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Stems

Ainslie Henderson, 2016

The process of puppet making is narrated and is likened to making music. The puppet maker collects random objects and lays them out before starting to assemble his puppets. He then sets his tableau to music. The puppeteer’s work is very stripped back. The music and the musician chosen to be the soundtrack are also very stripped back.

A poetic glimpse into the world of puppet-making as we witness the birth of a puppet as it transforms from a collection of bits and pieces into a character with its own personality.

Clip Details

Genre: Abstract, Stop-Motion

Curriculum Area: Literacy and English, Technologies, Expressive Arts

Country of Origin: UK

Themes: Communication, Creative Expression, Work/Ambition

Clip Length: 02:24

Age Group: P5-P7, S1-S3, S4-S6, P1-P4

Classroom Activities

A poetic glimpse into the world of puppet-making. A puppet maker collects random objects and lays them out, transforming them from a collection of bits and pieces into characters with their own personalities. A musical interlude ensues...before the puppet maker intervenes.

 

  • Does Britain have a strong history of puppet making?
  • Which countries have traditions of puppet making?
  • What other films does ‘Stems’ remind you of? In what ways?

FILMMAKING

  • Make your own stop-motion film about inanimate objects that come to life.

MAKE

  • Collect some random objects and make / design a puppet or figure.

MUSIC

  • The music to accompany this short is by Poppy Ackroyd – what kind of music does she write / play? Do you like it? Would you listen to more of her music?

Clip Details

Genre: Abstract, Stop-Motion

Curriculum Area: Literacy and English, Technologies, Expressive Arts

Country of Origin: UK

Themes: Communication, Creative Expression, Work/Ambition

Clip Length: 02:24

Education Level: First Level, Fourth Level, Second Level, Senior Phase, Third Level