Kermit's Swamp Years Panel Transcript

[Struble]

Originally posted by Traveling Matt
Nice job, Strubs....can I call you that?
- Billy

Only if I can call you "Bills."

Sh. St. St.

 

[Voiceroy]

Re: Muppets Panel

Struble,

I just wanted to thank you for your compliment of my Kermit imitation in the closing comments of your article. I'm the guy who won the scooter - still much to my amazement. Had a devil of a time getting that scooter home from San Diego to where I live in Atlanta. They almost didn't let me take it with me on the plane.

I've been a semi-pro character voice actor for several years, and I certainly don't mean to brag, but that did give me a slight advantage over that 3-year-old girl.

Although I do a number of character voices, to be honest, I've never liked imitating Kermit's voice (other than because Jim Henson's original was so great and mine pales in comparison) because I've come across so many others that also believe they do a good Kermit impression. They ask me to do mine, and I can read on their face that they're thinking, "Oh, my Kermit is SO much better than his."

Anyway, I have some pictures online from the panel, if anyone is interested - if the links below happen not to work properly, trim the URL down to http://www.toonzone.net/craigcrumpton and look for the "Muppets" JPGs.

Panel Shot #1 (Victor Yarrick with Goggles)
http://www.toonzone.net/craigcrumpton/muppets1.jpg

Panel Shot #2 (Victor with Croaker)
http://www.toonzone.net/craigcrumpton/muppets2.jpg

Victor with audience member in Muppets demonstration
http://www.toonzone.net/craigcrumpton/muppets3.jpg

Kermit's Swamp Years Autograph Session
http://www.toonzone.net/craigcrumpton/muppets4.jpg

...and the one I'm most proud of...

Victor, Me and the prize-winning scooter
http://www.toonzone.net/craigcrumpton/muppets5.jpg

(I also have a photo of cartoon voice actor Rob Paulsen (voice of Pinky from "Pinky & The Brain" and many other cartoons) riding my scooter in the lobby of the convention center, but unfortunately I don't have that one online yet.)

I was also very flattered to get compliments from Jim Lewis, Mike Polis, and Victor Yerrid on my Kermit impression. For a guy like me for whom voice acting is a hobby, it's really nice to hear that from professionals - especially individuals working for the Jim Henson Company. Victor even signed my 'Swamp Years' poster:

Great Kermit, Craig. Steve Whitmire, LOOK OUT!

The Muppets panel was by far the most enjoyable event I've sat in on in the 3 years I've been going to the con (and I'm not just saying that because I won a scooter from them). I certainly hope the Jim Henson Company does another presentation at the con next year.

Thanks again for the compliment, Steve. And I enjoyed your article too - thanks so much for taking the time to type a transcript of the panel discussion. Now, if anyone happens to doubt my photo proof that I won a $400 electric scooter for doing a Kermit imitation - I can direct them to your article.

Oh, and to Steve or Phillip - I know Steve's article has been up since early August, but if you'd like to use my convention photos linked above, I'd be honored. Just so I at least get name credit for them.


Craig Crumpton
Staff: http://toonzone.net
http://www.voiceroy.cjb.net

 

[Phillip]

Welcome to Muppet Central Craig! Glad you found us.

 

[Voiceroy]

Thanks, Phillip - but I've actually been a regular visitor here for at least 2 years. I've even sent you a couple of news items which you've used - last one I think was on the Emmys last year.

I've just never registered for the forum.

 

[Phillip]

That's right. I knew your name sounded very familiar. I just had trouble placing it. Please forgive me. It is great having you on the forum!

So HOW did you get that large scooter on the plane?

 

[Voiceroy]

> Please forgive me.

No biggie. It's understandable. I'm sure you get lots of mail.

> So HOW did you get that large scooter on the plane?

It's a pretty compact thing - the handlebar folds down. But the motor makes it really heavy to try carrying it.

I tried checking it in as another piece of baggage when I was checking in for my return flight. The conversation with the clerk went like this:

HER: It says here that you only had 2 pieces of luggage on your departure flight. You've got 3 here.

ME: I know, but I just won this scooter at the convention and don't have any other way to get it home.

HER: You won it? How?

ME: (sheepishly) Well, for doing an impression of Kermit the frog.

HER: Really? How'd you manage that?

[Here I explained about the panel]

HER: Would you do your impression for me?

[I did, with 20 people waiting behind me in line.]

Her eyes got wide and she said, "That's really good!"

Then she looked at the scooter and at her computer screen again, and then at me, "It's going to cost you $75 for an additional piece of luggage that wasn't checked in on your departure flight."

I was desperate. "But it wasn't my fault I won it. How was I supposed to plan for something like this?"

She looked at the scooter again, and then at me, and then at her screen and said, "You're right. It's not your fault."

She tapped a few keys on her keyboard and said, "I see you're checking in TWO pieces of luggage, Mr. Crumpton," as she tagged my scooter with an additional baggage claim ticket and placed it on the conveyor belt. Then she said with a big smile, "Have a nice day."

It got slightly damaged during the return trip - but no permanent, obvious damage really. A little broken piece of plastic was a small price to pay to have it sent back with me for free.

And I've had a blast riding it around. It has a range of about 3 miles, fully charged, and can go up to 12 mph. I'll probably end up giving it to my brother's kids for Christmas, but it's easily the coolest thing I've ever won. Thank you, Jim Henson Company!


Craig