Independent Lens Season 13 Episode 15 Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey

Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey is an emotional documentary film about the man behind one of Sesame Street's most beloved characters, Elmo. Directed by Constance Marks, the film takes us through the inspiring journey of Kevin Clash, who started out as a kid with a a dream and worked his way to becoming one of the most renowned puppeteers in the world today.

The film begins with a scene from Sesame Street, featuring a musical performance by Elmo, who has become a worldwide sensation. We are then introduced to Kevin Clash, who has been the voice and puppeteer behind Elmo for over 25 years. The rest of the film takes us back to Kevin's early years, and his love for puppets and puppeteering.

Growing up in a poor neighborhood in Baltimore, Kevin found solace in making puppets out of his mother's old coats and hats. He was also fascinated by the art of puppeteering, and would spend hours watching Sesame Street and The Muppet Show. With the encouragement of his parents and his local church, Kevin attended a puppetry festival in Atlanta at the age of 17, where he met veteran puppeteer Kermit Love. Love would eventually become Kevin's mentor and guide him on his journey to becoming a professional puppeteer.

The film then takes us through Kevin's early years as a puppeteer, from his first job with Captain Kangaroo to his work on The Great Space Coaster. We see him develop his skills as a puppeteer and build a reputation within the industry. As he gains more experience, Kevin becomes more ambitious and sets his sights on Sesame Street, the holy grail of puppeteering.

With the help of Kermit Love, Kevin lands a job on Sesame Street, where he eventually becomes the voice and puppeteer behind Elmo. We see how Kevin brought his own unique personality to the character, adding humor and warmth, and making Elmo one of the most beloved characters on the show. Kevin's dedication to his craft and his love for Elmo is evident throughout the film, and his passion for the character is infectious.

The film also explores the impact that Elmo has had on children around the world. We see how children with autism and other special needs have connected with the character, and we hear from parents who credit Elmo with helping their children overcome challenges. The film also touches on the controversy surrounding Elmo in recent years, and the accusations made against Kevin Clash.

Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey is a beautifully crafted film that takes us on an emotional journey through the life of a remarkable artist. The film is a testament to the power of persistence, determination, and creativity, and it celebrates the art of puppetry and the magic of Sesame Street. It is a must-see for anyone who has ever been inspired by the work of Jim Henson, Frank Oz, or any of the other puppeteers who have brought joy and laughter to millions of children around the world.