Original Muppet Whatnot Workshop now off-line

[MWoO]

My sey of whatnots arrived today here is a short vid i made of them~
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=lSqBDbhCJec

Wow, they actually look as good as the promo pics. I was worried how eye placement would be based on the site, but they seem to have good eye focus. How is the size? How do they feel when performing? They still seem a bit small, in the mouth.

I really need one.

 

[muppetguy]

Pics of My Whatnot!

Hey, ok so I took 2 pics. I will take more and will do a video.

LabRat: I just L-O-V-E your vdeo. Very cool.

MWoO: As far as how they feel when you preform, I have to say it's a workout. I have never really worked a puppet before and found it to be more hard work then I thought...LOL.

My whatnot is a singer/performer and his name is Johny Crooner. I did a test run of filming to a song, but want a little more practice before posting. I'm thinking of the song, Call me irresponsibe by Michael Buble. I'm not sure if I want him to "lip sync" or I sing as him. Not sure yet. Well, enough of that, here are the pics:

http://members.aol.com/stardustboy21/johny1.jpg

http://members.aol.com/stardustboy21/johny2.jpg

Oh and to Frogboy: I know what I said about waiting, but I have to say, I'm very tempted to get another one....maybe after Christmas....if I can hold out...LOL

 

[MWoO]

Does it seem tight on the hand?

Looks very cool.

 

[ploobis]

Hey, ok so I took 2 pics. I will take more and will do a video.

LabRat: I just L-O-V-E your vdeo. Very cool.

MWoO: As far as how they feel when you preform, I have to say it's a workout. I have never really worked a puppet before and found it to be more hard work then I thought...LOL.

My whatnot is a singer/performer and his name is Johny Crooner. I did a test run of filming to a song, but want a little more practice before posting. I'm thinking of the song, Call me irresponsibe by Michael Buble. I'm not sure if I want him to "lip sync" or I sing as him. Not sure yet. Well, enough of that, here are the pics:

http://members.aol.com/stardustboy21/johny1.jpg

http://members.aol.com/stardustboy21/johny2.jpg

Oh and to Frogboy: I know what I said about waiting, but I have to say, I'm very tempted to get another one....maybe after Christmas....if I can hold out...LOL

Great pics!

Are you still learning how to puppeteer? Just keep practicing, I've been playing with puppets ever since I was a kid and I never let it go. I've been a puppeteer for years and I still am.

I still can't wait for my Whatnot to come in the mail!

 

[TopperFraggle]

Yeah thatks for the video Labrat. Excellent designs that really evoke the Henson style. And great puppeteering work. I will say based on the pictures I've seen that I'm very happy with the placement of the features- in fact that first puppet of yours Labrat is exactly the combination I've been looking at, though I couldn't decide between that nose or one of the triangular ones. Has anyone got one with a triange nose yet? Again the placement looks wierd on the mockup.

 

[Luke]

I wonder how long the licensing agreement is for this? I think this should be a permanent, year-round installation and they could change up some of the materials from time to time.

I would guess its a multi year thing - the money they've put into the store displays, the specialised staff hire, the way they are using it to upsell all their other Muppet product. I think as long as the Muppets continue to get hot it will still be there.

Seems they want it to be their "Bear Factory" type line, so hopefully we'll see more options and the way they are itemising each item even though its sold as a set lets them change to letting people buy extra clothes and things in time.

 

[muppetguy]

Q & A

Mwoo:
Q. Does it seem tight on the hand?

A. At first the fit felt tight, but after you move the mouth up and down quite a few times, to me, it feels like a glove.

Ploobis:
Q. Are you still learning how to puppeteer?

A. Yes, I am learning to puppeteer. I have been in acting and took a few singing lessons, but never have I ever acted as a puppet. It acctually is a lot of fun when you seen the puppet come to life on a screen. I did an entire 3 minute song last night and my forearm was killing...LOL. Before I post any video, I want to make sure the mouth is moving with every word properly and that it looks somewhat professional. It's exciting.

Thanks for the comments.

 

[CBPuppets]

Wow I can't wait untill I get a Whatnot of my very own.

 

[muppetguy]

One thing to point out

I know this could be in the Fozzie thread, but it still pertains to FAO and the whatnots. I feel as though MR could've had FAO carry the poser muppets. FAO carries stuffed animals that cost in the 800.00 range. The poseres could've been displayed in the muppet whatnot workshop and I have no doubt in my mind people wouldv'e bought them. I know the line for the posers is a dead issue at this moment, but I still can see potential. Just my opinnion.

 

[frogboy4]

I know this could be in the Fozzie thread, but it still pertains to FAO and the whatnots. I feel as though MR could've had FAO carry the poser muppets. FAO carries stuffed animals that cost in the 800.00 range. The poseres could've been displayed in the muppet whatnot workshop and I have no doubt in my mind people wouldv'e bought them. I know the line for the posers is a dead issue at this moment, but I still can see potential. Just my opinnion.

I won't disagree with you. FAO has been the one retailer that has stood by the Muppets in good times and in bad. MR's Animal and Gonzo had too many costly issues. Some were predictable others weren't, but it has likely poisoned the future of the posers. Add to that MR and Corgi's dire financial challenges and corporate shake-ups and that leads me to believe there isn't much new product coming out from them in general. Even if MR had a lot or new product coming out, the Muppet posers aren't enough of a cash cow...er...bear for their investment at this time.

But remember that FAO itself has fallen on hard times. Other specialty stores too like Disney, Sharper Image and Tower Records have closed shop for good. San Francisco's FAO has been gone for years and that place always had customers. I am surprised that FAO would gamble with the Whatnot Workshop, but it seems to be wildly popular.

I do think another look should be taken at the Fozzie poser. Maybe a poll could be taken in the store while customers are building their whatnots. It would take an exclusive contract for MR to release Fozzie through FAO. I still don't think enough has been tried. I understand it is a low priority with MR and their uncertain future.

I can't wait for my Toadie Whatnot. I am so excited!