ULTIMATE ANIMATES PRODUCTIONS

Production Company Co-Director  (England 1994 - 1996)

I served as a co-director of this British film and television puppet production company with co-founders David Barclay and Mike Quinn. This company created or provided characters for several children’s television shows broadcast nationally in England and commercials for the United States.

I wrote scripts and development pitches, created puppet, prop and costume designs, promotional and client pitch artwork, gag idea and production planning sketches. Dealt with artists and performers for productions, handled some client meetings, production coordination and office administration and participated in company planning.

THE GREAT BONG!

Channel 4 British Puppet TV Series 

(HTV / Ultimate Animates Productions, England 1994)

Honestly, the name wasn’t a big problem in England! When badger magician The Great Bong casts a spell, it makes a “Bongggg!!!” noise just like the clock tower at Big Ben in London. British folks got the joke, but Americans kept doing spit-takes when we tried to sell the show in the States. Oh well, at least the name got a prestigious “I am not making this up” mention from humorist Dave Barry...

Co-created this comedy / fantasy puppet childrens’ series and wrote all 26 ten-minute scripts which were praised by British comedy stars Stanley Unwin, Spike Milligan, Barbara Windsor and Michael Bentine, who provided voices for the characters. Puppeteered, designed costumes, built props, assisted in production administration, performed foley sound effects and created promotional artwork.

THE SLOW NORRIS

Puppet TV Series (HTV / Ultimate Animates Productions, England 1995 - 1996)

First 30 episodes only. Performed facial animatronics for Slow Norris costume character using a two-handed remote control system that I helped design. Performed hand puppet Walter Worm. Created promotional character artwork.

SCOPE MOUTHWASH

Live Action Puppet TV Commercial   (Ultimate Animates Productions, England 1995 - 1996)

Assisted real-time puppeteering of bedside Lamp, Bunny Slippers and empty Clothes running from peoples’ bad breath.