hi, i'm trying to find jobs in puppeteering but i don't know where to start... i have the skill and experience but trying to actually turn it into a career, i feel i'm having a hard time even finding opportunities to apply to.. do you have any tips or advice on where to get started to do this more professionally, please?
The following might sound like a negative rant, it's not meant to be. This is all insight from my personal experiences and what I've seen as my fellow puppeteers have lived.
I have had the good fortune of having a few champions in my corner encouraging, truth telling (which sucks, but is necessary) and providing opportunities for me to step up. I have been TREMENDOUSLY fortunate and that is not wasted on me at all.
That being said, your question is simply complex. What are you doing to be noticed and networked? Are you part of a local puppetry guild and how is your network of creators? Are you actively performing on stage on digital or taking classes for acting, improv or puppetry? We don't always make things alone and what your question indicates, that you have no desire to exclusively be a sole creator. Are you in an area that has a propensity to shoot entertainment or are you far removed from it? Proximity makes a difference.
Post your reel. Take part in 48 hour challenges. Network with puppeteers, writers, producers, directors. Connect with the community. Against some folks recommendation, I did a ton of free gigs, benefit appearances and projects to make content for my reel and make a name with new friends. I had some fiscal cushion at the time to do so and it was fantastically rewarding!
I don't know if you're starting out or have significant on camera chops, as at this point due to asking the question in anonymity, all I have is your word regarding your skill and experience. I'm not being a jackass, my intent is finding your baseline.
There is really no career path as a puppeteer nowadays with a few exceptions. That being said, there are live performances, filmed performances and expermental blends of those as well.
Most all of us, including well known puppeteers, we all have side gigs. Some are industry related in various capacities of production and others, simply a way to pay bills. We are all constantly evolving in the hustle with occasional puppet, on camera or voice gigs. There's absolutely nothing wrong with paying bills with a hybrid revenue stream. You're still paying bills.
An old legendary puppeteer pal of mine told me something that made my blood run cold over lunch after having wrapped a major filming job. "If I get 1 or 2 gigs a year, I'm having a good year."
I was absolutely floored. This man who was an instrumental in my history as a kid and he was having major dry spells. He had bought his home with the residuals of a very popular show as did his contemporaries. But now, those structures are no longer in place. Streaming residuals are murky and thin. All that to say, with a few very special exceptions, work isn't sustainable.
One great example of success are our pals at Swazzle, they are expert puppet builders and puppeteers. Building can be tremendously rewarding and lucrative. Building can also place you on the forefront of puppeteering because you're talking to producers and directors and they see you performing the critter through testing. It's no guarantee, but it's a leg (or arm) up on other performers.
If you ever want to zoom or shoot over your reel, send me a direct message and I'd be happy to talk more.
I know that this is a LOT of information and admittedly a mixed bag of encouragement and cold realities, but I lay it all out with sincerity. This line of work is not steady, not simple and to some a mirage of perceptions based on BTS pics and interviews. The good times are great and at times profitable. The bad times are dry, confidence draining and strain relationships. That's where I live. That's the most vulnerably honest answer that I can give you.
Don't let me or anyone stand in your way. Know the reality and make an educated choice that works best for your life at this moment.
I hope that helps. Reach out if you need it. Godspeed.
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