Puppeteer
Puppeteers bring inanimate objects to life in order to make them perform and interpret scripts with the same degree of integrity as Actors. They work with a variety of different puppets, including hand puppets, stringed puppets (marionettes), puppets that are life size - or bigger, animatronics, etc.
To make the puppets more believable, there is usually a subtle element of caricature in their performance; it is an interactive process, which also requires the audience to use their imagination to bring the puppets to life. Most Puppeteers are expected to be able to work across all the disciplines of Film, Television and Theatre. Some Puppeteers also make their own puppets.
What is the job?
Productions can make enormous demands on Puppeteers. They are often required to cope with poor physical conditions, including working in various strange positions on, under or above the set, whilst also being able to operate a variety of puppets, irrespective of how well or badly they have been made.
They must be able to deliver scripted dialogue, in character, while coping with puppets that are frequently unwieldy. They may have to cope with unusual situations, such as learning to swim with an aqualung at short notice, in order to operate a waterlogged puppet that is literally twice the size of a human being.
The complexity of the Puppeteers' role is not always apparent; as they are often out of sight, they may be forgotten about until something goes wrong. They should be able to highlight any actual or potential problems, so that they can be resolved, e.g., while it is simple to ask an Actor to walk across the set and pick up a coffee cup, the same action with a puppet can involve a huge amount of planning.
They must be able to contribute ideas and suggestions to improve their own performance, in a creative and collaborative way, whilst also being able to take direction and constructive criticism from members of the Directing team. They must remember their exact positions and movements at any given time during the performance, and continually hit their marks on set, to assist with continuity.
In animatronics, Puppeteers may work closely with a team of special effects technicians, for whom performance is not always a priority. This relationship can benefit both sides, as they can learn from one another's techniques, strengths and weaknesses. When working in studios, Puppeteers can check their puppets' movements in relation to cameras and other performers by using on-set monitors. Puppeteers may also work in other performance areas in order to supplement their income.
Typical career routes
Puppeteers come from a variety of backgrounds, and it is difficult to pinpoint any specific career route. However, many start their careers acting in children's theatre, and develop an interest in working with puppets. This is a specialised area, involving a relatively small group of performers. There are no guarantees of work, or of work progression, for Puppeteers.
Essential knowledge and skills
Puppeteers must be aware of the strengths, and limitations, of their puppets, in order to cope with unplanned or unscripted occurrences, especially when working in live television. The work can be physically demanding, and requires stamina and resilience, as Puppeteers may have to work in cramped or uncomfortable positions, and often in the dark, for long periods of time, while maintaining their motivation and characterisation.
They should be able to communicate openly at all times with other team members, and must be resourceful and constructive. Although Puppeteers' essential skills are the same as those of Actors, Puppeteers must also be able to channel their characters into the inanimate Puppet on screen. As Puppeteers may be expected to operate more than one puppet in a production, a wide range of vocal skills is required in order to change gender and accent whenever necessary.
In the case of any live or pre-recorded productions involving dialogue, accurate lip-synch is vital. They must be aware of the professional etiquette and traditions of working on television and film sets and locations. Puppeteers should be aware of Health and Safety issues, and ensure that their actions do not constitute a risk to themselves or to others.
Training and qualifications
Conventional drama training is a good starting point for anyone wishing to work with puppets, whether in film, or television. The basic disciplines taught are the necessary ones: knowledge of script and performance, an ability to use physicality to express character, a versatile voice. Some drama schools offer Puppetry courses, which emphasise the requirements for working in the theatre, and for design and solo work, but do not prepare their students for the requirements of working with cameras, and on film sets.
Most Puppeteers in Film and Television acquire the relevant skills on the job, and continue to learn throughout their careers. Some courses also include puppet making techniques, and students may go on to specialise in puppet making rather than performance.
Individual course accreditation in certain subject areas is currently being piloted. As part of Skillset's and the UK Film Council's Film Skills Strategy, A Bigger Future, a network of Screen Academies and a Film Business Academy have been approved as centres of excellence in education and training for film. For more information, please log onto the Skillset website.
Where to go for more information
Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for the audio visual industries. The first sources of information for all jobs in the industry are the National Occupational Standards. Browse Skillset's website for links to our network of training partners, information about training and access to the comprehensive Skillset/BFI course database. Finally, Skillset Careers is the UK's only specialist media careers advice service; for detailed media careers information and advice, visit www.skillset.org/careers.
Websites
– Equity is the trade union representing artists across the whole spectrum of arts and entertainment, and offers representation, specialist knowledge and advice for its members and student members on work in Film, Television, Radio, and other Live Performance.
– National Council for Drama Training (NCDT)
– Conference of Drama Schools
– www.puppeteersuk.com advertises work opportunities, and information about networking opportunities
– BBC offers a wealth of information about careers and training in the media. – BBC Talent runs talent spotting schemes
Publications
– The Stage newspaper is the entertainment trade weekly, includes recruitment advertisements, useful links, and 'how to guides', such as finding an agent or drama school.
– Contacts is published annually by The Spotlight, and provides details of all aspects of the entertainment industry.
Download:
Puppeteer - Film & TV
If your computer has the relevant software, click the document icons or document titles to view the relevant document. Right-click (PC) or hold your mouse-button down (Mac) on the document icon/title, you'll be given the option to save the file to disk. If you don't have the necessary software to view the documents, take the above links to download free reader programs.
