RJFS On Set: Creating the Characters of "Blark and Son"

Happy 2017! RocketJump Film School is back and we're kicking it off with some puppeteering. Our friends at Stoopid Buddy Stoodios (Robot Chicken, Super Mansion) let us join them on the set of their latest show "Blark And Son" and talked to us about bringing their two main characters to life.
Follow and watch "Blark and Son" on Instagram! The first episode premieres on January 16th, with three episodes coming out every week: / blarkandson
Special thanks to our friends Ben, Adam, the cast and crew of Blark and Son, and Chris Waters for helping us put this together! Stay tuned for Part Two of this series!
Questions? Ask us in the forums:
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[@peterwiehe5445]

“ Ouh I’m just fake” the character literally comes alive despite blatantly being a puppet with an arm going into him, and a man mouthing his voice in the same shot

[@VinluvAntonHandesbukia]

That's the magic of puppetry

[@michaelstroman5213]

He is funny puppet

[@SubnautiDiver]

"This hand looks so real, I can feel it coming inside me!"

[@ian.20-ivo-]

😌😔😥

[@BridgesofMC]

Dude the show originally freaked me out and I thought it was weird but after a couple episodes had me laughing my ass off and now I'm obsessed. This s*** is pure genius

[@lobterart1867]

It's actually fascinating the way that they were able to pull this off. I found this show earlier today through an ad and binge watched it until the very end. From a film making perspective, starting with "unappealing", uncanny valley type characters and still being able to make them relatable and likeable is very difficult to pull off. Someone else in the comments brought up Mr. Meaty. They started out with grotesque and unappealing characters, and they failed miserably. They failed largely in part to poor writing and uninteresting story lines, but it sure wasn't helpful that the characters were very grotesque. If they had appealing characters it might not of gone down in such infamy, and it might of just gone down as a metiocre show. Then take this show. The characters are unappealing, and at first glance, are quite creepy, but due to the stories being well written and in a comical manner compliment the very chaotic nature of the show itself and after a couple episodes they no longer become creepy and the viewer is completely desensitized to the design of the puppets. By far this has to be one of the most unique shows I have seen, and it has overcome some major obstacles to get to where it is at now

[@bagingospringo4396]

Same lol I want more

[@NotALiberalSoSkipTheScript]

@@lobterart1867 I found it earlier this week and that unnerving look hooked me.

[@meishiate-8139]

Seriously I was nervous at first but I decided to give it a chance and I don’t regret it

[@Sumtinrandom]

What I like most about this show is that Blark loves his son so much. It's silly, but I really like how he just really wants to be with his son, and have his son love him back.

[@jasonisnotarobot8811]

10:01 The way Son is just rocking is terrifying

[@tquick0450]

Ikr that spooked me

[@_POWERLOAD_]

Very

[@anthonyjh02]

Yikes

[@chgaming5059]

He's alive kill it

[@raddlife5637]

Oof thanl goodness i looked at the comments to discover this

[@Miniac]

This was actually really cool to see.

[@nak3dxsnake]

Lol I subscribe to you. Cool to see a 2 year old post of yours. Just discovered these guys and the series on Comedy Central.

[@miguelangeld1226]

Uűuu7u7uuuu7ur

[@Eidolon1andOnly]

You know how hard it was to find out the name of this series after seeing memes of it surface? Nearly impossible. Couldn't do a simple Google search of "TV series with puppets on Comedy Central" since the only result that comes up is Crank Yankers, followed by a mention of a Jeff Dunham special, because in every single description of Blark and Son, the word puppet (or related derivatives of puppet, such as puppetry, etc.) is never once mentioned any where. I was only able to find the show by scrolling through all the videos on Comedy Central's KZbin channel until I recognized a *puppet* in the thumbnail for this show. Whose bright idea was it to omit this key word from any such description of this show?

[@KillSwitchNY]

I binged the entire show because I couldn't tear myself away. The puppets are some of the best I've ever seen. The eyes really are the best part. Blark cracks me up with his facial expressions. Also take into consideration that this is shot and shown with really high picture quality so there was no hiding imperfections. Amazing show and I hope they get it going again and pickup where season 2 stopped.

[@Lucci251]

The show is like crack, so addictive 😂

[@susieballard4957]

These puppets are so realistic when they show emotion on their faces. Right down to the wrinkles and placement of each little hair on their face.

[@borbleborb4586]

0:04 i like how he doesn’t even have to move blark’s eyes to drastically change his expression

[@Cotygeek]

There are not enough puppets in today's filmmaking landscape. :)

[@johnnyreb1209]

Did you see the Oscars? There was an auditorium full of them!

[@EternalResonance]

something about puppets is creepy after a certain age. soulless eyes looking back at you. reminds you of death. creepy.

[@killiondace5411]

the dark crystal age of resistance is coming

[@ericfartman1663]

I love the character and show I hope you guys do more lengthy shows and not short clips

[@camorambo2541]

Those are not puppets idk wtf there doing spooky puppets have feelings 2

[@Limboinpinbo]

Christopher Mintz was the perfect pick for Son. He's such a great actor. This entire show is just perfection

[@coryrabbit]

I just discovered "Blark and Son", and my only input is that we need season three. It's quickly become one of my favorite shows. It's just fantastic writing, and funny as hell. I'd love to see more.

[@jeffsoltess4853]

This show deserves so much respect for all the effort these guys put into the show

[@beluapi8865]

Congrats on getting on Comedy Central

[@SAFbikes]

puppets look great now get some writers!!!

[@vshazam]

Thanks, but I didn't get on Comedy Central

[@beluapi8865]

oedipa maas, if Blark and son didn’t get on Comedy Central then they are a really good copy.

[@Its_Dmac]

WE WANT SEASON 3!!! Please.

[@fepompeo]

Ben was in Jim Henson's Creature Shop Challenge and he was great! It's awesome to see that he's still doing what he loves

[@Puppy_Puppington]

sweet

[@TygertheZebra]

This is kind of what I’m wanting to do for my career. Create things for movies, and making shows.

[@sapitron]

and driving uber so you can afford food

[@lenny5205]

I love it when sponsored content is closely related to the channel and is actually fascinating.

[@phatmantv]

These guys are brilliant. We need a season 3.

[@EsotericOccultist]

What i like about the show is the writing is good and the puppets look so bugged out and crazy yet relatable at the same time. It reminds me of old mtv liquid television era stuff. I love it

[@destroythehuman3380]

I can’t believe I’ve only just found this series.

[@floofydoofy5524]

Yeah. Me too. Imma binge the puppets out of this show

[@chrisw5150]

i found it two days ago

[@destroythehuman3380]

Bugsy Have fun binging

[@chrisw5150]

@@destroythehuman3380 😂 I've been at it for a while now...

[@maxgamer7041]

Destroy TheHuman me too if I never found this series I would not even know where I was

[@ghost_ship_supreme]

These are easily some of the best puppets I’ve ever seen! They convey an incredible amount of emotion, especially with the eyes being so realistic

[@kevinoneil5120]

It is a damn shame this show isn't still going. I've marathoned the first-and-only two seasons so many times now and I'm ready for season 3.

[@kev_mcx]

Welcome back! Blark and Son reminds me of Mr. Meaty.

[@Scarfysmom]

Key difference: Mr. Meaty should never have existed

[@icantthinkofaname4265]

@@Scarfysmom y

[@rayg2724]

Yes!!!

[@FancyTopHatFilms]

This is so cool, I don't think I've ever seen silicon puppets like this before. I definitely want to do some puppeteering now!!

[@FancyTopHatFilms]

thanks for sharing @RocketJump Film School

[@basedbattledroid3507]

Fancy Top Hat Films Same!

[@ikayama]

When I had seen Blark and Fletcher through memes I thought they were supposed to be parodies of the dudes from Lethal Weapon. I'm surprised Blark and Son just came from a drawing!

[@chaneyphillips8317]

I always thought the puppets were larger. It's weird seeing that they're actually just the size of a head

[@overtheclouds2926]

Show GREAT. Relatable for all ages regarding awkward, distance, and uninterested teenagers and for adults annoying, depressed, and self conscious. Great casting and productions. Also love the character development. Each character actually progressing and maturing, big or small. Please keep going.

[@solidus6706]

I don’t why I got Episode 8 in my recommended. *But, I’m glad I’ve found this series.*

[@andrethegiant6969]

The scale of this show is mind blowing. I assumeed they were much larger puppets for the detail and all the props behind them. So cool to see this.

[@TheStanishStudios]

0:59 - Rick and Morty alien?

[@skipradcliff]

Wish I could buy one

[@georgepovey]

That’s where I recognised it from lol. Cheers

[@necronomitom]

Gar Gah bleh bleh

[@stryderkinch3873]

Blargha blargh blargh??

[@The_Vent_Goblin]

Gragablakblak

[@AFishBicycle]

Puppets are why the original Star Wars are so good.

[@blainesworld6404]

At 10:00 look at the son puppet he looks like he is breathing or moving on its own

[@sup4037]

I seen it too lol

[@ryanlaughery3165]

It’s sitting on a pole or something and it was just still moving from when he touched it seconds before.

[@blainesworld6404]

Nah man its alive.

[@chrisw5150]

wtf!!! it is

[@darkcodes6482]

Blark and son is a straight comedic perfection!

[@aoshaw]

I hope you guys had a good, Die Hard filled break!

[@JeremyFinch42]

I love how even their concept designs were a giga chad for Blark and a League of Legends playing Incel for Son.

[@FullCaber]

Man wish we got more of this show just recently found about the show ! HES IN THE WALLLLLLLS!

[@wildcard650]

This was two years ago! I just found the series. Binge watching them all

[@Sleepyperformance]

I love Black and Son now I know it's because so much dedication goes into it

[@br0k3nscv11]

I've seen every episode twice and I still love it to this day.

[@CosmaUchuu]

This is so awesome, and one of the best shows, EVER.

[@ArcadeProductions]

This is something I needed to see at this moment in time. Very insightful and Inspiring. Continue to be awesome RocketJump.

[@Hunterslammer]

To this day I still don’t believe these are JUST puppets.

[@ThePalskinator]

BRING THE SHOW BACK!!!

[@TheUnknownD]

I swear, People on youtube are more talented than Hollywood

[@ItsWeenie]

Dude so happy these guys are expanding. Remember when they used to do guest spots on the attack. Keep up the good work

[@mayalyons7602]

My family found this on KZbin when we where browsing the app then we found this. My brothers and sisters and me found it amusing but my parents thought it was creepy. Still love them 👍❤

[@ianwynn6329]

This show lessened my depression.

[@Naratis]

anyone else noticed when he pulled the eye out son looked like he was scared and breathing heavily in the background?

[@Its_BXNKRO]

This is one of the best shows in a long time and happy we get behind the scenes

[@Twister980]

10:01 "And that helped them REALLY emote." *Son nodding in the background*

[@torben_vp]

I just like how passive terrifying blark and son are

[@lizbertran6464]

Blark and Son. Bravo Joey! When I heard you were doing a tutorial on puppetry I thought you would be writing, narrating and pulling footage examples of different things that have been done over the years by different artists. This was great because you worked with some specific, very progressive and funny creators of today. Interesting to hear their puppet voices and how the teeth had to be cut so the mouth could close and make the S and P sounds,etc. I learned a lot, and the content wasn't over my head leaving me confused or not quite understanding the process. And after all is said and done, I am sure you have to really be creative and multi talented to produce puppets like Blark and Son. No getting around that! Looking forward to your next RJFS tutorial Joey!

[@nutzeeber]

original sketch for blark is a chad straight up

[@DreDog41]

I’m confused, this was made two years ago but then just started to real ease the eps on Comedy Central, did they use to make shows before Comedy Central

Andres Barragan they made 1 minute Instagram clicks

[@DreDog41]

daniel wiles oh alright, thx

[@ben.bayouth]

RJFS, You guys Rock! Thanks for showcasing this crazy show!

[@fallenangel-do3iy]

Why does Blark look so much like George Clooney?

[@veloc.raptor9136]

Even though i may not always watch this show, im insanely greatful stuff like this exist. This is pure creativity

[@sairo...]

Oh yeah yeah

[@johnnythed1175]

Oh yeah yeah.

[@konnerkretzer3272]

Yeah

[@vegetashairline3060]

God I hope that this show blows up. I love it

[@Uesr2004D]

I really enjoy watching the episodes and I love it, hopefully we see more in the future.

[@nerdspeaker2043]

I adore Blark and Son, this is a fascinating look behind the scenes. You guys rock!

[@spasticpug5209]

This is wonderful to see I've been trying to learn how these more "human" looking creations are made I love how uncanny they are

[@nak3dxsnake]

I knew these puppets had to be big. Everything looks so real in a skewed surreal way.

[@kailenbodhi9350]

Blark and Son is one of my new favorite shows

[@TheJoebarrett]

This is the greatest culmination of comedy, artistry and genius ever.

[@jonahhunemiller2418]

Ben bayouth makes Adam aseraf look like an amature in this video, Props to Ben. This show is amazing not only because it's hilarious jokes/writers, but because Ben made puppets that are quirky and awesomly dorky Plus so very relatable at the same time. But Adam this isnt a "diss" post towards you, I'm just acknowledging the talent/time it took for Ben to make this what it has become.

[@NotALiberalSoSkipTheScript]

Why do I love these guys so much? How dare they so effortlessly worm their ways in my heart!

[@SincerestSawa]

I was so taken by the puppets and the acting i didnt even catch most of the jokes the first time watching, i love this show i hope it keeps going

[@brycestrife5605]

I ADORE black and son. I lost my BEST FRIEND, my father about a year and a half ago... It kills me everyday and it's been unbelievably hard. So hard that sometimes it doesn't seem real. But I live an AMAZING life in his honor. I'm not rich but when it comes to heart and spirit.... He raised me right. Thanks for creating this show. It reminds me of the crazy relationship my dad and I had. Good times, they are so hard to reach now... Thanks guys. Some of the BEST puppeteering I've ever seen.

[@CreepyChappy]

Love the show great job

[@CoIocho]

I can only say that I can't wait to see new chapters, I'm becoming a fan of this...

[@TheDude8008]

I seriously love the series, it's so funny and even has hearthwarming family sitcom lessons

[@al_sprays_paint8669]

I love this show and I’ve been really curious about it’s production. This is neat.

[@sircaptainchaos345]

I am becoming more and more inspired to be a VA

[@zombieslayerC94]

Me too

[@kerrym1225]

I love the detail you use on the sets as well as the storylines. And the puppets themselves are amazing!

[@oz70nyc50]

I love that they're comedy central's YT with longer episodes...AND introducing new characters.

[@chimp5127]

i never thought that the puppets would be so small but it makes sense oh my god

[@Mustardstain32]

When the puppets look at the camera mainly blark I can feel him staring into my soul

[@RAYworp]

Never knew i wanted this.

[@sammysworld5485]

I watch it on KZbin Comedy Central. Such an ingenious puppet skit. The ecstatics is creepy but plots are hysterical. I wouldn’t have nvr known it was Chris Mintz-Plasse playing Son’s voice. Loved him in the remake of Fright Night!

[@Tastylettuce12]

The slightly agape mouths of the half puppets behind Ben in the beginning are nightmare fuel.

[@joee1213]

You guys are literally doing what I want to do for a living.

[@jarednil69]

This was really interesting! And the Puppeteer dude is Rawr.

[@mrmusikman8298]

Genius, absolute genius 👏 I find myself more intrigued with the special effects makeup and the silicone puppet then the writer part of the show, but still amazing when it all comes together. Great work guys

[@austinsrandomvids1019]

Wow didnt know how much work it actually takes to do this. Good job

[@TheSnakeEyezz]

These puppets give me nightmares, but I love the craftsmanship!

[@SlackerShack]

Good start to the year with this upload, this is super interesting!

[@AnthonysCorner1]

Just use a suction eye contact remover for the puppets' eyes!

[@TheSaulJohn]

I appreciate this show even more now

[@Andre-eo9io]

This makes me appreciate the series much more, knowing all the work really put into it. It's so entertaining, and tbh I could never pin the style of how it was even made 😂👌

[@Wbfuhn]

Ever since clips of this show appeared as memes I've been more curious about this show. Mainly what the puppets are made of. The humor in this show is hit and miss but there's enough to keep this show interesting.

[@Smahiraleague]

6:05 hawaii mclovin

[@velintinovalentine.1328]

I blark and son is actually one of funniest things I've ever seen. I really hope it goes 4 seasons.

[@zeanian]

Just saw the whole first season stream twice on cc, this show is hilarious.

[@aappaapp6627]

Loved this!

[@staticplays1871]

You are joking rocket jump made this. Bro they are everywhere I love it

[@88Bulko]

And thats how they ended up with Lethal Weapon charactes :D

[@PotatoeJoe69]

We need a Season 3.

[@Unan1mouz]

Wow this is cool looking at the way they shoot with the puppets. We need to see behind the scenes for Spitting Image as well!

[@tcmcdonald]

1:48 that ad was perfect timing