Puppet Video

DEFINITION

A puppet video is a short skit or story created with virtual or real puppets.

WORKFLOW

Initial Setup

1. If you’re going to use virtual puppets, download a puppet video app.
2. If you’re going to use real puppets, you’ll need to borrow or purchase finger puppets and setup your recording area. A table with an uncluttered background works well, and a tripod is recommended. You can use an external video camera or a built-in laptop video camera. iPad cameras can work well too.
3. Create an account on a video sharing website where you’ll upload and share your videos.

Ongoing Use

1. Plan and storyboard your video. Optionally, create a script.
2. Record and export/compress your video.
3. Upload your video to a sharing site.

TOOLS

Virtual Puppet Apps for iPad

1. Toontastic (free – web-based or app versions available)
2. Puppet Pals Director’s Pass HD ($3, recommended) or Puppet Pals Pocket (free)
3. Sock Puppets (free but in-app purchases required for extra features)
4. iStopmotion for iPad ($10, similar to puppet video apps but different)

Video sharing sites

1. YouTube
2. Vimeo

EXAMPLES

1. A Spanish Language Dialog Puppet Project (finger puppets)
2. Santa Goes to Washington DC (Puppet Pals)
3. Yakkinn: Monique, Amy and Jema (Puppet Pals)
4. Lessons Learned from GPS (finger puppets)
5. Pray Consistently to God (finger puppets)
6. More on share.playingwithmedia.com

* Image attribution: Digital drawing created by Wesley Fryer on Brushes for iPad