- * - George Harrison lifesize Marionette creation - * -

[Mairi]

The one with the flowers is very nice.

[Unknown Delight]

Thank you for the compliment. 

[Bubby Gnome]

Wow this is so cool. 

[Unknown Delight]

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Thought this may be of interest, particularly to users of the social network 'Facebook'..

'George' now has his very own Facebook page! 

Search 'George Harrison Marionette' or click this direct link if you are on Facebook-

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/George-Harrison-Marionette/108744329145003?ref=mf

I thought it would be a fun way to promote the videos, and keep all the drawings, reference photos, and written stories about his creation in one place.

Stop on by and have a look....


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In other news....

There is talk now about making a couple of more videos to add to the collection of performance videos.  Two songs are now being seriously considered to be filmed, and this may happen in the coming months.

[Unknown Delight]

Thought i would add an update, for anyone interested....

Some new photos will be forthcoming at some point...including some with 'George' holding his banjolele. 

Plans are still on track for filming some new Performance Videos this Summer.  'If Not For You' is looking like the leading song choice, with  'That's What It Takes' also still being considered as well.  Both videos may be in a edited form, which i purposely avoided with the last batch so viewers could better concentrate on the actual performance of the figure.  Now that folks can see what he can do, it is time to bump things up a notch.  So the new additions will have a different look about them.

A new idea is being considered set to the tune of 'Marwa Blues'.    Think of a 'artsy' film style....a edited montage of sorts featuring 'George' partaking in some activities set to music.  It is early at this point in development, and may not be ready for the Summer releases.

The target date i am aiming for to release the new collection of 'George' videos is August 1st - the 1 year anniversary of the projects' unveiling. 

[Unknown Delight]

All new photos of 'George' , photographed last month.
More will be forthcoming as in the coming weeks work starts on the latest batch of new performance videos.

Enjoy these in the meantime!

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'George' poses for the camera with his favourite ukulele
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When the mood strikes him, 'George' is know to pick up his uke and do a improptu performance...much to the delight of onlookers.
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A experiemental photograph, done for artistic purposes.
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The play of light on 'George's' face makes a nice image.  The tiny turquoise 'Dark Horse Records' lapel pin he wears can be seen in this closer view.

[Unknown Delight]

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Latest news- Work has begun in earnest on filming the NEW collection of 'George' videos! Finally...after many months, cameras are rolling on four new offerings.


Filming is now complete for the first new addition to the Performance Video collection.
"That's What It Takes" is now in post-production and about to be edited into it's final form, in preperation for release. If all goes to plan, it should be ready for viewing in a couple of weeks. The target date for release is August 1st.


Three more video shoots will be taking place for three more songs...two already have very clear ideas about how they will look, which as any filmaker knows is half the battle. Things are looking good so far..with some dashes of random humour tossed in to keep in theme with George's preferences.





This new collection will be made in a slightly different style, with some different views of 'George' so viewers can see him in greater detail. Close ups, various angles, and alternative views will be put together to give viewers a better look at him and what he can do. Some slight editing is planned to enhance the veiwing experience and give each new video it's own distintive look and 'feel'. I purposely avoided using any cutaways or editing in the previous collection as i wanted viewers to better be able to concentrate on 'George's actual performance....hard to do if the picture is changing every few minutes!

Now that viewers have seen what he can do, it is time to step things up a notch creatively. The new collection will have a more visual feel, and also inject some of GH's wry humour into the settings. This combo should be both a joy to capture on film on my end, and hopefully a delight to view on your end!

More info will be shared here as progress goes along.

[cubanheel]

So much hard work and obvious dedication has gone into all that you do with your George! Well done! You should do performances at Beatles conventions or as a support act to a tribute band. I think fans would love to see what you and George get up to!

[Unknown Delight]

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That is very kind of you to say, cubanheel. It means a lot to me to hear this project is being appreciated by people who are aware of Mr. Harrison and his persona. So many thanks for taking the time to post your thoughts!

Folks can keep up to date with what 'George' is up to, and what projects i am working on with him on 'Facebook'.
Yes indeed, 'George' has his very own Page....and i may have already mentioned it earlier in this thread.
Search for 'George Harrison Marionette' and it should come up on Facebook.  Hope to see you there! 

Getting back to responding to cubanheels comments now....

I would absolutely LOVE to go someplace where 'George' would be able to perform for a welcoming audience 'live'.  I have a lot of experience performing with my marionettes in front of a audience and on stage...so this would be a natural for me. To date 'George' has only performed live in front of a audience once, and it was for a small gathering of about 15 people who were not overly familiar with George Harrison's works,  besides the obvious Bealtes connections of course.  They enjoyed him, but i will admit i often wondered how well he would do performing for people who are FULLY aware of him?  I would imagine folks would go absolutely nuts....or either be scared out of their wits.  'George' seems to bring out these two extremes in people i have discovered this past year while sharing the current video playlist with other Forum posters elsewhere in Cyberspace.

'George' at a B-Con?   Sure...i would be up for that if i was extended a invitation.
The one thing however that concerns me is his safety, and the fact he is not very easy to transport ( wheels only...no flying!).  George himself hated flying in airplanes...and the same can be said for his marionette likeness as this puppet is lifesize. I seriously do not intend on bringing him on as carry-on baggage on a airplane.   Can you imagine what would happen at the security checkpoint??

EEk!

In all seriousness though...i would love to be able to bring him somewhere and let him perform in person.

Hey, maybe that film premeire coming up....made by that well known director?

 

[Unknown Delight]

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The past few days have been intense...in many respects. The focus, performance quality, and the very intense heat during filming has had me in a whirlwind of activity. Nothing like filming outside in the 96 degree heat of humid Summer weather dressed in black...ieee!

Filming is now complete on "If Not For You" and i have to say that this one looks to be something very special. It has a definate 'feel' to it...very homey and comfortable. Think of yourself visiting George Harrison at home..at Friar Park...and getting to spend a Summer afternoon with him enjoying the grounds. Yeah...THAT kind of 'feel' to it visually. Bliss.

Today i spent some time reviewing all the footage for the first two new videos - "That's What It Takes" and "If Not For You". I was VERY pleased with the results...and some of the veiws of 'George' are stunning. There was even a shot or two where it gave me a little chill, as it reminded me so much of the man himself. It actually kind of freaked me out...but in a really nice way.

Filming wrapped for "That's What It Takes" last week...and reviewing it's footage today shows a good performance segment with a very funny last minute additon that brings it to a whole new level. I think George himself would be laughing at this little bit...it is SO 'him' ....a random bit of hilarity that is both Python-like and a nice nod to...well, wait n' see!

'George' is being filmed from various angles, with many close ups. Now folks will be able to better see the detailing of his face, his hands, and guitar stumming/plucking. He can do some decent 'solos' believe it or not. Several takes involve him singing and playing in a way that makes you feel like you are right there watching him in person. A lot more to be seen now then just the usual standard 'facing forward' strumming position as the previous six videos in the collection have already shown.

These two new additons are a absolute step up in a major way from the original collection. When these are finished in the way i hope to accomplish, it will blow the others' in the collection currently showing out of the water.

I have a really good feeling about these....now the serious work begins in getting these assembled and cut together into a completed presentation.

More news as production continues along !

[Unknown Delight]

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Finally !  I have not been able to access this Forum for the past week, so i have not been able to post a update.

The two new 'George' marionette videos are now up and running live via YouTube.  They debuted on August 1st.

Check em' out, and let me know what you think!


"That's What It Takes"

George Harrison Marionette - "That's What It Takes"

"If Not For You"

George Harrison Marionette - "If Not For You"

[Unknown Delight]

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Hope the new additons were enjoyed.



A update now....

Two NEW videos are in the works...

'Life Itself' is still in Pre-Production and will be ready to go before the camera soon.  It was ready last month, but a new idea regarding it's overall visual 'look' is leading to some further prep work.   This will be a rather spiritual video somewhat ( much more so then 'Jai Sri Krishna' was) and a lot of care is being taken to capture that etheral vibe.  The beautiful song deserves special treatment...it should be quite nice when work is complete.

The second video looks to be the fullfillment of many viewers' desires.  For the past year, the #1 request i have recieved from viewers is to see 'George' perform a tune from The Traveling Wilburys.  Up until now it was not looking promising, as the 'problem' was that most of the Wilbury material has many of the vocalists taking turns singing within the track iself.   This does not really translate well visually when you only have ONE character performing...so i have had to shy away from covering this material.

After some rethinking, i remembered my absolute favourite Wilbury Era tune...and eureka.....it was plain as day as to what it could be done.  So this particular song is now being developed into a Performance Video for 'George'.

[Unknown Delight]

A update....

Work is progressing ahead on the next two videos. Pre-Production work has been going on for a couple of months now, and some neat ideas have come to light that have made me to decide to dedicate some extra time to working on two specific visual elements related to the videos.

'Life Itself' was ready to be filmed last month, but filming was put on hold until work was complete on a seperate project that was needed for the shoot. That project is now complete, and the way is clear to start filming.

Here is a peek at a scene from the upcoming 'Life Itself' -
This image is of one frame of a animated sequence that will be featured during one of the instrumental segements.




'George' will also be sporting a new look in this video as well....to fit in with the mood. 'Life Itself' is one of Mr. Harrison's most spiritual compositions and extra effort is being taken to insure that translates into the overall visual look and 'feel' of the videotaped performance. Special considerations are being made on the lighting effects used, as well as some interesting scenes that invoke his peaceful residence.

The 'Wilbury' selection will be the follow up to 'Life Itself'. 


Probably the most exciting thing about the 'Wilbury' tune being performed is that it will require some additonal work in making something to be included in the presentation. A 'cameo' appearence is in the works....and it will be a fun addtion to the tune. Watch for more regarding that...in the future.

[Unknown Delight]

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Hi Folks..

Long time since i have given a update here...so here goes-

Work is coming along nicely on the next video.  A lot of nice visuals are planned that fit the mood of the tune ( 'Life Itself' ).  Filming should be forthcoming soon once some final decisions are made regarding the sequence of shots.

Some new photos of 'George' have been uncovered...stashed away with others and overlooked until now.  I will share them here soon...

[Unknown Delight]

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Greetings Friends...

Those promised 'lost' photos are here. 

Enjoy!








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The search is  on for a real ukulele for 'George'.

Do you or someone you know have a spare brown/natural wood ukulele they would be willing to part with?   If you do, i am offering this unique one-of-a-kind hand painted Dark Horse Records t-shirt as a trade. 

Not only do you get to score this nice shirt, you will also be able to enjoy seeing 'George' use your ukulele in a future Performance Video! 

Here is a photo of the shirt up for grabs -
100% bright orange cotton tee, size Large , with hand painted large design on the front. 



Do get in touch if you have a uke.  I have recieved one very kind donation already from a good friend, but he did not want anything in return for it.  So the shirt is still here for the taking, for that lucky person who has a plain uke.

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