Here's an interview that was recently had with Debbie McClellan who is Director of Creative Affairs with The Muppets Holding Co. Apparently there's going to be an upcoming focus on Kermit's 50th anniversary.
Debbie McClellan, Director of Creative Affairs, The Muppets Holding Co.
Which is your favorite Muppet?
It would have to be Miss Piggy because I've become her stylist and hairdresser. I even pick out her clothes and go shopping for different hair styles.
What makes the Muppets special?
Having worked with the Henson Company for 13 years, I understand the positive emotions people have for the Muppets. When we travel and the Muppets make an appearance, the smiles on the people's faces melt my heart.
What are some upcoming goals and projects the Muppets are working on?
Our goal now is to rebuild the Muppets into a leading global family entertainment brand. As for projects set to launch later this year, we'll be honoring Kermit's 50th anniversary and celebrating 50 years of "being green."
What is your most memorable experience?
That would be Kermit's attendance at the Queen's Jubilee in London. This was the queen's party at the royal palace which featured celebrities like Phil Collins, Paul McCartney and Annie Lennox. While the queen did not seem to recognize everyone, her eyes lit up as she met Kermit.
How does your current role support the creative branding of the Muppets?
My position specifically involves all the publicity, talent relations and appearances with the Muppets. For example, some of the recent projects I've worked on are placing the Muppets on Extreme Makeover, Good Morning America and Saturday Night Live.
Working on Extreme Makeover was a wonderful experience. It was a two-day shoot in the middle of Alabama with a lot of the acting done on the spot. For instance, we decided to have the Muppets pop out of a cardboard box with bubble wrap around them. It was also fun to watch Kermit yell into the megaphone and lift actual boxes.
The Good Morning America show did an incredible job of incorporating the Muppets characters. It was great to have so much fun on a newscast — especially when Diane Sawyer played along with Miss Piggy going through her entire wardrobe!
Having the Muppets appear on Saturday Night Live was an opportunity for us to show a hipper side of the brand. While we were guaranteed a spot in the opening monologue, we weren't sure if our last skit would make the cut. Fortunately, we did and had the chance to work with Robert DeNiro.
Working on so many live TV appearances, do you also witness tons of bloopers?
My most memorable blooper happened on the 26th anniversary of the Today Show. Gonzo went on air and one of his eyes gets hooked to the back of his head. Needless to say, the entire crew burst into uncontrollable laughter, making it extremely apparent for a live show. The blooper became a whole thing about plastic surgery, which saved the entire episode.
Debbie McClellan, Director of Creative Affairs, The Muppets Holding Co.
Which is your favorite Muppet?
It would have to be Miss Piggy because I've become her stylist and hairdresser. I even pick out her clothes and go shopping for different hair styles.
What makes the Muppets special?
Having worked with the Henson Company for 13 years, I understand the positive emotions people have for the Muppets. When we travel and the Muppets make an appearance, the smiles on the people's faces melt my heart.
What are some upcoming goals and projects the Muppets are working on?
Our goal now is to rebuild the Muppets into a leading global family entertainment brand. As for projects set to launch later this year, we'll be honoring Kermit's 50th anniversary and celebrating 50 years of "being green."
What is your most memorable experience?
That would be Kermit's attendance at the Queen's Jubilee in London. This was the queen's party at the royal palace which featured celebrities like Phil Collins, Paul McCartney and Annie Lennox. While the queen did not seem to recognize everyone, her eyes lit up as she met Kermit.
How does your current role support the creative branding of the Muppets?
My position specifically involves all the publicity, talent relations and appearances with the Muppets. For example, some of the recent projects I've worked on are placing the Muppets on Extreme Makeover, Good Morning America and Saturday Night Live.
Working on Extreme Makeover was a wonderful experience. It was a two-day shoot in the middle of Alabama with a lot of the acting done on the spot. For instance, we decided to have the Muppets pop out of a cardboard box with bubble wrap around them. It was also fun to watch Kermit yell into the megaphone and lift actual boxes.
The Good Morning America show did an incredible job of incorporating the Muppets characters. It was great to have so much fun on a newscast — especially when Diane Sawyer played along with Miss Piggy going through her entire wardrobe!
Having the Muppets appear on Saturday Night Live was an opportunity for us to show a hipper side of the brand. While we were guaranteed a spot in the opening monologue, we weren't sure if our last skit would make the cut. Fortunately, we did and had the chance to work with Robert DeNiro.
Working on so many live TV appearances, do you also witness tons of bloopers?
My most memorable blooper happened on the 26th anniversary of the Today Show. Gonzo went on air and one of his eyes gets hooked to the back of his head. Needless to say, the entire crew burst into uncontrollable laughter, making it extremely apparent for a live show. The blooper became a whole thing about plastic surgery, which saved the entire episode.