How This Guy Makes Hand Puppets That Move Like Real Creatures | WIRED

Puppeteer Barnaby Dixon takes inanimate objects and turns them into uncannily real characters. Barnaby's creations have brought joy to millions over the last decade. His unique take on puppetry is truly astounding, as he's mastered the ability to make his depictions of animals move like the real things.
Check out Barnaby's KZbin channel:
/ @barnabydixon
Director: Charlie Jordan
Director of Photography: Tim Attenburrow
Editor: Shandor Garrison
Talent: Barnaby Dixon
Producers: Anna O'Donohue, Wendi Jonassen
Line Producer: Joseph Buscemi
Associate Producers: Melissa Cho, Brandon White
Production Manager: Eric Martinez
Production Coordinator: Fernando Davila
Audio: Tim Stephens
Cam Op/Gaffer: Alice Berkeley
Production Assistant: Lesley Dean
Post Production Supervisor: Alexa Deutsch
Post Production Coordinator: Ian Bryant
Supervising Editor: Doug Larsen
Assistant Editor: Justin Symonds
Junior Editor: Paul Tael
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[@barnabydixon]

Thanks so much for the feature! It was a pleasure having you guys round :)

[@m.maclellan7147]

Wish they had mentioned the live stage show a bit more ! They DID show the pieces, but I think it is SUCH a neat collaboration!

[@chromeclaws]

trans rights are human rights.

[@jr2904]

​@@chromeclaws get bent. They need mental help, not a surgeon

[@jr2904]

​@@alyceblak1524 stop mutilating children

[@chromeclaws]

@@jr2904 i AM one of "them," and i don't care what bigots have to say, sorry.

[@lewisguapo]

He literally designed his own lane and he's a master at it... ❤️

[@glh2103]

Google a puppet named "Topo Gigio"

[@modular_wisdom]

😂

[@hrzn202]

Absolutely brilliant....this guy

[@FightCollective]

@@glh2103 Google 'Finger Bobs'.

[@poolhall9632]

@@glh2103 found the other old person 😅 But seriously, this guy is on another level. He’s doing karate with his hands. He’s the new Nick Park.

[@lolkayleen2757]

I love how they’re all in the same unique style, almost as if they were animals of the same planet or movie

[@theneoncactus2743]

This man should have his own movie studio.

[@anthonymorales842]

couldn't agree more a rare talent indeed

[@Palindrome..]

He worked on a Netflix show. Dark crystal something I don't remember

[@theneoncactus2743]

@@Palindrome.. Wooah what? Okay, now I *have* to see this

[@thetransformer6780]

He worked on dark crystal? Nice, I’m sad they aren’t doing a season 2 I think :(

[@elevatedaspirations]

@@Palindrome.. i’m not surprised, those puppets were uncannily graceful

[@kasziber]

This guy is the real deal when it comes to the term of "Multitalent". He has such a good feeling for Pacing and Narration in his videos. Can sing, play instruments, create music. Scriptwriting. Yeah and of course he is an insane Puppetmaster on top.

[@brie3679]

Been a fan of his for years. So wild seeing how much exposure he’s getting. He gets to do the coolest things! His talent is just incredible.

[@SsoulBlade]

Same here. I'm a bit sad that Dabchick material is getting less and less. He is the reason I watch the channel.

[@Yesirr44]

Man why did I just found out about this guy, his inventions are all amazing I've checked the content he makes and honestly I never see a puppet move so vividly almost fluid like. Definitely will subscribe to him thanks wired for letting me discovered great people

[@jopo7996]

Imagine having the freedom of doing what you love for a living, no strings attached.

[@amazinggrace5692]

Hilarious! No strings attached, that’s genius. 💕🐝💕

[@Turdfergusen382]

This man is incredibly creative and talented.

[@WobblesandBean]

He's also a bigot.

[@RandomBogey]

Man, I feel like I've been following barnabydixon forever now and it's cool to see this pop up. I was initially just fascinated with the mechanics and the "James and the giant peach" style of the Dabchick puppet. But, the fluidity in the movement and the character of dabchick really brings the thing to life in a way that kind of blew me away. And he's consistently stepped the puppets up since. Just one of those rare genuinely-wholesome, super-unique, and fascinating channels on KZbin.

[@albertramirez7686]

I love his stuff and honestly he could carry an entire cinematic universe and and series if he were given proper funding. The man is a rare talent and he deserves to be shared with the world.

[@johnnydoe66]

His finger dexterity is phenomenal, I would be rather curious to know if he plays piano or guitar.

[@liriodendronlasianthus]

He's indeed a musician too!

[@theharlequin7280]

What is the cherry on top for me is that only is his puppetry top tier, but the designs for his figures are really beautiful, evocative and sometimes dream-like in quality. This is what happens if someone with a passion and the skill to master it has the freedom to pursue it.

[@petertheferret]

He needs his own film studio. I would watch all of it!

[@kelleemerson9510]

Where the rich should donate, not invest.

[@jaxferger6524]

I've been watching this guy's clips for years now. Puppeteering is an art that deserves much more attention and respect.

[@TrainCon1958]

Yo, I love this guy! Always good to see Barnaby get some recognition.

[@yongling9825]

I can't believe how far he has come!

[@rebecculousrk]

Sooooo appealing! Not only are the puppets remarkable in their expressively, the puppeteer himself is very charming and endearing.

[@esparda07]

I remember watching Barnaby when he only had 2 puppets. It's awesome to see him this successful!

[@ElCharroNegro2023]

He does the design of his characters, the mechanisms that move them which are very ingenious, he does the movements of the characters and the editing of the performances of his puppets...literally, he is a complete animation studio by himself.

[@sindex]

And he writes his music and sings the songs!

[@annedebecker8385]

Breathtaking ! I love the look of the characters, their fluid movements and colors. Everything makes me happy and seeing the preparatory sketches of the different characters and animals enchants me! You are promised a bright future with your very special and endearing creations, a thousand bravos ! 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@aisharane]

So incredibly happy for Barnaby to continue to get the exposure he deserves ❤

[@rhondahuggins9542]

It is HIGH time that Barnaby is getting well deserved recognition for his talent & imagination!!😍🤩Dabchick 4-Ever💜💜💜

[@ab6ixblindforloveismyultja641]

This man has literally made puppets customized to his level of skill with his form of puppetry. Amazing. I wonder if it’s hard for him to find people to help him with puppetry movement especially if the molds for holding the puppets might not fit other people’s fingers/hand lengths as well as his.

[@NostalgiCrazy]

So creative! It's pretty fluid and you do almost forget he's not there when you see their motions. He's cute too though, so don't forget him completely 😆

[@chair2945]

I discovered Barnaby through a channel named Bobby Duke Arts and I've been watching him since. Not only is he great at puppetry but also skilled in making music. So good!

[@Cherokeeseeker]

I love this. He’s using his talents to spread joy. Great video. Thanks

[@BirdsTheWurd]

Good to see the KZbin algorithm finally starting to recommend stuff I want to see. This was great thank you guys.

[@justintimefortea7655]

Absolutely amazing! Serious skill and totally captivating. This guy needs a tv series telling stories using these puppets... Brilliant!

[@barbarawallace6890]

I've been following him for years now on YT; watching his talents grow and expand has been a wonderful journey. I'm looking forward to seeing what other fantastic things he brings to us in the future ❤️

[@kathleenkoch9993]

This is the first time I've heard someone else acknowledge that animals "knees" don't bend backwards, but that the foot is elongated and the heel is what is being mistaken for a knee. Huge thumbs up for someone who pays attention to anatomy!!! 🥰

[@raccriz6565]

Finally he got his recognition he deserve

[@annbrookens945]

I've subscribed to Barnaby's channel for a number of years so I was really excited to see that you were interviewing him! His puppets are so cool and innovative that I'm really pleased to see more people exposed to his art!

[@DanielLovesArt]

Been subscribed to Barnaby for years now, and always loved seeing his puppets.

[@nanuq83]

I am so glad this popped up b/c years ago I saw this mans' puppets and I've remembered them since but not the man's name. So thanks for this!

[@maxziebell4013]

One of my heroes of creative ambition.

[@arjunbais1]

been following barnaby's puppets for a long time now. I am really in awe of his creativity. I hope his puppets gets more recognition.

[@smcclure3545]

Take it all the way, Barnaby. It is hard to change an industry, and people are comfortable learning the "traditional" form of pupeteering. Time, and the right supporters will bring you to the Muppets level... Jim Hensen didn't do it alone! Wired is excellent support!

[@andrewreynolds912]

Using this I'm stop motion film making will be absolutely game changing in some ways for people I can't wait to see films one day have this

[@tatyannafrancis9935]

Yooo Barnaby’s finally getting the recognition he deserves!

[@thefear420]

bro is literally the Master of Puppets

[@johnwilcherjr2521]

That is really cool. To think you're the only dude on this planet who has made puppets like that is badass.

[@hal90001]

Protect this guy at all cost.

[@franciswright]

Really excellent. A beautiful style, and great communication. Thanks, Barnaby. (And thanks to Wired for getting this 'out there' ...)

[@chewwa1700]

This guys been around on youtube for forever, so cool to see him pop up again.

[@taifahmed1266]

I have been watching his channel for years he is extremely talented.

[@tiezeehc]

He also did an episode with Adam Savage on tested that was great and goes into more of the mechanics

[@jackhanson3333]

Man needs a movie

[@chicobicalho5621]

Probably the most incredible puppets ever made. Just brilliant!

[@skehleben7699]

Wow, this guy is a genius! The motion of his creations is so amazingly lifelike and full of personality! Truly impressive! Bravo!

[@kadabuwan]

The cat absolutely sold it for me. This is so dope!!!

[@sharonkaczorowski8690]

They are beautiful…the movement is a joy to watch.

[@wrbrown13]

Not only is the puppetry so on point, but the innovation in the design and build process is also extraordinary.

[@regispriqueler8745]

He is so good that each time I see Dabchik in pieces I'm genuily shocked...

[@LyricSnowe]

I remember watching this guy create his puppets years ago when he was a young boy. Its amazing to see him again still at it. 👍🏽🏅

[@MW-jm8qb]

Does this guy have a KZbin channel ? Brilliant. 10/10.

[@LexxiKitty]

Ahhh so talented and amazing!! I'd watch a whole film w these puppets.. They're stunning

[@imicca]

Its incredible how entertaining is “oldschool” art like this

[@toobad55]

I first discovered this man's talents ages ago. I'm over it already. Next. Just kidding. I'm jealous.

[@papajack4451]

This is one of the most creative things I've seen in a long time. Congratulations and put out some more.

[@islaburchell-gray3048]

I love barnaby’s stuff and love the behind the scenes :) :D his movements for the puppets are so subtly brilliant! It tickles my brain in just the right way

[@drdina22]

This was so good! Barnaby is brilliant! I'm glad the world is paying attention.

[@RoeRoe123]

Your visions are captivating and your attention to detail is unmatched. You're in a field of your own Barnaby. What a delight to watch, thank you.

[@haqk4583]

That live streaming of his lip movement to the miniature screen on the puppet is ingenious.

[@hoorayitsjackie6166]

I’ve always been fascinated and jealous of people that can see spectacular things in their brain and bring them to life. Whether it’s painting or costume design or puppets amongst the other creative outlets of the world, it’s all truly remarkable and adds joy and wonder to a world that is not always bright.

[@lisathomas1622]

Wow Barnaby these are brilliant! I’m so impressed by your creativity and thought.

[@davidnicolas8019]

I was mesmerized a few years ago when I first saw these style puppets, and watching them with the “lights on” makes them even more intriguing.

[@skotmiller8465]

Dab Chick has been a favorite of mine for years. I really love this Guy!

[@princequestly2218]

These are all so awesome. Extremely talented artist. Keep creating!!! ✨✨✨

[@illuminatiCorgi]

Guy’s a legend.

[@_ninthRing_]

*Barnaby Dixon* is a puppetry genius. It's astonishing to me how he can express the character of each puppet with such subtle - yet accurately lifelike - movements. His talents for observation & mimicry are so wondrous, that he truly seems capable of magic: imbuing each of his creations with such _animus_ (⬇) that he brings them to life... ➡ In the classical sense of *_"A Spirit which brings movement, or life."_*

[@Greenstrtjs87]

this guys is just pure talent

[@StudioHannah]

I need to make one of these Barnaby Dixson-style finger puppets. Just because it looks fun.

[@MaDragon7]

you can create amazing short episodes show like this. must be amazing to watch

[@rcmakingtracks18]

Truly incredible and inspirational... wonderful puppets.

[@Primo_extracts]

This is just amazing. I love it.

[@some1sosik]

It must be at least a decade since the first clips of his puppets popped up on yt. Amazing to know he's still at it!

[@jimmyjohnson6287]

Incredible creativity and ingenuity! Fantastic!

[@riaanshaigh1338]

Amazing technical ability and creativity.

[@nerd26373]

He has incredible talent. We hope he gets further recognized for his own capabilities. They just look so cool.

[@DayTrader__]

Very unique, thanks for the upload!

[@dae3xt]

the creativity along with engineering is top par ! What everyday products would we have with his creativity ?

[@trogg1344]

I friggin LOVE Barnaby and Dabchick!!! Ive been watching his stuff for a few years now

[@MedicalMilk]

love barnaby! have been a fan since he first went viral a few years ago, glad to see him getting attention again!

[@JuanRamirez-ue1qj]

I love puppetry. Wow! This is so amazing! I don’t know what to say. I have always had a natural instinct for sympathetic movements. I am so impressed! Your craft is just beautiful.

[@Zappr]

I feel like all of these little buddies have their own story to tell and I’m all here for it

[@FrankGrauJr]

This guy is absolutely brilliant!

[@harrybarrow6222]

Brilliant creativity and ingenious engineering.

[@christopherdelaney6263]

I visited The Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta, Ga. for decades. I was able to see some of my favorite puppets and was constantly exposed to the new forms. What you do is incredible and I'm happy to know that you're doing what you love. For those who have never seen a professional (or any level) live performance, you must do yourself the favor. We need to remember our roots and reanalyze our imaginations. These are truly skilled and creative people with amazing stories to share! My best to all of you who keep the craft living and breathing wonder and amazement to the next generations. Best of luck.

[@janetf23]

When does genius become actual magic? 😲 When it's Barnaby Dixon.👏

[@jermainejones54]

His talent is completely outmatched... Hands down one of the best puppeteers I've seen 💯

[@henryst19]

I remember him watching his video years ago!!! OMG, such a talented person!!! Please make a movie of his 'creatures'

[@philiq18]

That's dedication to the craft. Kudos!

[@SaraMBrito]

Awessome to see his art and craft featured on Wired. 😀👏👏

[@3rrorp1e]

One of the most creative individuals I've ever encountered. This is so amazing ❤

[@toysforboysrc]

The face monitor for the puppet mouth is super innovative

[@matthewscott1544]

Some of the characters remind of Mirrormask. Absolutely mesmerizing! What a brightly shining soul this man shares. Bravo!

[@drewmcgrath2450]

Amazing skill. So creative.

[@realbrandonb]

This takes some real skill, very impressive and super unique

[@moos5221]

Absolutely blew my mind, I've never seen puppetry like this before.

[@RoanRetro]

I was subbed to him for so long and haven't been back to catch up on the content lately, thanks for the reminder WIRED! Finally something good.