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Tag: muppets

  • Jim Henson’s muppets get stamps of approval on 50th anniversary

    MUMBAI: A few days ago Jim Henson and his beloved Muppets were immortalised on US postage stamps in Los Angeles at the Academy of the Television Arts & Sciences (Atas).

    The first-day-of-issue dedication ceremony for the Jim Henson: The Man Behind the Muppets commemorative stamp sheet coincides with the 50th anniversary of Henson’s most famous Muppet, Kermit the Frog.

    US Postal Service chief marketing officer and executive VP Anita Bizzotto said, “The strong legacy of family fun Jim Henson created still resonates around the world. When people see the stamps, they will be a reminder of the man who taught us to not take human flaws so seriously — a reminder that one person can make ‘a difference in this world’. “

    Lisa Henson characterised the stamps as fitting her father’s sense of humour. “We are honored that the US Postal Service chose to recognise our father’s legacy with this fun and irreverent stamp collection — a perfect reflection of his inspired silliness and creativity.”

    Her brother Brian welcomed the stamps as a homage to his father’s work. “Our father created wonderful characters that continue to be loved around the world. These stamps are also a tribute to his millions of fans who continue to support his work and believe in his vision”.

    At the ceremony a tongue ‘n’ cheek Kermit the Frog viewed the stamps from the Muppets’ perspective. “On behalf of the Muppets, it is a great honour to be featured on our own set of stamps. These commemorative stamps couldn’t have come at a better time — to celebrate my 50th Anniversary, I’m hitting the road next month on a 50-stop World Tour. I’ll need to send a lot of letters home to Miss Piggy if I want to stay in her good graces!”

    Atas president Dick Askin testified to Henson’s legacy. “Jim Henson was a master storyteller and technical innovator who created unforgettable characters and entertainment. He left us far too soon, but it’s a testament to his unique talents that we still are captivated by his whimsical creations.”

    When applied to a white envelope, each of the individually photographed Muppet stamps appears to burst through. This effect was created by photographing the characters and torn white paper separately to enhance highlights and shadows. The two images were merged and digitally enhanced to produce a fun and lighthearted stamp sheet. The back of each stamp sheet features humorous autographed notes from each of the Muppet characters.

     

  • Muppets on Disney’s menu after deal with Henson

    Muppets on Disney’s menu after deal with Henson

    MUMBAI: Now Mickey and Minnie Mouse will have the likes of Kermit and Miss Piggy for company. Walt Disney and The Jim Henson Company have announced an agreement under which Disney will acquire the Muppets and Bear in the Big Blue House properties from Henson.

    Disney had spent the best part of the past 14 years pursuing the muppets. However, negotiations had fallen through after the company’s founder Jim Henson died. A company release states that the transaction includes all Muppet assets, including the above mentioned Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo and Animal characters, the Muppet film and television library as well as all the “Bear in the Big Blue House” characters, the television library.

    Both parties expect the transaction to close within two months, subject to receiving the necessary regulatory clearances. The transaction however does not include the Sesame Street characters, such as Big Bird and Elmo, which are separately owned by Sesame Workshop. The deal also includes non-exclusive production and consulting agreements under which Henson will develop potential new programming featuring the Muppets and Bear in the Big Blue House for Disney.

    Disney is planning to re-launch the Muppets with new television specials and series. Disney also expects to expand and enhance the global licensing and home video initiatives based on this new production for the Classic Muppets, the infant/preschool property Muppet Babies, and Bear in the Big Blue House.

    Disney chairman, CEO Michael Eisner added, “Since the time I worked with Jim Henson on the first Muppets TV special in the 1960s, it was obvious to me that his characters would make a deep imprint on the hearts of families worldwide. This announcement is the culmination of a long-time desire to welcome them into pour cmpany. Kermit and Miss Piggy are well-known and beloved around the world and will have an opportunity to be seen by millions more well into the future through Disney’s distribution channels at home and abroad, including home video, family television programming and consumer products. All this is in addition to the existing theme park presence at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort.”

    German media company EM.TV had bought The Jim Henson Company in February 2000 for $680 million. It was then sold back last year for $78 million.