Last week I got an unusual email. It was from a Melbournian puppeteer, and he sent me a link to his online web series; a documentary about his work. At first I watched out of curiousity, but it sucked me in: detailing the behind-the-scenes of the creation and work on a puppetry TV show pilot (Mabel and Maude). It not only shows us how things work on the set, but also discusses some of the aspects and difficulties working in puppetry, as well as some insights into what makes puppeteers tick. Brendan Goethe, the show’s creator, and Matthew van Beethoven, his co-puppeteer, also discuss their ways of working; the former being ‘old school’, and the latter of the new breed of puppeteer.

I liked it: it’s probably a bit self-indulgent to outsiders, but I think a lot of puppeteers will watch and nod their heads a lot, or consider their own ways of working. In particular, what happens at the end brings a little reality to home, and is very heartfelt. I mentioned to Brendan that this is the sort of thing that would be great for screening at puppetry festivals and events: so if anyone has a clue as to how to do that, or would like to invite him to submit the work to your event, let me know and I’ll pass on the info.

Best of all, for me, it’s coming from two Australian puppeteers, and it’s very rare that we get a chance to see anything remotely close to documentaries on our local industry. So thanks to Brendan for sending it to me! 

Below you will find the four episodes of the doco. PLEASE BEWARE: This is not safe for work, or young children. There’s a lot of adult jokes.

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