I’ve actually seen Little Mountain‘s booth at a number of church conferences and this particular digital puppetry in action.
It was really neat to see how the characters engaged with the people passing by as if they really knew what was going on (and they did). They had a live person with a wireless XBox controller moving the character and talking through a mic to the visitors.
It was well displayed and looked great. Here’s a video of what it looked like:
I particularly liked the fish.
What are your thoughts? Is this something you’d use?
Check it out if you’re interested: http://www.powerpuppets.com/
Here’s more of their official blurb:
Live interactive characters on your tv or projector using an xbox controller. Imagine, for example, a puppet on screen welcoming first time visitors calling them by name and commenting on their Saints’ jersey or their sweet Adidas tennis shoes. As a teacher I no longer have to be behind a curtain or stage, but I can be where I can see the kids and interact with them. Currently the characters consist of a rocket boy, colorful fish, smiley face, and a couple of different dogs. These all run on a computer (mac or pc) in hi-definition format delivered to a tv, projector or switcher.
The characters are easy to use and have all been programmed to use a wireless XBox 360 game controller for function and all are set up to be similar to each other. All of the characters will use the R2 button to “talk” and basic movements will use the left joystick. “Accent moves” use the other buttons.
Just like any puppet, you will need to provide the voice. Whether through a microphone in a PA or through your tv, it is important for the audio to come across as though the character is doing all of the talking.
Little Mountain provides a “plug-and-play” all inclusive package, ready to work, that consists of a hd tv, pc computer and a hidden, secure steel box that doubles as the tv mount right onto your wall. Custom characters specific for your needs are available for development also.
James Brooks says
I could think of some very creative uses for this! What an amazingly awesome idea.