Being Elmo

Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey

Year 2011
Runtime 80 mins
Language English
Alberta Premiere

Who doesn’t like Elmo? SESAME STREET’s helium-voiced red monster is loved the world over, but most of us know next to nothing about the artist behind the puppet persona. BEING ELMO: A PUPPETEER’S JOURNEY aims to remedy that, chronicling the life of Elmo mastermind Kevin Clash. Fascinated by puppets from an early age, Clash started making his own muppets and characters and put up backyard shows for the neighborhood kids. His talent didn’t go unnoticed for long, and soon enough he began to perform for the local CBS affiliate.
As a teen, Clash adored THE MUPPET SHOW and dreamed of working with master puppeteer Jim Henson. He got in touch with Kermit Love, a designer for Henson, who got the ball rolling. Before long, Clash found a home on SESAME STREET in the mid-80’s and by coincidence was assigned the role of Elmo. He ended up reinventing the character, deciding that Elmo should stand for pure love.

Narrated by Whoopi Goldberg, this heartwarming documentary contains rare behind-the-scenes archival footage, offering a look at SESAME STREET that will delight viewers of all ages.

Countries

United States
Awards
2011 Sundance Special Jury Prize Award,
HotDocs Top Ten Audience Favorite Award 2011,
Festivals
Sundance Film Festival 2011,
SXSW Film Festival 2011,
Hot Docs 2011
Director
Constance Marks
Producer
Corinne LaPook, Constance Marks, James J. Miller
Screenwriter
Philip Shane, Justin Weinstein
Cinematographer
James J. Miller
Editor
Philip Shane, Justin Weinstein
Cast
Kevin Clash,
Whoopi Goldberg,
Frank Oz,
Rosie O'Donnell,
Caroll Spinney