We had the pleasure of chatting with New York-based puppet studio Furry Puppet Studio! Check back to learn more about their work, puppets, and how Furry Puppet Studio got started!
Tell us about Furry Puppet Studio?
I’m Zach Bookman. creative director furry puppet studio In SoHo, New York. We design and create custom puppets, creatures and mascots for television, commercials and music videos. A small in-house team, plus experts we bring in on a project-by-project basis. We are often involved in the filming process from the creative stage all the way through.
What is the process of making customized dolls?
It started with us working together in groups to create loose sketches. We then hand carve a foam sculpture. This is where most of the characters actually take shape. We worked on mechanics and more traditional movements simultaneously, then completed fabric skins and costumes.
How did Furry Puppet Studio start?
I moved to New York when I was twenty with no real plan and no college behind me. Actually, I tried animation first, but I didn’t stick with it for long. What bothers me is 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 is Puppet Studio’s biggest success story?
Some highlights come to mind: We built the only official puppet version of Grumpy Cat. Frankie Focus, the mascot we created for the New York State Cell Phone-Free Schools Initiative, ended up being worn by Matt Damon on Jimmy Kimmel Live, and a campaign we did with the Apple Japan team continued into its second year, which is probably the best compliment a customer can give you.
What advice would you give to a new puppet designer?
Do everything you can from now on. No excuses. If you only have one sock, use it. Make the first people as stupid and pathetic as they want to be. The risk is very low. Keep getting things done. Things will eventually get to where they are supposed to be.
Do you have a personal favorite puppet?
The puppets we made for Missy Elliott and Pharrell Williams’ “WTF” video were a very unique experience. This time, we didn’t get to make the puppets as well as I had hoped. Like puppets with mechanical mechanisms, puppeteers are street performers with their own style. We watch how they move and build that into the rigging. I was way out of my comfort zone, which was great.
Where can people support your work?
You can see our custom puppets here: furry puppet website.
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