Behind the Scenes in Frogtown Hollow is an hour-long documentary written and directed by Craig Shemin about the making of Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas. It gives a first-hand look into the making of the Christmas special, including new interviews, archival footage, and never-before-seen material provided by The Jim Henson Company Archives and the Special Media Archives Services Division of the National Archives and Records Administration.
The film was produced in 2005 by Wacky Hijinx Films and was released on DVD by HIT! Entertainment. The film was presented with a Telly Award in 2006.
Shemin was originally commissioned to merely write narration for the behind-the-scenes footage, but he soon convinced the powers that be to allow him to produce a more in-depth look at the special. Writer Jerry Juhl declined to participate in protest of Kermit the Frog's scenes being cut from the special's DVD release.[1]
Topics[]
- "Beginnings" - Jim Henson's plans on adapting the book
- "Populating a World" - Michael K. Frith and The Muppet Workshop
- "Secret Weapon" - Faz Fazakas and mechanical work
- "The World on a String" - marionette work
- "Frogtown Hollow" - the sets
- "The Performers" - the puppeteers
- "Two Ma Otters" - how Frank Oz and Marilyn Sokol collaborated to bring Ma Otter to life
- "Music" - the songs
- "The Lost Song" - Paul Williams' song cut for time
- "A Drumroll, Please" - Jerry Nelson discusses a scene that took many takes to get right
- "Fearless Leader" - memories of working with Jim Henson
- "A Classic" - the special's legacy as a Henson/Christmas production
Credits[]
- Produced by: Craig Shemin
- Co-Producer: Weston Almond
- Directed by: Craig Shemin
- Edited by: Craig Shemin and Weston Almond
- Featuring: Michael K. Frith, Cheryl Henson, Rollin Krewson, Jerry Nelson, Marilyn Sokol, Caroly Wilcox and Paul Williams