....

[@Tao_Tology]

@@yvonneburns2786 ...thunder and light-ning

[@FrilledMayfly_AmberlyFerrule]

This is so cool! Seeing everyone talking and even seeing the idea develop into what it finally became in the show is almost cozy in a way. It’s pleasant to see people just being creative and contributing ideas behind such a large production like a show. It feels formal and almost unattainable in most behind the scenes videos so seeing people just acting human without perfectly staged camera shots is super nice!

[@Beansie]

Papa Froud seemed to REALLY enjoy your puppetry. I'll be honest Barnaby...growing up I adored puppetry (even had some of my own), but when I saw your sequence in the series, it brought tears to my eyes. It was so beautifully perfect. I knew then that this craft wouldn't die. I was even more pleased when I saw such a young man taking the craft into the future. Thank you for that. Did you get to keep one of these magnificent puppets? Or a copy of one at least?

[@rainbowmoon7617]

I don’t get why he hasn’t pinned you for this lovely comment.

[@Beansie]

@@rainbowmoon7617 Your words are very kind, thank you for them. I imagine his humility would prevent him from doing so. He seems a rather humble fellow when it comes to personal praise. I don't mind not being pinned & I'm glad you felt as you have towards it. ☺

[@TheRealMythril]

I love the art of Brian Froud and it’s lovely to see how Toby has grown into his fathers immersive world.

[@sonodrome]

Fantastic, after seeing your first video about The Dark Crystal, i watched the whole series, i was blown away, it’s an absolutely incredible piece of work. Your scene is one of the best, in context it highlights how brilliant your puppetry is, I love the slow-mo jump too :) Thanks for sharing Barnaby.

[@sephie44]

When I saw this scene in the series I was like, "Wow! Barnaby would love this!" Then later I found out it was you! lol Should have known, not many can move their hands that way.

[@dubbingsync]

Kora Saul I know I definitely said to myself, “huh that’s just like Barnaby Dixon” while watching this scene... should have known.

[@Miss_Toots]

Have

[@Lupuscrafter]

Where in the series is it?

[@dubbingsync]

Lupus IP a few episodes from the end I want to say but without being able to check I’m not sure.

[@chiefcondie8519]

Kora Saul what episode

[@mildlycornfield]

I went to a panel with Brian and Wendy Froud last night, and it was incredible to hear about their enthusiasm for the Dark Crystal and the world they created. It’s so awesome that you had the opportunity to work on Age of Resistance!

[@kilarthmac]

12:22 Subtle moments like this (where he accidentally drops the sword and then has the puppet look at it) sometimes make me forget that this little guy is a puppet and not an actual living creature lol

[@teqqqie8991]

Barnaby, you never cease to amaze me. What you do with the puppets is impressively coordinated and dextrous, but more than that you have an incredible understanding of the soul and character of the creatures you create. It's easy to forget that we're watching a puppet when it moves like it's alive. I love it and there's no one quite like you.

[@TheOnisoma]

I think my favorite think is their excitement and fascination with Barnaby's method of puppetry. Just laughing and being excited by how expression he can produce, like when he was playing with the plant life.

[@ezkillionaire3276]

Im so proud of you barnaby!! This is so cool!!! I have always been a fan of the dark crystal since i was a little kid... It's so cool!! Congrats on this man. You have earned it!!

[@annibaggins]

Tiny Aughra's hair is having its own fashion show. 😂

[@NeoMatrixYT]

I haven’t seen a gleam like that in Brian’s eyes since he worked with Jim Henson...

[@berkleypearl2363]

I love how one of the questions is “do we have enough hands?” And the answer is “well there’s 6 hands between the two of them” That’s just so cute to me

[@owlhatch3812]

The reason I love watching you is how much personality you can feel from the puppets you control, as if they were actually living. That is the hardest thing to master while doing it.

[@zebtron]

I can't imagine, but EVERYONE is there! The Froud family, Henson family, and writers! The professional opportunity and potential stress is so great. You work is super and I love having seen you get to be involved with the Dark Crystal universe. I also dig how they let you use the footage too. Bravo brother!

[@ShmalMart]

Ya know, when I saw this scene, I thought the puppetry was so familiar to me. It took me a few days to realize it was your work. It's super cool to see this side of things. ♥ Love what you do.

[@willowcallisto7142]

What episode is it

[@ShmalMart]

@@willowcallisto7142 episode 7, mid way through.

[@tlac4120]

Thank you for sharing this with us. Seeing how this magnificent scene was formed as a collaboration of creative minds is wonderfull. Respectfull to each other, interested in sharing thoughts. No matter how long you are a puppeteer or storyteller. And the older generation is pleased to see their art in the hands of a new generation with the same love for it.

[@aidanbiddiscombe3604]

Thank you and the documentary maker so much for this!! I felt like there could've been a whole other episode for the b rolls in the workshop and to actually see the craft happening does the craft of the TV show justice. Xxxx

[@markgannett4104]

it's so great to see you finally getting the attention you deserve, I am so happy for you and I hope to see you involved in more major projects like this.

[@VeganRevolution]

Where do you go as a puppeteer after working with the Frouds on a Henson project?

[@tlac4120]

That is a good question. It doesn't get higher than that as a collaboration.

[@Johnny-Joseph]

Dabchick 12 part netflix series

[@VeganRevolution]

@@Johnny-Joseph yes!

[@menardes7541]

Valhalla, I guess

[@vysharra]

You become the next name that baby puppeteers say with reverence.

[@ag.6236]

The amount of work put into rehearsal for the perfect take is amazing

[@roxytheangeldragon4466]

It scares me on how real u can make the character move I see it and I'm like omg it's a little gelfing it's so coool

[@halu959986]

I love how quiet you are in this footage, it's like you just turned into a sponge absorbing everything that was being said. (Or you might have just been nervous) @BarnabyDixon What is your biggest takeaway from this experience? :)

[@99999janice]

Really Barnaby. All of us long time fans are so happy and proud that your getting this recognition and opportunity finally. I hope this leads to bigger opportunities as well congrats from Boston USA 🇺🇸

[@Sephirayne]

Absolutely fascinating to watch. Incredible how intricately articulated the mini Gelfling puppet is. Interesting to see the discussion about the scene and how it all comes together. Such creative energy, love it. Such an amazing creative team and incredible puppetry. Thank you for sharing this.

[@mitrooper]

So you were behind one the best scenes of this fantastic show...Excellent!

[@Hyraethian]

at 3:20 he points and your puppet follows the point. Your work is amazing i'm so glad you had a part in this movie.

[@Rancor0143]

I love how you got this experience! As a HUGE fan of your beautiful puppetry and catchy music... I'm SO PROUD OF YOU!!!!

[@kmart3453]

Brian looks so fascinated watching you. I can’t imagine what an honor that’d been.

[@therhodesy]

Series 1, episode 7 27 mins in. You’re welcome.

[@saltyjade8580]

You are a godsend

[@francescaa8331]

I'm always happy to see your behind the scenes/production... It's interesting. And I look forward to the next Dabchick. He's almost like a real being, and we all love to see what he's up to.

[@user-ep3uw3fk6l]

I started watching him Because of Got Talent He is a really great person He is creative Good at puppetry Great Job Barnaby You Deserve It

[@thenovelhoarder4180]

I am so happy to see your amazing talent was spotted to be used in a large production like this. Thanks for sharing this behind the scenes video. Keep up the awesome work!

[@DanMakesStuff]

Your hard work and the opportunities you have created for yourself are an inspiration. I am a model maker in Australia making bespoke architectural models and trying to get into more prop and replica making and watching you gives me energy. Thanks a lot from someone who understands the importance of trying to live a dream.

[@nilozero]

The puppet show within the show was such a stunning moment and it is truly amazing to see this raw brainstorming.

[@ericainspace]

Sheesh Barnaby. You make that little Gelfling look truly alive! It looks like the little guy is following Froud's direction, and you might as well be the puppet. LOL

[@combatbunnee9841]

Thank you for posting this footage, it's extremely interesting to me to see the creative process in action and see it all come together

[@NickCasey]

Absolutely fantastic to see the collaborative process of choreographing and blocking a scene, different people throwing out ideas out in order to see what sticks to serve the story best, and solve problems. Everyone is so flexible and open to input, it's all just incredible.

[@jaymogul25]

Incredible man! Congratulations. I've been a fan of yours for about 7 years before you had 100 subs and just dab and the cat. I'm praying for continued success for you man.

[@PuppyMintMocha]

This is so cool! I love seeing such a real look at behind-the-scenes instead of the condensed versions that you get from special features and such. I really wish I had a way to get into a puppet/prop-making career, my heart flutters when I watch stuff like this!

[@ShifuDaxiongmao]

Thank you so much for putting this up. Not only does it show how collaborative a production like this is, but also how you, someone a bunch of us look up to, have people you look up to as well and just enjoy learning from/working together with. :)

[@KarmaAdjuster]

I thought I recognized your work when watching the series! I'm so excited (and a bit envious) for you that you got to be a part of. As always, your puppetry is magical to watch.

[@aurorakay88]

I love the way you do the puppets it’s so cool. You are so talented

[@belle6618]

That's so cool! I've been a dark crystal fan since I was a kid, and i loved the age of resistence. Thats so awesome you got to work with them, and brian froud!! He is one of my favorite artists. Thanks for sharing this!

[@lorenzoc.b.9809]

I'm so happy of knowing about you because of this little rol. I wish they call you again to make a summary of the first season told by the Heretic or something like that.

[@conemsrs444]

Wow I loved that movie. Might check out the series now.

[@nesthorn1098]

Do it, it's really good

[@isabelahart9377]

It amazing how much the scene changed as they were planning it out very interesting.

[@michaelleger3084]

To see the smiles on the artists and creators faces says a lot Barnaby. Well done . MAGIC

[@jasperprince3986]

As SOON as i saw this scene, i immediately recognized it as you and i got even more excited!!! This is so fuckin neat and I’m so glad you got this opportunity!!!! I’m going absolutely bonkers over TDC and to see the behind the scenes behind the scenes makes me even more entranced by this show . It’s like I’m inhaling as much tdc content as possible and you just fed me for like., a week

[@davetraintrain]

I would love to watch this again with captions someday! This is so cool

[@BubblyOasis]

I knew it was you when I saw your puppeteering on-screen and I absolutely had happy tears when I saw your name for sure in the credits. So glad you had the opportunity to work on this. You're an inspiration and it's been a pleasure watching you grow and experiment.

[@edwardlupin7917]

Absolutely same. I was so giddy! It was an amazing and completely unexpected treat.

[@SomeConfusean]

Absolutely beautiful work with the series!

[@redrobin3667]

I didn't know about this scene in the series. When I saw it... I knew it was performed by you. Beautiful! I love the way you make those movements, I'm an animator and this is pure gold!

[@JC11118]

I love the Frouds. I had the honour of meeting them, without meeting Toby Froud at one of they're exhibitions. i got a signed A4 picture of their work, i was so nervous to stay and meet Toby, I had to leave. I wish I had stayed now. Maybe one day! I shall meet them today! Work with them and I would LOVE to work with you! I'm so curious of that world! So scared to try for myself!

[@LycaWatyre]

This is super cool! When I was watching the show and we got to the puppet bit, I was all "omg. that looks like barnaby's work!" Then there you were in the credits. Mind. Blown. Thank you so much for sharing this footage.

[@LemonSte]

it's so much fun watching you puppeteer that tinyyyyy puppet haha so much character to it despite the size

[@thexbigxgreen]

It's so telling that on a production made entirely with puppets, everyone is entranced and charmed by how cute and impressive Barnaby's work is

[@JohnSmith-GG666]

and at the end the camera zooms out! And we can see 'behind' behind the scenes that all the puppeteers are being controlled by the skeksis and mystics....

[@ThisAlbino]

Lisa looks really excited when watching Barnaby's puppetry, it's cool to see she inherited a love of the artform and not just the business.

[@rileyhoyt754]

I just about freaked out and startled my wife when I saw your gelfling puppet show up on the Dark Crystal. I knew exactly who was behind it the second he came on and I was so excited! Congrats Barnaby!

[@FowlersMakeryandMischief]

awesome

[@theblanketfortcohort7332]

A solid 10 seconds of Brian Froud looking thoughtful lol. This is awesome! Thanks for sharing it :)

[@martinjacobsen5974]

I just watched the series and I remember that jump and how impressed I was with it. Amazing to see how this all came together and the process of the production stage. Truely stunning work hope to see more.

[@marieelisa1]

Damn, I can feel the PRESSURE (⑉⊙ȏ⊙)

[@feefee6889]

HIS LITTLE FINGERS MOVE😭❤️ it’s so god dam cute and amazing

[@prankgirl9112]

This is one of the coolest things I've ever seen. However, as a fashion designer, I can't help but desperately want to give everyone in that room a makeover. So bad lol. You guys are so awesome though.

[@SchizoSchematic]

It's so great to see all of these professionals in the field still so in awe of new techniques and ideas, and all contributing to the craft in their own way.

[@dr.inkwell1070]

That was awesome to see, thanks for uploading! This was definately one of my favorite, if not, my number one favorite scene.

[@Feral_Riot_Lion]

It’s amazing seeing you in this sort of environment

[@funeralincarp23]

Can´t imagine how much you have learned and grown with this experience, what new ideas you have and how will this affect your upcoming puppets and performances. Congratulations my friend!

[@G1nga-N1nja]

Man the privilege of doing something like this is amazing and grateful and i can't wait for season 2 to come out. :)

[@doozerakapuckfutin]

I love all your work. On a bad day I’ve been known to binge watch you . Some 8 to 10 hours a day . Now the country is on lockdown I watch far more . Keep up the outstanding work mr D

[@AnneloesF]

This was very inspirational. I love the thought & love & skill that has gone into the scene. Thank you for sharing.

[@kmart3453]

OH MY GOD I JUST LEARNED YOU WERE INVOLVED WITH THIS NOW!!! Of course it was you doing Gra and Goh’s puppets!!!!

[@agitadora60]

when I saw the series, I immediately recognized your work. So pleased to see your talents put to good use.!Well deserved!

[@Ultriix]

I hope they can make use of your talents in the second series. I would love to see more of this style of puppeteering, maybe even in a regular character somehow.

[@shawny1888]

barnabydixon this was truly amazing to watch. Words cannot express how amazing bts are especially with something as watching puppeteers create and give life to these puppets, knowing that the reality is that someone is obviously controlling them but for a brief moment I even forget someone is behind it all, but that’s the magic with these types of films or shows people such as yourself give these puppets life that I grew up watching (all of Jim Hensons creature shop projects) and it’s always amazing to see and I wish more films would continue this art form so I say thank you for that.

[@TIMBEAU1962]

Thank you for sharing this! I don't know what I enjoyed more. The series or this, watching my heroes puppeteers rehearsal a scene out of the beautiful serie. For me its pure emotion, It so intense to see how it works, beautifully made, Toby, Brian and Wendy Froud! And all those who worked on this. You are truly artist of an higher level! And you sir, you should be careful with those hands! Deep bow of respect!

[@MaggitJef]

As a fan of yours for years, very proud and excitied that you got to do this. Also, when I was little, I wanted to live on Thra

[@keevansixx4185]

i know i'm extremely late to the party, but man....when you can make a room full of puppet industry professionals absolutely stop what they are doing and are completely mesmerized, thoroughly delighted, and lazer focused in on the performance of the puppet....that says a lot. congrats man, you made it.

[@reluctantme5183]

Beautifully done and a wonderful behind the scenes mini documentary ! Thank you!!!

[@MLTharme]

I bet this gave you the same giddy excitement as I had when been mentored by Ray Harryhausen back in 2012. So glad you where able to show this, such a great look behind the scenes and experience what ACTUALLY happen that the making of doc's don't quite show. Congratulations again for been head hunted for such a memorable scene.

[@s.j.karlson2432]

Thank you for sharing this!! So inspiring to watch pro creatives at work. Too expensive to renew for s2 my ass, what you guys made will live on for a veeerrrrry long time and that's priceless.

[@sf5823]

You did a truly splendid job as did everyone who worked on this production but this scene was particularly magical, watching the puppets watch the puppet show (wonderful idea), the movement was pretty awesome! Absolutely loved it!!! 💗