Custom Puppets for Film & Television
We design and fabricate characters that perform, whether you need a realistic creature for a close-up or a mascot for a promotional video.
A behind-the-scenes look at our shoot for the Netflix promo of 'Phir Aayi Haseen Dilruba'. This video shows the creation and on-set operation of the realistic crocodile puppets we built for the project.
My wife Rujuta and I carefully positioning one of the crocodile puppets for a shot. Operating these puppets requires precision and teamwork to get the movements just right for the camera.
My talented team of puppeteers, Kaustubh and Kailash, with the crocodile puppets on the set of the Netflix promo. Their skill was essential in bringing these creatures to life.
On set with the crocodile puppets, which were designed with detailed skin texture and mechanics for realistic movement. This project was a fantastic blend of sculpture and engineering.
A husband-and-wife puppeteer team in action! Rujuta and I working together to operate one of the crocodile puppets for the Netflix shoot.
Posing with the crocodile puppets during the promo shoot. These characters were designed to be fun and engaging, hosting their own "reacts" podcast for the film's promotion.
A close-up on the eye of the crocodile puppet. We focus on creating intricate details like this to make our puppets as believable and lifelike as possible for film.
The two crocodile puppets on the bamboo set, ready for their scene. We built them to be durable and expressive, capable of a wide range of movements needed for the promo.
This short clip shows how a puppeteer operates a puppet from below. Here, my wife and I are rehearsing the movements for the crocodile characters before the main shoot.
The official promotional graphic for the 'Croc Reacts' series for 'Phir Aayi Haseen Dilruba'. It was exciting to see our puppet creations become the face of the film's marketing campaign.
About Puppets for Film & Television
Building for the screen is different than building for a stage. Every mechanism inside the puppet, from jaw movement to subtle eye triggers, must withstand the scrutiny of 4K cameras while holding up for hours of filming.
My studio balances old-school craft with mechanical engineering to ensure every puppet serves its specific purpose in your production. Whether you are shooting a horror film or a promotional social media campaign, the puppet acts as a character, not just a prop.
We start with 2D concept sketches to refine the personality before moving to construction. For film projects, we often use platinum silicone or foam latex to create realistic skin textures that look natural under studio lighting. If your project requires movement, I integrate cable-controlled or servo-based animatronics that allow for realistic jaw snapping, winking, or ear movement, which are essential for close-up shots.
I personally oversee the transition from the workshop to the set. My team and I often handle the on-set operation ourselves, ensuring the puppetry matches the director's vision. We have experience managing complex shoots, including creating multiple versions of a single character for different action requirements. This approach has allowed us to deliver everything from giant stage puppets to intricate creature props for major streaming platforms and regional cinema projects.
Satyajit Padhye
I am Satyajit. My work blends 100 years of family legacy with modern engineering like 3D printing and animatronics. My wife and our small team help me bring these characters to life on set.
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