From: "Kismet" <kismet-AT-bigpond.net.au>
To: <puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org>
Date: Wed, 21 Feb 2007 08:04:39 +1000
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] Muppet rip-offs continue-Let it go.


It is interesting in the context of one stream of discussion condeming a TV 
show that inflicted critical damage on the viability of live puppet 
performance and in another stream defending the sanctity of a similar TV 
show.
For my part I think that Disney had no compunction in dececrating 
beautifully crafted tales like Pinocchio or Sleeping Beauty or honouring the 
artistic integrity of the authors so i cant see why they, and obviously they 
dont expect it, deserve any sympathy at all.

D.


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Greg Ballora" <gregballora-AT-sbcglobal.net>
To: <puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org>
Sent: Wednesday, February 21, 2007 2:45 AM
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] Muppet rip-offs continue-Let it go.


> With all due respect to those of you who have written in on this
> subject, I can't help but say, "Let it Go".
>
> While I agree with you that it is not legal, I can't help but ask
> myself what the big deal is about some people building a puppet for
> folks that wanting a muppet of their own? I even recall someone on this
> list writing in that they had made one for themselves as an experiment,
> but would never sell one to someone else. This just seems hypocritical
> to me. It seems to be saying that puppet builders are allowed to have a
> muppet knock-off, but non-puppet builders are not. I think the problem
> that people are worried about is that these puppets will be used to
> make video that is not done by Disney (Let's face it, the Hensons are
> pretty much out of the loop now). This is a legitimate concern, but
> since they have been marketing kid size versions of some of the
> characters for decades, I don't see the point.
>
> If the argument is that these puppets are not being built under the
> auspices of the Henson Puppet workshop, or something like that, well I
> agree, but it seems pretty academic. The toy versions were probably
> made in China.
>
> If the argument is that Henson/Disney owns the rights, and are
> basically due compensation for their product, I agree that they do. The
> problem is that there isn't enough money there to justify legal costs.
> This is similar to Jim Gamble's Pinocchio marionettes that he has been
> using for 30 years. It is basically good advertising for Disney for
> free. Jim isn't making that much money of that one character that it is
> worth their time to litigate.
>
> If Muppet rip-offs are such a problem, then I would say part of the
> problem lies with Henson/Disney for not making a high quality
> "collectors" version of some of their characters. This to me is proof
> that it isn't much of a problem. Disney is unlikely to miss a chance to
> merchandise.
>
> The Muppet workshops have had a lot of people through their doors over
> the past 3 decades, but they could never  pay their fabricators enough
> to hold on to them for long periods, so there has been a lot of turn
> over. So there are a lot of skilled puppet builders out there who are
> now scrambling. I agree with James that they are probably only hurting
> themselves and won't be hired in NY because of their reputation. But
> that is their Kharma. Sort of like Union puppeteers that then work
> Non-Union.
>
> I think the charge on this subject is because the puppet community is
> so attached to these beloved characters, and feel that we should
> "protect" them somehow. The truth is we weren't consulted when the
> company was sold to the Germans, or then to Disney, so why are we up in
> arms about a few Hot Muppets? It is an emotional issue, but really none
> of our Business. I say, "Put your energy into something better
> Puptcrit"!
>
> All that being said, I would love to see what James' Rip-Off form
> letter looks like.
>
> Regards
>
> Greg Ballora
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On Feb 19, 2007, at 10:12 PM, WojtalJr-AT-aol.com wrote:
>
>>
>> In a message dated 2/19/2007 6:49:07 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,
>> puptcrit-request-AT-lists.driftline.org writes:
>>
>> Muppet  rip-offs continue
>>
>> Folks, no matter how much we may dislike this practice(I to find it
>> very
>> disturbing)their is very little we can do about ourselves,
>>
>> The Big companies are well aware of these individuals, and do their
>> best in
>> the twisted world of the inter-web to shut down and discourage these
>> practices,
>>
>> unfortunately its the buyers of these Fakes that fuel the practice
>> average
>> about 4 to 5 requests a month
>> its gotten to the point were I have had to create a standard form
>> letter
>> explaining why I will not do a Muppet replica,
>> if anything these builders are only hurting themselves if they have
>> any  hope
>> of legitimately working on the characters they enjoy ripping off their
>> work
>> would be recognized, and most likely would not be hired to prevent
>> access  to
>> other patterns and materials that  would possibly be used to create
>> more
>> convincing fakes
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> James  W Wojtal Jr.
>> _DESIGNER/  FABRICATOR/ PUPPET PERFORMER_
>> (http://spaces.msn.com/members/wojtaljr/)  PROP BUILDER
>>
>>
>> _MySpace_ (http://www.myspace.com/wojtaljr)
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>
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