Building on the success of Face Off, Syfy is again going behind the scenes of some of the most unique special effects in film and television. In Jim Henson’s Creature Shop Challenge, contestants compete for an opportunity to work at the shop and win prizes worth $100,000. Brian Henson, Jim Henson’s son and chairman of the company, is one of the judges along with other luminaries in the creature design industry. Farscape fans will recognize Gigi Edgley as the host of the competition.
Jim Henson’s Creature Shop is ultimately successful in showing off the creativity and talent necessary for designing and executing fantastical creatures. In the age of CGI, it’s impressive to see what someone can make with some foil and mattress foam.
In the debut episode, one of the contestants remarks when walking into the shop, “My childhood was created here.” I completely agree. I can’t even estimate how many times I’ve seen the movie Labyrinth, and Jim Henson’s creatures brought that film to life. Jim Henson actually performed Hoggle. So cool!
(Photos: Syfy/NBC)
Jim Henson’s Creature Shop Challenge debuts on Tuesday, March 25th at 10pm ET/PT.