Wendell and Wild
I worked as a puppet fabrication generalist on Netflix’s feature film, Wendell and Wild, from 2019-2021. During that time I oversaw the fabrication of a variety of puppet builds, with a specialization in the design, development, and fabrication of head mechanisms for stop-motion puppets. I took part in the entire fabrication process, including CAD modeling, prototyping, manual machining, mold-making, casting, assembly, testing and troubleshooting, delivery, and maintenance.
FILM STILLS
A few stills featuring puppets I built. Scroll down for more info on each build.
SPARKPLUG
I fabricated the head and head mechanics for the character, “Sparkplug.” This included CAD modeling, mold making and casting of silicone and fiberglass, machining, electronic installation, and puppet assembly.
BIG Heads
I fabricated the dream sequence renditions of titular characters “Wendell” and “Wild”. These were giant, disembodied heads that were designed to stretch and contort. The heads were cast out of deadened platinum cure silicone and operated by an assembly of double ball joints. The heads also had an optional set of UV reactive eyes for VFX compositing. I worked on the mold making, casting, mechanical design, machining, assembly, testing, and maintenance of these two puppets.
Penguins
I oversaw the fabrication of “The Penguin Patrol”, a duo comprising of puppets Chinstrap and Daley.
Head Mechanics
Armature
The armatures were prototyped and troubleshot by myself; the final armatures were fabricated by armaturist Christina Kemp.
COSTUME and casting
The costumes pieces consisted of both sculpted and 3D modeled pieces which were designed, molded, and set up for casting by myself. The final costume pieces were flocked urethane.
Background Characters
I also fabricated a variety of background characters. These had traditional silicone facial mechanics. They could each perform a few facial expressions. You can see them posed at the bottom of the gallery.
