1449684754 the muppets

Denise Pizzini, Production Designer Claudia Roque, Asst. Art DirectorDon Diers, Set Decorator Kenneth Larson, Set DesignerGeoffrey Mandel, Graphic Designer Marissa Zajack, Graphic Designer

Kermit and Denise lunch at

Katsuya

the muppets. the ex-factor

Verisimilitude a lá modeThe Katsuya family of sushi restaurants are designed by the renowned Philippe Starck.

To hew close to his clean style and plant the Muppets firmly in the real world, broad surfaces of saturated, solid, subtly-textured color are accented by energetic, backlit illustrations evoking Japanese culture and art.

But the Muppets have specific technical needs, so modernity and elegance must be built on raised, movable flooring and wild walls.

the muppets.

the muppets.

Just don’t mention the pork roll.Hey, Kermit likes pigs.

the muppets. the ex-factor

the muppets. the ex-factor

Life in the trenchesOur puppeteers work out of sight, so raised steel deck floors are the norm. Each 4x4 section can be removed to accommodate camera angles and varying numbers of performers.

the muppets.

the muppets.

Life in the trenchesOur puppeteers work out of sight, so raised steel deck floors are the norm. Each 4x4 section can be removed to accommodate camera angles and varying numbers of performers.

the muppets. the ex-factor

the muppets. the ex-factor

the muppets.

Kermit’s pond

In this episode, Kermit decides to get back to his Mississippi roots. So, he re-landscapes the pool at his home in a swampesque motif. But to allow a puppeteer to bring Kermit to life, we needed an above-ground pool that looked as in-ground as possible. Built from scratch, this backyard slice o’ heaven was the solution. Constructed outdoors to take advantage of natural trees and sky, this pond evokes the epic opening shot of the original Muppet Movie.

Kermit: Live at The Pond

the muppets. pig’s in a blackout

the muppets. pig’s in a blackout

the muppets.

the muppets. pig’s in a blackout

Rowlf’s Tavern Muppets unwind with the Original Dog.

the muppets. pig’s in a blackout

This set has been known to accommodate as many as 30 Muppet performers and 70 human actors… plus crew and equipment.

the muppets.

the muppets. pig’s in a blackout

Humans and Muppets intermingle here at Rowlf’s, so the entire set is built on movable steel deck sections. the muppets.

the muppets. pig’s in a blackout

the muppets.

the muppets. pig’s in a blackout

the muppets.

The Electric Mayhem on the RoadMovin’ right along, and earning their name.

the muppets. the ex-factor

the muppets.

The Band VanThe ultimate in painfully cramped, dangerously overloaded desert transportation.

the muppets. the ex-factor

Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem have been touring since 1975, and their school bus imploded somewhere in Montana last year, so they needed a new mode of transport that was consistent with their vibe. The classic VW Microbus, with cosmic paint job and groovy interior, was the logical choice.

the muppets.

A second van was Muppetized, and its undercarriage and floor removed, allowing puppeteers and crew to work at the necessary height. But don’t worry: this sacred hippie relic had already given up the tie-dyed ghost.

Going bottomless

the muppets. the ex-factor

the muppets.

Meanwhile, in the middle of nowhere…Cue the Morricone track.

the muppets. the ex-factor

the muppets.

Color Me Mine …where Muppets get crafty.

the muppets. the ex-factor

the muppets.

the muppets. the ex-factor

Uplifting scenes

Scooter, Kermit, Pepe and Rizzo visit a Color Me Mine crafts center; art and broken dishes ensue.

As is the case with nearly all of our sets, the visible floor level is around 3 feet above the studio floor, to allow our puppeteers to perform freely, and to keep their contortions to a minimum.

the muppets.

the muppets. the ex-factor

the muppets.

Malibu Yoga RetreatKermit needs a hand with inner peace.

the muppets.

the muppets. pig’s in a blackout

the muppets.

the muppets. pig’s in a blackout

Hiding below-deck

The location came complete with an ocean view and a firepit-centered gathering area, but the script called for a simpler, cleaner platform where yoga retreaters could meet, connect, and expand outward into the universe—all while Kermit’s hidden puppeteer performed, delivering one-liners. The resulting deck, built over the existing walls and concrete pad, allowed humans and frog to interact in both close ups and wide shots, so that perfect Pacific sky could guest-star.

the muppets.

the muppets. pig’s in a blackout

the muppets.

the muppets. pig’s in a blackout