The Dark Crystal Puppeteers Chat About How They Bring Puppets To Life | Netflix

Dave Chapman and Warrick Brownlow, The Dark Crystal puppeteers, explain how they bring puppets to life in the show and how sassy they can be on a Friday night!
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[@Corina6235]

Puppetry is a dying art that’s not as appreciated as it should be. I’m so grateful for companies like the Jim Henson Co. that strive to evolve and perfect the art and continue to bring life and joy through these puppets. I absolutely adore this series, watched it all in one sitting. Any word when/if we’re getting a second season, or.....?

[@wiilov]

Second Season is inevitable, even if its renamed The Gartham Wars. And I'm with you. What they do with puppetry transcends the art from art to something almost real.

[@dissonanceparadiddle]

@@wiilov and the coolest thing is unlike meeting a voice actor for an animated character you really can meet a puppet character in real life in a way that's far beyond just meeting a voice actor

[@williamoverton7775]

no kidding these aren't "practical effects" either they are actual animated characters.

[@theblanketfortcohort7332]

I agree... Puppetry is amazing!! In this world of computer graphics we need to revive puppetry...

[@ShaDHP23]

That really went above and beyond with this show.

[@francesleones4973]

Wonderful. Every time the puppets are in front of the camera, I kind of forget that they're puppets when they start talking.

[@lustury5656]

The actors are just so great with there voice acting and emotions and how its all filmed and edited and just the dream fasting scenes those were always emotional for me and the aspect of it

[@CrazyPangolinLady]

“When you do something right, people won’t be sure you’ve done anything at all.” Like they said, it’s easy to spot bad puppetry, but good puppetry looks so natural.

[@quindixie6867]

I never do. I am always aware that they aren't real creatures, however that isnt the actors fault. I am an artistic person so I see the behind the scenes part of it. I am constantly thinking "How did they do that?" "What kinda of paint did they use for that?" "How did they get that level of detail in silicone?"

[@Lichen8404]

Bruh the number of times I stopped and remembered they weren't real is kinds sad 😭

[@SlyFan-mp8dc]

That's Henson for you. I'm a grown man and I still have to remind myself once in a while whenever I see any of his (or his studio's) work that it's puppetry.

[@luvzfrance24]

Jim Henson would have been so proud of this production. I am so addicted to anything related to the Dark Crystal.

[@ColombianCasanova]

Me too, im addicted. i just bought the figures and a shirt

[@klowny8602]

luvzfrance24 Same! I even made my own community for it, haha.

[@thespacecowboy71]

Same! I loveeeee The Dark Crystal. I've watched the movie so many times

[@kaylahnorris5468]

I remember the movie very well and when I stumbled acrossed this my heart skipped a beat Jim would of been so proud of this there continuing his legacy

[@denisehinton1240]

Jim Henson would be happy Rest In Peace Jim Henson

[@OldDannyDevito]

I'm still mad that Netflix canceled the serie. There are series that doesn't deserved to have new seasons but still managed to get them....

[@jetpilledmyron2056]

Van Helsing, among many, should've just be threw in a dumpster instead of this

[@Sbrabson04]

We will get a season 2 somehow someway! Mark my words!

[@canonbehenna612]

Then do a petition to bring it back

[@AliceT3a]

The Skeksis are over 7 feet tall???!!! Jesus I thought they were human sized!

[@mingminluftig9632]

Jessica same

[@SampoPaalanen]

Yeah, you don't really realize how huge those costumes/puppets are until you see them next to a human (like in the "making of" documents)

[@PairOfKoopas]

The entire head is above a human, so that's why they're so TALL!

[@fawnieee]

Wait, so how tall are gelflings?

[@SampoPaalanen]

@@fawnieee about 1 m or so I think (that's about 3 ft in the imperial units), maybe a bit taller, also it depends on the gelfling in question obviously.

[@mysteryskulls3067]

The podlings should have their own tv show.😂

[@Iguana5k]

I would watch it :)

[@pinkanime_cat1460]

That would be so cute

[@clphon]

The podling show🥳🥳🥳

[@barbarjinks8170]

This series was an underrated gem. Those unfamiliar with the dark crystal, like myself waking into this series, will find a newfound sense of joy watching this. It’s kind of equivalent to watching an animated movie. You buy into the fact that what you’re watching it real after a while.

[@climid]

I find this story worked better as a Tv show than the original movie. there was more time to appreciate the characters and explain the complex lore

[@Rivkress]

Brea's puppeteer managed to capture more "essence" in a puppet than I've ever seen before. Hats off

[@cinnamongrader6608]

Netflix: There will be no season 2 of “The Dark Crystal: age of resistance.” Skeksil and audience shriek: “The shame!”

[@mattischastan7967]

This isn't puppetry... this is FREAKING LEGENDARY !!! Did they really "kinda improvised" all that !??? I'm mindblown, jawdropped, astonished!!! So much magic in those few minutes !!!

[@D.M.C100]

Same

[@cameronpearce5943]

I wanna run a Dark Crystal themed D&D game after watching AoR. Their's even creatures that are basically Skeksis in 5th edition called Nagpa. To get the scale right i'm gonna make them large creatures in my game and amp up the Skeksis energy

[@fevankessel]

That is such a nice idea!!! :D

[@evantessler1891]

I've been dreaming of this since I watched it. Would love to play as a Gelfling!

[@cameronpearce5943]

@@evantessler1891 If I played in it i'd wanna play a Grunak who get's free and wants revenge on the Skeksis. Or a Podling because Podling's are great

[@RhiRhiCampbell]

That is a fantastic idea. Although for skeksis speed do you think it'd be better to use the Hunter or the other skeskis as a base stat?

[@cameronpearce5943]

@@RhiRhiCampbell I'd use the other Skeksis as a base stat and have The Hunter have improved stats and speed, maybe even other class skills due to him preserving his health better through exercise. It's like how certain NPCs in Faerun are much weaker now in 5th edition than they were in 3rd, with them having to almost re-learn much of their magic after the Spellplague and also not having as many world ending threats to deal with that weren't being handled already by adventurers. It was done to balance the game for the new system, but theirs also the lore reason which works out pretty nicely :D

[@halfchiangel88]

This video really made me appreciate more the hard work the puppeteers The Dark Crystal series, they literally put their blood sweat and tears into their performances! I just want to say thank you to all the puppeteers who worked on the series and gave us this beautiful show and these expressive characters, you can really feel the heart they put into their work

[@kayterquarter442]

I’m making a petition Netflix, give the two podlings in this video a sitcom *We beg of you*

[@420Effect]

I would like your comment but it's at 69 so I'll leave it to God now.

[@kayterquarter442]

@@420Effect Thank you for your valiant service, soldier o7

[@420Effect]

@@kayterquarter442 lol, damn this reminds me I gotta watch the last episode of the show!!! I knew they didn't redeem it so I'm like ugh I don't want to lose the magic and be left with hella questions so after episode 9 I was like "I cant do it, Ima savor it"

[@kayterquarter442]

@@420EffectThe last episode does leave off on a major cliffhanger, but hey! The story will hopefully be continued in comics, and there’s a documentary on the behind the scenes, so that makes the cancellation sting a little less if that helps...

[@420Effect]

@@kayterquarter442 see I heard the same thing and that's why I'm just ugh not looking forward to walk to that cliff and realize wow that's it , because unfortunately even though I get where they are going with it I'm not just not gonna be buying the comic I'm sure I'll find out what happens but damn Netflix how much money do you need to actually fund a show that actually just entertains people without buying you points in some area or checks this box or idk how do you take such a beautiful show, a real piece of art made by a true genius and just wait til the guy passes away and then anounce that "hey we decided just now that quality isn't the goal it's quantity and since this doesn't do anything except entertain a strong cult following and create new modern mythos we're gonna have to cancel it, it's just too hard for us to see how this story could be used to communicate the things we are required to communicate to our viewers, and we know it's one of a long list of shows we didn't finish but did you see Thunder Force?" Yah sorry Netflix I'm gonna spend a lil bit not consuming your content I'm sure I'll be back but Dam you took something that nearly transcends every other piece of fairy tale type content, infact you almost invented a new genre, but, I can see that it was too much work and didn't pander to anyone I mean they're all puppets so how could we use it for anything other then pure entertainment escapism which isn't our job, our job is to bring you todays social issues and...". Okay Netflix you have a ton of power to do whatever why get rid of show that offended no one and that could've ended up being a modern classic, something like a lord of the rings but for a wider rage of audiences something a kid could watch with their family, idk this stuff is reminiscent of a time when there wasn't always another incentive to entertainment, I miss Jim Henson honestly he was the type of person we are missing right now everyone taking a side and an angle that puppets are controversial because they can't be used as a means to an end? Or because Netflix can't be bothered to recognize greatness infront them after so many years of crushing it in the industry? Nothing is immune to dying off people are really sensitive about what they are consuming right now, why not make something for everyone and watch how much better the world will be for it .

[@TarossBlackburn]

I just love how these puppeteers just naturally slip into character. And even when they're talking to the audience and explaining something, as long as the Podling is 'up' it's being animated, whether it's 'walking' along, moving the head or just random motions.

[@reubencaldwell8494]

Wish they brought up Skekmal in all this since he was the only one with a suit actor which greatly differentiated his movement from his kin. Maybe also the Urru since I'm wondering how they work.

[@Sergei_Ivanovich_Mosin]

My assumption (just based on how such things are usually done in the industry) is that SkekMal's head is a remotely controlled animatronic part attached to a helmet the actor wears with the actors actual head pretty much inside the suits neck, all the puppetry (and likely voice work) is done off the shot with remotes and microphones while the suit actor pretty much just provides the base body movements. It's often how they do these kinds of suits, granted on a less elaborate level since you rarely have voice work involved with such parts (these parts are just monsters most of the time, they roar but not much else)

[@CLoveBeauty]

Skekmal was the hunter right? He moved like a human if thts who ur talking about. I don't wanna ruin it for the people who didnt see it...lol.

[@wulf768]

FINALLY! A person with a Reg pfp!

[@thedorku9500]

Reuben Caldwell in the documentary on how they made it, it says all the Skeksis are full body puppets

[@adrianstipanec7846]

I thought skekmal was cgi

[@stazoola3616]

Great stuff. Would love more extended behind the scenes demonstrations like this. It's just so delightful to see more of these puppets in action, in various contexts.

[@CountOrlok22]

Do puppeteers have any clue how much better they make the world?

[@anacarolmsc]

CountOrlok22 I hope they do :)

[@dillonohlemiller9027]

Oh trust me, we do. I’m a puppeteer myself.

[@rexgrl3]

The "sassy walk" is totally Miss Piggy!

[@originaluddite]

The only times I thought about them being puppets was when there were close shots of feet running, and when the Podlings were acting like pure Muppet Show extras.

[@AllMagicComesWithRice]

I love this! Every tiny bit we're shown in behind the scenes things like this makes me appreciate The Dark Crystal all the more! Now that I've seen this, I gotta go rewatch Age Of Resistance for like the sixth time....

[@kaihopperdietzel9755]

This was hands down my favourite Making-Of of Dark Crystal. Those puppet masters are really fascinating to watch

[@alancollman1738]

Imagine being paid entertainment money to pay with puppets from a movie from the 80’s/your childhood. Nice.

[@spicykittyh1]

I can't believe this show didn't get renewed. I could literally just watch the puppeteers walking around in the skeksis suits for the entire runtime of Stranger Things

[@ArchlordZer0]

This show was so good. When watching it, I cannot help but respect the production and the talent that went behind this. I'm so bummed that they cancelled it after one season. Wtf Netflix?

[@holgerschink1341]

Fantastic and wonderful : "The Dark Crystal - Age Of Resistance" was so brilliant...hope for a second season. PERFECT !

[@-D-a-i-s-y-]

I love how they were sometimes serious but most of the time funny with the podlings! It really made my day. ❤️

[@NancyLea28]

Puppetry is ALIVE!! Thank you for this delightful experience.

[@punchparty4008]

I want an entire episode of them doing improv of the podlings doing funny things

[@christophertracy4377]

Kudos 2 all the Puppeteers who worked in this AMAZING adventure of a series! I had seen the original movie as a 10 yr old kid in the early 90's after reading the novel and fell in love with the world of Thra! Jim must be so proud of Lisa who continues 2 honor her Dad in this very special way! I can't wait until S2! The Garthim Wars and even more Skeksis 2 meet. Something tells me that Kira has Vapran blood!

[@box5mike]

The puppeteer on the right was the ventriloquist in The Slammer, what an obscure blast from the past!

[@justinstewart1057]

This series is a masterpiece of writing.

[@JasonSturgess]

Is there anyway we can get Amazon or Disney + to take this show on ! Should never have been cancelled it was magical and so artistic.

[@Nobbejo2]

This is a work of art

[@TheSuperQuail]

"Skeksis are like panto villains." Like when Captain Hook bludgeons Tinkerbell to death in Peter Pan?

[@CountOrlok22]

I'd watch that.

[@connorcoker5112]

This video made me realize one thing... I want a podling puppet.

[@drecofaria4823]

So sad the show got ditched. Ugh. I want to see it to its end. I hate that so much work went into it only for it to lose funding. That absolutely sucks. Here's hoping it'll get picked up again!

[@Rennabi]

I have worked as a puppeteer for well over a decade and have taught courses on the subject. After watching this I just have to say- This was a very good primer. It covers a lot of really useful performance technique. It's Well done, engaging, and fun to watch. Great work! Thank you

[@townsville69]

A puppets limitless potential for comedy is why I love them so much.

[@zerozenn]

i'm so happy to see puppetry still being an art

[@thanoscar1193]

This show has done something truly special. After the first two episodes it felt like I was watching actual living, breathing creatures rather than just puppets. That’s something no other form of media involving this art has ever managed to do for me.

[@millerhxc]

I don't think I ever applauded along with a KZbin video..until now! Had me howling with laughter too.

[@asharadaynedragonblood1803]

Thank you for this show. It is SO amazing. It is true art. I felt like being in a dream. I loved the original movie and you managed to bring back the magic!!!

[@Lumibear.]

That was great! Although I’d noticed the different walks I hadn’t thought about how slow and deliberate the Gelfling motions are, that must be hard, so much body tension and precision, I don’t envy the puppeteers.

[@ralphhoskins2115]

As a fan of muppets since childhood, I love the new dark crystal.. its amazing and the work these talented people do is just breath taking... can’t wait for more

[@twelvelookslike]

My arm gets tired changing a lightbulb. I couldn't imagine having to hold up a puppet for the amount of time they do.

[@stephaniechagnon2532]

All hail Brian and Wendy Froud! And all the Dark Crystal staff. Excellent work, thank you !

[@carlycrays2831]

You don't realize how big the Skeksis puppets are. Those things are huge!

[@SomeguynamedTrav]

It's just amazing how much work went into this series and the original movie. One of the best from my childhood!

[@damiendelorme4164]

This serie is very wonderful... This univers... The soundtrack... The technical team... Great ! We would like a season 2 !!! :D

[@elsagreen1476]

These guys are both super professional AND clearly having a lot of fun. This is really entertaining. And the improvisation! When one guy went "hugababah" and the other one said "oh that's great!" That shit was hilarious

[@SkepticalChris]

Undoubetly, Dark Crystal Age of Resistance is THE greatest piece of work Netflix has ever brought out, to this day.

[@djyams1509]

You can thank joe biden for cancelling it.

[@Constantine_Cvl8]

"Ayy babey" Funniest thing I've ever seen and heard since Chamberlain's "MmmmMMmmmmMmm"

[@Sweet_Ghoul]

I am so much in love with all the hard work, brings tears to my eyes that most people can not appreciate the art of puppetry. Thanks you guys for all the magic.

[@cosmobane6995]

Like how these artists can work professionally and messing around at the same time, yet still deliver their work amazingly.

[@upncmnh11]

around the 1980's movies i noticed that jim henson created what i call 'darker puppets' like you see in 'Dark crystal'; 'never ending story'; and 'labyrinth' but was the first of these 'dark puppets' in the 1970's with star wars.

[@melindajade121]

All I can think of is poor Brian and Wendy designing and making these lovely creatures in huge quantities x-x Such lovely people!

[@kevynnjoseph1744]

if anyone gets the opportunity to attend Dragon*Con in Atlanta, there is a Puppetry Track that invites puppeteers from all walks of life to hold seminars. they talk about the industry, demonstrate tips/instructions on puppetry in front of camera (with audience participation), and show how to build a basic puppet of your own. really cool stuff.

[@andioop3329]

I WANT SEASON 2!!!!!

[@sierrafosnaugh1136]

Please please share the podling party bloopers! I can't find them anywhere and really want to see more hilarious outtakes and bloopers. :) thank you so much for you amazing work everyone :)

[@Allfadson]

the serie was amazing, thank you for a great watch! awesome

[@mariajuliatavaresmonteiro4618]

this is an extraordinary series, and the characters are incredible, congratulations to the actors and everyone who made this wonderful series

[@wildthornrose]

Brilliant, just brilliant, amazing work. So much respect for all the wonderful artists who brought this to life :)

[@lorenzoc.b.9809]

I loved this so much! I wish to know how Skeksis work...

[@BrianLyons315]

I want there to be a game where SkekMal is the protagonist.

[@angelaf.4937]

So do the puppeteers do the voice in shoot and then the voice actors rerecord over it in post production?

[@monstermash1739]

Yup, that was exactly the case. The voice actors actually had to be careful so that they matched/aligned their voices with the puppets' mouth movements.

[@mas8705]

Yes indeed. You could say that is the reason why each character in the dark crystal have two actors attached to them.

[@explorer47422]

To be fair it would be kind of weird to just move the mouth without saying anything. Or do you mean they would try to match the puppets mouths with the voice actors on set? I guess that's doable too if harder. Personally, I think you get much more realism and synchronisation if the puppeteer is also the voice actor like in many of the Muppet shows.

[@skeetsmcgrew3282]

@@explorer47422 Sort of both? They do the voices while shooting so the "flaps" work properly, so it feels intuitive to do the mouth movements. So the voice actor has both the flaps and the original acting to reference. It definitely requires some skill in voice acting on the part of the puppeteer or the flaps will force bad acting.

[@milo_thatch_incarnate]

I seriously can’t believe that some people don’t like movies with puppetry because they think they are “silly” - this is such a creative and hilarious and amazing art form! It’s just so CREATIVE!

[@yidneth]

I love this. I love Dark Crystal since a child when a prequel was announced I reacted as a purist, cautious afraid to be excited, but they were faithful to the original project. I am glad

[@childhoodncstalgia]

Ah Dave Chapman and Warrick Brownlow-Pike! Excellent Puppeteers! ❤

[@Zayralover]

Such a fantastic show! More than the puppetry, it was the INCREDIBLY GOOD story that really had me hooked from E1 !! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE make season 2 .

[@LW1Tok]

I was looking for something similar to LotR and couldn't find anything. And then I stumbled into this gem. I'm so sad it couldn't continue. Netflix made a big mistake canceling this.

[@Violentic81]

The show is a blast. All of you did a Amazing Job. Thanks for this wonderful fantasy tale.

[@Crystalz-OnYT]

These artists actually have skill...They work so precise that you just forget their puppets when you watch it

[@fugithegreat]

I'm still so angry that Netflix cancelled this series! It was sooo good! Jim Henson would have made sure it got done, and he would have been so proud.

[@Flannel-Channel8837]

Nobody Chamberlain: hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

[@albahernandez1819]

This is fascinating. This art should be much explored and it's dying.. it's sad, they are sooo good. Thank you for releasing this. AoR season 2!! ^^

[@Dovahninja]

I would not be opposed to a remake of the movie after the show is finished.

[@biglittle4883]

Good bye to such a fantastic series. Sad to see it cancelled

[@AWSVids]

....you’re a Skeksis. I’M A WHAT?!!

[@clarekuehn4372]

One of my favourite movies.

[@Queenmoreta]

I'm sat here thinking that podling sounds like Otis the Aardvark, a quick google search reveals Dave Chapman did indeed puppeteer Otis :D.

[@isabellasoares7041]

Incredible!!! A true art!

[@ikeekieeki]

thanks for this presentation! i loved seeing the puppeteers have fun. seeing the podlings walk as gelflings was also cool

[@dorkbotter1152]

Wouldn't want to take on a Skeksis IRL except maybe Skeksil but he's adorable so I wouldn't want to take him on anyway

[@peterpain6625]

The Chamberlain would probably have you batter and fry your own liver and eat it before you notice it's missing ;)

[@rat3113]

Man, it absolutely breaks my heart this did not get a greenlight for season 2. Everything about this series was so perfect, and we were left on a cliffhanger! C'mon Netflix!

[@fiviifjj]

Fizzgig plush please! I want my fizzgig!

[@gadrielvanorion9872]

i will say, GOOD JOB you did a rly good production with this method. i think we should have more of these things but well. glad we still got this

[@Denso481]

I hated the design of the Gelfing, but absolutely loved the Skreksis. The Podlings were fun as well

[@Epitin]

So cool and funny! Thanks for sharing!

[@Corundum_Rolls]

It took me an episode and a half before I stopped seeing puppets and started seeing characters. The 4th episode is where the story really takes off and had me riveted. Incredible job on this series, but viewers need to make sure they give it a chance. Awesome world building and imagery.

[@ElrikofM84]

Even tho I’m Gen X, still had a chance to watch a lot of the old muppet show. Puppetry is truly a great art

[@SunShamon]

please do a sequel!!

[@donovandelaney3171]

"Uncataloged Gelfling DNA detected! Gelfling DNA acquired and available!" - Omnitrix.

[@Beefbeff]

Dave and Warrick are hilarious.

[@KZ-hu9uj]

I could watch hours of this

[@SquigglyCarton8]

Well done to everybody involved. Such brilliant work created a mesmerising show

[@sarahmason833]

The Podlings are funny 🤣

[@Beado-wulf1984]

Dude! I am in love with this I love everything about this this is so cool I'm so happy they brought this back to life

[@savannah5537]

I think the resemblance between Simon pegg and the original chamberlain is insane! He sounds literally exactly like the original

[@hruss257]

Netflix, thank you so much for not only making this show happen, but for making it happen so beautifully!

[@NileSings]

So much talent in one series💓💓 Amazing!