We had the honor of chatting with Furry Puppet Studio, a New York-based puppet studio! Check it out to learn more about his work, his puppets, and how he started Furry Puppet Studio!
Tell us about Furry Puppet Studio?
I’m Zack Buchman. Creative director of Furry Puppet Studio in SoHo, New York. We design and build custom puppets, creatures and mascots for television, advertising and music videos. A small internal team, in addition to specialists that we incorporate according to the project. We are often involved from the idea stage to filming.
What is the process of creating custom puppets?
It starts with loose sketches that we work on together in small groups. We then hand carve a foam sculpture. That’s where most of the character takes shape. We simultaneously work on the most traditional mechanisms and movements and then finish with skins and fabric suits.
How did the Furry Puppet studio start?
I moved to New York when I was twenty, with no real plan and no university to support me. I actually tried the animation first and it didn’t last long. What stayed was my obsession with puppets. I taught myself how to build them by working with people who already knew what they were doing. That became our custom puppet studio.
What has been the biggest success of the puppet studio?
Some highlights that come to mind: We created the only official puppet version of Grumpy Cat. Frankie Focus, a mascot we created for New York State’s phone-free schools initiative, ended up being used by Matt Damon on Jimmy Kimmel Live, and a campaign we did with the Apple team in Japan was extended to a second year, which is the best compliment a client can give you.
What advice would you give to new puppet designers?
Start now, with what is within your reach. No excuses. If all you have is a sock, use it. Let the first ones be as stupid and pathetic as they want. There is little at stake. Keep doing things. Things will eventually get to where they are supposed to get.
Do you have a favorite puppet?
The puppets we built for Missy Elliott and Pharrell Williams’ “WTF” video were a pretty unique experience. For once, we can’t make puppets as much as I’d like. They resembled puppets with mechanisms, and the puppeteers were street artists who had their own style. We saw how they moved and integrated it into the rig. It was pretty far out of my comfort zone and it was amazing.
Where can people support your work?
You can see our custom puppets here: furrypuppet.com.
Have fun with us!
I married a monster on a hill (Award-winning series)
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