Custom Puppets
We work with clients to solve for technical challenges of all kinds. Whether you’re building a single puppet or an entire “cast”, we can help you make the right decisions for your budget.
Let’s talk puppets! Contact us for more details!
Sculpting
We start with oil-based or polymer clay, depending on what mold material is being using in the next step. Both options are easy to edit and are great for capturing fine detail. Sculpts are created from client submitted designs.
Digitally produced assets can easily substitute practically sculpted parts if that suits the project and client.
Mold-making
There are dozens of products to choose from. Most sculpted assets go through a refining stage. We produce provisional molds and casts to capture the original assets before creating final parts.
Production molds are made to support the final casting materials.
Armatures
Reviewing storyboards and understanding puppet performance drives armature design. We collaborate with specialized industry professionals when puppets need the best! Small armatures for assets like hands or head mechs are made in-house for additional accuracy.
Casting
This stage can use any product that starts as a liquid or malleable substance and cures into a solid. Cast puppet assets usually end up being a type of silicone or resin (but not always!). Having a broad knowledge of materials and their properties, and how these factor into performance is crucial.
We help you choose materials that will work best for your needs.
Seaming and Finishing
Seaming removes any visible lines created by the molding process and provides a high quality finish. Additional treatments seal and provide an optimum surface for lighting and filming. The sealants also increase puppet longevity.
Costume and Hair
Wiring and understructures are used in both costumes and hair to support animation. Special consideration is given to access points for rigging, joint tensioning, repair, and parts replacement. Our industry specialists can meet the specific requirements for your project.