How can the tradition of Czech puppet film be combined with modern technology? Director Jan Bubeníček in Meet the Makers 21 gave a captivating account of the making of the award-winning film “Even Mice Belong in Heaven”. Find out how 3D printing helped them overcome production challenges, enabled more detailed facial expressions for the puppets and opened the door to new creative possibilities.
Watch the full recording of the presentation here. 👇
The video recording is in Czech.Puppet making that goes beyond the limits of tradition
Jan Bubeníček describes how the team behind the film “Even Mice Belong in Heaven” had to literally develop their own puppets with advanced facial expressions. Traditional approaches were not enough – new technologies such as 3D printing made it possible to create puppet skulls with up to 18 moving parts. This allowed the puppets to talk, laugh and convey the complex emotions that modern audiences expect.
3D printing to the rescue
The film featured more than 100 puppets and 80 sets – almost impossible to manage with traditional methods. Jan explains how Prusa Research helped them not only by supplying 3D printers but also by reducing costs, time and logistical problems. Thanks to 3D printing, they could print replicas of puppets, sets or props in a single night.
From props to animation innovations
But it was not just about saving money. 3D printing made it possible to realise ideas that would otherwise have stayed on paper – from detailed props such as the sign for a haunted castle to revolutionary puppet heads capable of complex expressions. Jan also gives a captivating description of how they tested the puppets and synchronised them with the sets using digital technologies.
Inspiration from London
The filmmakers gained unique insight during a visit to the set of “Isle of Dogs” by Wes Anderson. Jan describes how this experience changed their approach to production and helped them build the technological background that allowed Czech animation to compete with world standards.
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