"We went to a convention not so long ago and we had a number of people come up and say, 'Don't you dare rape my childhood'," said Peter. "When one person says that, you take it on board. But when a bunch of people say it, you think, 'Wow, this really means something to them'." "So the last thing we want to do is screw it up," Michael adds.
...possibly the best rendition of the 
Segel and Stoller writing new Muppet movie
Nick Stoller also expected to direct the Muppet feature currently in development
Courtesy of Variety
March 12, 2008
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| Jason Segel |
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| Nick Stoller |
Segel and Stoller will write the script and Stoller will direct.
Segel, who graduated from Apatow-produced skeins "Freaks and Geeks" and "Undeclared" got his first sole writing credit on the Apatow-produced "Forgetting Sarah Marshall." Universal releases the pic, which Stoller directed, on April 18.
In "Sarah Marshall" Segel's character writes a "Dracula" musical performed by puppets. Those cloth creatures were custom-made by the Henson puppeteers, and the experience emboldened Segel to pitch his concept for a Muppets movie when he was invited in for a general meeting with exec Kristin Burr. Segel got a deal in the room and enlisted Stoller to co-write and direct the project.
Segel and Stoller just made another U deal to co-write the comedy "Five-Year Engagement," with Stoller helming and Segal starring.
Segel, from the CBS laffer "How I Met Your Mother," next stars in "I Love You, Man" at DreamWorks.
By Greg James, Muppet Central
January 13, 2007
For years we've heard all kinds of reports of "the new Muppet Show" - from an edgy prime-time variety show on FOX to a spoof of reality TV competitions on ABC. Well earlier this month a short presentation pilot for a proposed Muppet mini-series recently wrapped production. The project is being kept "under wraps" right now. It is still in development and subject to change. However the Walt Disney Company is currently considering a series that will relaunch the Muppets back onto television and in the public's eye.
The short pilot uses the television syntax of a documentary (think "The Office" meets "The Muppet Show"). The series revolves around Kermit the Frog as he attempts to reassemble the Muppet troupe and launch a new Muppet show. The mockumentary mini-series would feature fictional English filmmaker Ian Bascombe who, with his film crew, follow the daily happenings Kermit and the Muppets, both on and off stage. Bascombe finds that many of the classic Muppets have gone off to other venues since we last saw them and follows Kermit as the frog attempts to track them down and get the whole troupe back together.
This test pilot, which is now beginning to circulate the inner management of the Walt Disney Company, was written and produced by Bill Prady and was directed by Bill Barretta. Muppeteers Steve Whitmire, Eric Jacobson, Dave Goelz and Bill Barretta were also involved in the project. Aside from the Muppets, this spec pilot also included cameo appearances from John Landis and Melina Kanakaredes.
Although a presentation pitch was filmed for the series, it is no guarantee that the project will be developed further or see the light of day. Muppet fans may already know that over the past decade more than three similar pilot pitches for a new Muppet show have been made, and almost half a dozen concepts for series have reached different stages of development as well. However insiders are currently hopeful for this pilot; they say it looks great and is truly entertaining and original. Sources say that it is likely the Disney executives, after seeing the presentation pitch, will in fact green-light the mini-series to move into production (and possibly air) later in 2007.
Needless to say, this is very exciting new for Muppet fans. It shows hope for the franchise, and give some comfort to eager fans to know Disney is actively looking for ways to use and rejuvenate the characters. We will keep you posted as soon as we get more details on the development of this mockumentary mini-series, or any other information on the possible return of the Muppets to television.
Just keep clicking and soon you will find his army of toy soldiers. This guy is one of the most creative people I have seen out there in a while and a marketing genius! And his music is so much fun! Explore this mad toy makers fun universe and listen to his mission for toys and our future!! Join Dr. Steel's Army!
The Puppet Design Blog has some great advice on design...
original Chaplin studios
Chaplin/Henson Studios lot today
For those who do not know, the Skeksis are the villains of the movie and totally scary and evil! It was just too kewl to see one up close. I mean I was a young teen when I saw this movie (yeah I am dating myself), but those guys still scared the pee out of me.
