The Grumpy King: New Cartoon Network puppet series

[Buck-Beaver]

UK puppeteers Jonny & Will have produced a new three part series of shorts for Cartoon Network called "The Grumpy King". I've posted all three installments over at my blog, along with some links to more of their work - http://puppetvision.info/2012/08/jonny-wills-grumpy-king.html

 

[D'Snowth]

Is this really puppetry? Looks more like CGI to me.

 

[Buck-Beaver]

Aside from the obvious CG effects (like the wand sparks) it's 100% hand crafted puppetry. Jonny and Will specialize in doing Bunraku-style puppets...their bodies and/or the control rods for the puppets are just erased in post production when necessary.

If you watch their demo reel (there's a link to it at the bottom of my post), it includes some "behind the scenes" shots of them rehearsing and working on-set. The same sort of technique was used extensively on shows like "It's A Big, Big World" and "The Book of Pooh".

 

[CaseytheMuppet]

The only thing I dislike is the fact that they don't talk. Who is going to sit through an 11 minute show with no talking? Other than that it is great!

 

[Buck-Beaver]

Is it an 11 minute show? It's probably non-verbal so it's easier to sell and broadcast the show in foreign markets.

 

[CaseytheMuppet]

Most Cartoon network shows last around 11 minutes, with two episodes. I could be wrong.

 

[FrackleFan2012]

Um... I couldn't access the website. Please help me!

 

[Gonzo's Hobbit]

Saw the first video. It's intriguing to say the least. Will have to check out the other two later

 

[bluebomber95]

How the **** do they get those expressions?! It's looks like stop motion... without all the stop!