"The Creature Shop" went from being an informal identifier to a formal one, used to denote the more aesthetically realistic, technically involved "creatures". Traditional puppetry techniques, while not entirely abandoned, were placed to the side in favor of radio-controlled advancements, animatronic technology, body suit performers, and fleshy latex faces capable of multiple eye, brow, jaw, and teeth movements."
I've looked at Jim Henson's Creature Shop so many times for other modules but I wanted to revisit it as a WORKPLACE. What would it be like to work there? Why is it my dream?
The Lab
Rather than a studio, the Creature Shop's workshop is called a 'laboratory', since its a place for inventing, experimenting and bringing things to life.
The Lab is filled with everything you'd need - all the materials organised into departments and areas. A wig zone, drawers for eyes and different materials. It would be incredible to work in such a place where freedom is not only allowed but encouraged. Creature Designers have access to all sorts of materials.
https://makeupmag.com/wp-content/uploads/images/2014_Henson_Syfy_Brooke-Rudd-Smith1200px.jpg
Workplace
The Creature Shop was originally based in Camden, London after Henson wanted to distance his Muppets from his more advanced and artistic creations. The studio is no longer there which I think is a huge shame! It's a piece of history if nothing more and now it's been turned into flats. Such a pity.
The new studios are back in L.A. in the States, and I worry that people will forget the Creature Shop's routes.
It would be awesome to open the Creature Shop back up, especially since it was the British public who received Jim's work so well when America was a little slower. It was in Britain that Labyrinth was filmed, in Britain that several Muppet films were made and that the Frouds met the Hensons!
Productions
The Creature Shop made the puppets for DreamChild, Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal and more. So many of my favourite things came from that very studio, so it's hard not to fall in love with the seed from which they came!
http://psychodrivein.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/CS102-04.jpg
Values
The Creature Shop endeavours to make creatures!
They were behind the first Hollywood blockbuster to use CGI animation technology with the owl in Labyrinth (the worst part of the best movie ever). They pride themselves in being pioneers of new technologies.
They now have a whole department for computer generated animation and embrace digital processes in the design stage. This is the one thing that I don't fully support. I just feel that it contradicts the traditional, hand-made, CRAFT of the work that goes on in there, that Henson started. I know that Jim Henson was excited about digital technology and that it can be really useful editing and finishing scenes, but I think it's taking over and taking away from the thing that makes Henson's work magical.
I've looked at Jim Henson's Creature Shop so many times for other modules but I wanted to revisit it as a WORKPLACE. What would it be like to work there? Why is it my dream?
The Lab
Rather than a studio, the Creature Shop's workshop is called a 'laboratory', since its a place for inventing, experimenting and bringing things to life.
The Lab is filled with everything you'd need - all the materials organised into departments and areas. A wig zone, drawers for eyes and different materials. It would be incredible to work in such a place where freedom is not only allowed but encouraged. Creature Designers have access to all sorts of materials.
Workplace
The Creature Shop was originally based in Camden, London after Henson wanted to distance his Muppets from his more advanced and artistic creations. The studio is no longer there which I think is a huge shame! It's a piece of history if nothing more and now it's been turned into flats. Such a pity.
The new studios are back in L.A. in the States, and I worry that people will forget the Creature Shop's routes.
It would be awesome to open the Creature Shop back up, especially since it was the British public who received Jim's work so well when America was a little slower. It was in Britain that Labyrinth was filmed, in Britain that several Muppet films were made and that the Frouds met the Hensons!
http://www.henson.com/jimsredbook/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/DC_Build_007.jpg
The Creature Shop made the puppets for DreamChild, Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal and more. So many of my favourite things came from that very studio, so it's hard not to fall in love with the seed from which they came!
Values
The Creature Shop endeavours to make creatures!
They were behind the first Hollywood blockbuster to use CGI animation technology with the owl in Labyrinth (the worst part of the best movie ever). They pride themselves in being pioneers of new technologies.
They now have a whole department for computer generated animation and embrace digital processes in the design stage. This is the one thing that I don't fully support. I just feel that it contradicts the traditional, hand-made, CRAFT of the work that goes on in there, that Henson started. I know that Jim Henson was excited about digital technology and that it can be really useful editing and finishing scenes, but I think it's taking over and taking away from the thing that makes Henson's work magical.
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