Monster Maker


"Monster Maker" is a 1989 45-minute television special, adapted by Matthew Jacobs from the 1979 novel of the same name by Nicholas [Fisk |Nicholas Fisk].
Harry [Dean Stanton] plays an American Special Effects expert living in England, who is befriended by a young fan named Matt Banting. From Jim Henson's London-based The [Jim Henson Company|Henson Associates], it was produced by Duncan Kenworthy and directed by Giles Foster.
The show aired as a standalone special in the UK. In the US, it aired as an episode of The Jim Henson Hour.

Introduction

talks about the Creature Shop, showing one of the devils from The Storyteller as an example of what the Creature Shop can make. He then introduces Monster Maker.

Plot

English teenager Matt Banting idolizes American special effects creator Chauncey Bellow, and designs his own practical effects in his bedroom as a way to escape from his unhappy home life. When Matt learns that his hero's studio is in his hometown, he visits and shows the staff his creations. Even the taciturn, surly Chauncey is impressed by Matt's work, and agrees to hire him as an assistant. Chauncey begins to mentor Matt in the art of monster making, showing him a giant, dragon-like puppet they're currently building called "The Ultragorgon." But Matt has lied about his age, and when his abusive father finds out he's skipping school to work at the studio, Matt's dreams are threatened and no one can help him — except, perhaps, the Ultragorgon.

Conclusion

Jim Henson mentions that although the creatures look real, they are not actually alive. He tells how many performers were needed for the Ultragorgon as the viewers will notice when they see the credits for this special. He also brings out Kermit the Frog who comments that he liked the special.

Credits

Ultragorgon operated by Martin Anthony, Tony Ashton, Michael Bayliss, Marcus Clarke, Sue Dacre, David Greenaway, Brian Henson, and Christopher Leith.