The TV puppet studio based in Sonoma, California, embraces sustainability by repurposing materials from previous productions; a recent children's music video collaboration with Stinky Tales reused an entire cloud set.
Recycling isn't just for bottles and paper anymore. At Images in Motion Media Inc. (IIM), a TV puppet studio based in Sonoma, California, puppets and sets get recycled too. With over 30 years of experience, IIM embraces sustainability by repurposing materials from previous productions.
Typically, puppets and sets are custom-made for each project and often discarded afterward. "Sometimes it's more creative to imagine repurposing rather than building something new," said Lee Armstrong, producer and puppeteer at IIM. "We try to reduce waste and make videos more affordable, but we don't feel like we sacrifice quality when we reuse."
A standout example of their green approach is Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, a children's music video collaboration with Stinky Tales, which won three Telly Awards. The production reused a cloud set, made from translucent trays filled with recycled pillow batting.
Another example of reuse is IIM's ‘Garden Set.’ It features trees, flowers, and background cutouts that have been reused since the 1990s. Recently, an IIM chicken puppet was repurposed in a public service announcement for an animal rescue center, sharing the screen with live chickens and turkeys.
"Seeing our puppet interact with real animals was hilarious and unforgettable," Armstrong recalled. With their universal charm, puppets engage both children and adults, making them an excellent choice for memorable videos and social media clips.
IIM's commitment to reusing materials proves that sustainability can be both simple and effective.
Check out the Twinkle Twinkle Little Star music video:
Journalist, antique shop owner, aspiring gemologist—L'Wren brings a diverse perspective to animation, where every frame reflects her varied passions.
