Why is it called the Puppet FORGE?
Because, making puppets and performing with them has long been considered (in America, anyway) to be entertainment for children and most often simplistic. The art of puppetry has certainly not been given the respect that it is due. The imagery brought forth by the term forge is, among others, hard work, strength, and quality. Those are the very same things that comprise good puppetry.
What is this web site for?
This site is for your entertainment and possibly your education as well. It is dedicated to puppeteers the world over, those whom I admire (a list that is far too long to list here), and those whom I shall come to admire (a list that, by its very nature, doesn't yet exist).
What is on this website?
The site is loaded with Quicktime presentations of puppet performances by various artists (maybe you!). If your computer can play Quicktime files (most of them do, but if you need the program CLICK HERE) then you should be able to see any of the performances on the site.
Why does this site exist?
I am a puppet fanatic. I enjoy watching and performing and building puppets. After a failed attempt at producing and selling a children's television program (with puppets), I decided that instead of relying on others to give me a venue, I would supply my own. Once the venue exists, there is no reason why I shouldn't share it with other puppeteers.
So I can put my puppet performance on your website?
Yes.
How do I do that?
You can send a video of your puppet performance to me. Video must be in VHS format. Your video should be no longer than 4 minutes (or it should be in four minute segments like chapters). I will then have the magic elves at the Puppet Forge turn your video images into mystical zeroes and ones. Those digits will be posted to the site sometime soon thereafter. Please contact me via email and well work out the details.
What kind of material do you want to put on the site?
Your puppet video does NOT have to be children's fare. That's a pretty important point so let me say it again. Your puppet video does NOT have to be for children. While rated G pieces are completely acceptable, I would like to gear this site towards an adult audience. By the same token, I will not be posting obviously offensive performances (racial slanders, graphic sexual material, or realistic violence would be considered offensive). I, and only I, have the final word on what is offensive after all, it IS my site.
Who are you?
My name is Gordon Smuder. I've been in love with puppets and puppet related entertainment since my first exposure to The Muppets and all the funky Saturday morning fare provided by Sid & Marty Krofft. In my professional life, I work as the shop supervisor for Minnefex, Inc. I build props and miniatures for commercials, photo ads, and movies.
Will you pay me for my video?
No. I couldn't find anyone to do that either.
If you put my video on your site, what do I get out of it?
This is what you get: Your video is posted to the site for at least one month. Along with your video presentation, your professional information will be posted as well (should you wish it). If you have one, we can establish a link to your own website. What does that mean? Exposure. Will it help you sell puppets or get jobs? Maybe. But I make no promises.
How often will you update the site?
I'd love to have to update it on a monthly basis. But since I can't be assured of new material on a monthly basis, we'll just say whenever new material comes in. If the site is popular, and new material flows like fine wine through the great palate of the internet, I'm sure we WILL update once a month.
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