Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey (2011)

The Muppet Elmo is one of the most beloved characters among children across the globe. Meet the unlikely man behind the puppet - the heart and soul of Elmo - Kevin Clash.

Director:

Constance Marks

Writers:

Philip Shane, Justin Weinstein

Stars:

Kevin Clash, Whoopi Goldberg, Frank Oz

8 wins & 8 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Whoopi Goldberg	...	Narrator (voice)
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Bill Barretta	...	Himself - Puppeteer
Fran Brill	...	Herself - Puppeteer
Carson Carr	...	Guy Eating Cake #2
Gladys Clash	...	Herself - Mother
Kevin Clash	...	Himself
Joan Ganz Cooney	...	Herself - Co-Founder - Sesame Workshop
Arsenio Hall	...	Himself (archive footage)
Cheryl Henson	...	Herself - President - Jim Henson Foundation
Jim Henson	...	Himself (archive footage)
Hugh Jackman	...	Himself (archive footage)
Kermit Love	...	Himself (archive footage)
Rove McManus	...	Himself (archive footage)
Rosie O'Donnell	...	Herself (archive footage)
Frank Oz	...	Himself (archive footage)

Storyline

The film traces Kevin Clash's rise from his modest beginnings in Baltimore to his current success as the man behind Elmo, one of the world's most recognizable and adored characters. Millions of children tune in daily to watch Elmo, yet when Kevin walks down the street he is not recognized. Pivotal to the film is the exploration of Jim Henson's meteoric rise, and Kevin's ultimate achievement of his goal to become part of the Henson family of puppeteers. In addition to puppeteering Elmo, Mr. Clash is arguably the creative force behind today's Sesame Street, producing, directing and traveling around the globe training other puppeteers. Includes interviews with Frank Oz, Rosie O'Donnell, Whoopi Goldberg, Carroll Spinney, Joan Ganz Cooney, Marty Robinson, Fran Brill, and Bill Barretta.

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Plot Keywords:

puppeteer | interview | puppet | fireworks | walt disney world | 

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Genres:

Documentary

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for some mild language including a brief drug reference

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

27 April 2012 (UK)

Also Known As:

Inside Elmo

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$22,963, 23 October 2011, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$302,652, 8 April 2012

Company Credits

Production Co:

Constance Marks Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

80 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

Features Live with Kelly and Ryan (1988)

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Soundtracks

Les Z'animaux
written by Mado Marchant & Alexandra Pic
arranged by Paul Crabbe
courtesy of Panorama SAS/Society Expand Drama

User Reviews

Great film with an equally great story behind it

'Being Elmo' is not only a great flashback into your childhood growing up with Sesame Street, but a truly inspiring and amazing story behind the man who has dedicated his life to one of the most loved characters from the show. It was nothing like I expected it to be. It's not a childish rewind on the history of puppets, but instead a wonderful display of determination and dedication on Clash's part and just a great documentary made by the entire crew. Definitely recommended for everyone. Hopefully this film and its crew will get all of the praise and attention it so rightfully deserves. You will without a doubt be left inspired and moved by Clash's journey.