To: puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org
Date: Mon, 15 Feb 2010 20:09:21 -0500
From: puppetpro-AT-aol.com
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] Technical Ineptitude


Alan, 
I once heard that many of the film techniques developed in the early days of cinema are still in use today - albeit with up to date materials. People still use split screens, for example. 
Some of the old puppet techniques are revitalized with every generation. People are amazed at what overhead projectors can do! But, isn't this old hat? 
I recently had the opportunity to try using a Smart (brand name, I think) Document Camera (it works in tandem with a computer and a Smart board). There was a lot of plugging in, programming, and other indirect controls in order to come up with something that an overhead could have done better, cleaner, and with more versatility. Sure, the camera can project an image without it being transparent. Nice for some uses. Not so good for puppets.
Long live the overhead projector! 


Rolande


 





-----Original Message-----
From: Alan Cook <alangregorycook-AT-msn.com>
To: puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org
Sent: Tue, Feb 2, 2010 4:04 pm
Subject: [Puptcrit] Technical Ineptitude


Thanks for the birthday wishes from many putcritters who are also on Facebook. 
My msn TV  system is very slow. On Facebook I may have hit the wrong key-my 
birthday is Feb 3, not Feb 2, & I don't know how to correct that on Facebook.

Having seen the DARWIN show Saturday in Culver City, CA, I've been thinking 
about various puppeteers who have used new technology and new products in their 
work. 

After the invention of slide shows (MAGIC LANTERNS) there were many examples of 
introducing transformations or some kind of movements to the screen 
image---examples would include a slide of Mr Punch's face, with a glass overlay, 
which when slid away will make Punch's nose grow longer (just like Pinocchio). 
Another example is a spinning windmill fan. These predated movies.

With the invention of the movie camera & projector, stop motion techniques were 
used for trick effects as well as to animate figures or PUPPETS.

And Saturday I saw electroluminescent wire used against black curtains to create 
puppet characters that looked like animated, flexible neon images.

We all know of Jim Henson's interest in motion-capture techniques, and Burr 
Tillstrom brought parlor puppetry to early b/w TV sets from one end of the USA 
to the other.

Jack Shafton was forever experimenting with new products, such as neoprene, 
resins or dentureform for making props & puppets.. Sometimes the early formulas 
worked better fo puppets.

Recent puptcrit discussions about glues is just part of this. 

When it comes to internet communications, you are all way ahead of me. 

But at least many of you can & do  show me videos on youtube, since they don't 
work on my primitive equipment. So thanks for giving me a hint of future 
possibilities.



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