I made a new puppet film…in two weeks! It’s called Night-Gaunts and it’s a handcrafted short horror film based on an H.P. Lovecraft poem.
In mid-July 2023, I decided I needed to knock out a quick solo puppet film project. It had been a while since I’d built and shot anything to completion, so I had this burning desire to just dive back in. After a few days’ consideration, I chose an idea that seemed manageable: I would adapt the H.P. Lovecraft poem “Night-Gaunts”, weaving in my own weirdness.
A few factors made it a real challenge: I would make this film all by myself in a 10x15-foot shed, I had no budget to speak of, and the film needed to be completed in two weeks for a film festival deadline. But once I decided to make it happen, there was no stopping me - I created in a state of flow all the way to the end.
From building to shooting (on a smartphone), the process was low-tech, handmade and improvisational. I moved fast and had to constantly remind myself not to get too precious about the work. I built everything using materials on hand (recycled craft materials and parts of old sets and puppets), a method that always brings me joy. But the contributions of music and narration from a couple of talented friends were what really made the final product feel legitimate.
Night-Gaunts was completed on time and I’m so proud of both the process and the result. Making this film in such a challenging and playful way was a wild and wonderful experience, and I encourage you to try it yourself!