The answer is "it depends." It depends on what you want the character
to do. It depends on how precisely you want the character to match your conceptual
art. It depends on how large you want the character to be, and how much you
plan on using it. Does the character need to have moving eyes? Will it be
used outdoors, or indoors? All these factors (and more) determine the cost
of puppets and costume characters.
2. No really, how much do you charge to make a puppet?
All characters constructed by PlaySoup LLC are bid out based
on our hourly workshop fee of $30.00 an hour. When you consider that a standard
moving mouth hand puppet takes 40-60 hours from concept to reality, you can
start to understand what a custom character costs. All materials are included
in the estimate, but some characters use more materials than others, which
affects the price.
3. Do you also build props and sets for puppets?
Our expertise with puppetry enables us to creaate any prop or set you may need. We can also help you avoid problems by designing props and set that will work for puppets. In fact, Dave Privett won two Emmys for his set and prop work on two different puppet video projects.
4. I want my puppet's eyes to blink. How much does that cost?
Once again, it depends on the design of the character. Mechanisms
are also bid on a time to build basis. Typically, the more mechanisms you
desire, the costlier the character. A blinking eyelid mechanism can add 30
to 40 hours to a soft character.
5. Do your custom puppets come with a warranty?
PlaySoup, LLC guarantees our workmanship against defect for
sixty days or sixty performances, whichever comes first. Our puppets won't "break" and our mechanisms won't "jam" on you in the middle
of a performance, because we know what we're doing. There is normal wear and
tear, however. Over time, colors will fade, things will get dirty, and stitches
will break. The look of your puppet often depends on how well you take care
of it. Purchasing a custom puppet is like purchasing designer clothing-you
can drop it, tear it, leave it out in the rain or spill grape juice all over
it the next day and it's history.
6. How long will it take for you to finish my character?
A simple moving mouth hand puppet typically takes 3-6 weeks
to build. A complex one can take 12. It's not uncommon to wait up to six months for a character. We work on a first come, first served
basis. A 50% deposit holds your place in line. Please contact us regarding
availability in our construction schedule.
7. What about copyright issues? Who owns the physical puppet, photos of the
puppet, patterns, visual images, representations, reproductions, merchandise
items, etc. etc?
The short answer is, PlaySoup, LLC does. Conceptual artwork is only a starting point. Hence the word, "conceptual." There is a world of difference between a flat image
and a three dimensional character. The two are not the same.
As part of the design contract, PlaySoup, LLC can assign
ownership of the created physical puppet to the buyer. This
includes the right to reproduce the character in visual media for advertising
or promotional purposes only. All other rights are reserved by PlaySoup, but
can be secured through a licensing contract.
Some clients choose a buyout option. This means that for a one time fee, the client purchases all rights to reproductions
of the character in all media- photo, merchandising, film & video, toy
licensing, and reproductions of any sort. As PlaySoup, LLC is relinquishing all
future claims upon the character, this fee is substantial, but fair. As a
courtesy, we do ask for a credit on any film or video product.
Under no circumstances (licensed or buyout) will PlaySoup, LLC
relinquish ownership of the patterns, prototypes, materials, drawings, designs,
techniques, research, knowledge or any other materials used in the construction
of the character. All materials are considered
proprietary to the design process and are PlaySoup, LLC property.
8. Can I come and see how you build puppets?
PlaySoup, LLC has a closed shop policy, so we don't allow visitors.
We do teach and perform at a number of events around the country, and we do show our characters at these events. In fact, we might be at a conference near you soon. Please check our schedule.