"I think my job is ...numbers"
March 5, 2015 11:22 AM Subscribe
Lil Friendys - a chthonic office-sitcom puppetshow about Alma, a recent hire to the underworld bureaucracy. By Mefi's Own Greg Nog. [via mefi projects]
This is perfect and I love it and I hope there are hundreds more.
posted by Awful Peice of Crap at 11:49 AM on March 5, 2015 [5 favorites]
posted by Awful Peice of Crap at 11:49 AM on March 5, 2015 [5 favorites]
That means a lot coming from . . . wait, never mind.
posted by The Bellman at 11:51 AM on March 5, 2015 [4 favorites]
posted by The Bellman at 11:51 AM on March 5, 2015 [4 favorites]
Also the fact that the dude looks like Greg is both unsettling and settling.
posted by Potomac Avenue at 11:52 AM on March 5, 2015 [20 favorites]
posted by Potomac Avenue at 11:52 AM on March 5, 2015 [20 favorites]
What if this is the new Homestuck.
posted by Potomac Avenue at 11:52 AM on March 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by Potomac Avenue at 11:52 AM on March 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
very excited to see where this goes
posted by rebent at 12:00 PM on March 5, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by rebent at 12:00 PM on March 5, 2015 [2 favorites]
That's a really fucking high bar you're setting for the poor guy.
posted by rewil at 12:02 PM on March 5, 2015 [11 favorites]
posted by rewil at 12:02 PM on March 5, 2015 [11 favorites]
Completely delighted! More more more!
posted by mochapickle at 12:03 PM on March 5, 2015
posted by mochapickle at 12:03 PM on March 5, 2015
I know what numbers are.
I was prepared to be all "meh" about this because puppets (sorry) but I loved it and I demand that more are made immediately if not sooner.
posted by billiebee at 12:14 PM on March 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
I was prepared to be all "meh" about this because puppets (sorry) but I loved it and I demand that more are made immediately if not sooner.
posted by billiebee at 12:14 PM on March 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
Greg, how would you like to produce these forever and ever and ever well after you're tired of them and don't want to do them any more and just keep doing them until you regret ever having had the idea in the first place.
Basically, what I'm trying to say is, you're the puppet guy now.
Puppets.
...
You're puppets.
posted by boo_radley at 12:21 PM on March 5, 2015 [13 favorites]
Basically, what I'm trying to say is, you're the puppet guy now.
Puppets.
...
You're puppets.
posted by boo_radley at 12:21 PM on March 5, 2015 [13 favorites]
Great puppeteering and great editing. I don't seem to have spelled "puppeteering" right but nothing I do satisfies the comment edit window.
posted by CheesesOfBrazil at 12:42 PM on March 5, 2015
posted by CheesesOfBrazil at 12:42 PM on March 5, 2015
I think putting the sunglasses on the frog is a metaphor for reading metafilter at work.
posted by diogenes at 12:51 PM on March 5, 2015 [7 favorites]
posted by diogenes at 12:51 PM on March 5, 2015 [7 favorites]
This is really great and I found myself pausing it in places to look for little Easter eggs. Like how every day on the calendar is just marked "Day."
More more more.
posted by bondcliff at 1:11 PM on March 5, 2015 [7 favorites]
More more more.
posted by bondcliff at 1:11 PM on March 5, 2015 [7 favorites]
I don't seem to have spelled "puppeteering" right but nothing I do satisfies the comment edit window.
Check for sigils.
posted by yoink at 1:11 PM on March 5, 2015 [4 favorites]
Check for sigils.
posted by yoink at 1:11 PM on March 5, 2015 [4 favorites]
I ... what?
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 1:25 PM on March 5, 2015
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 1:25 PM on March 5, 2015
this is so many kinds of awesome I don't know where to start
posted by feckless fecal fear mongering at 1:28 PM on March 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by feckless fecal fear mongering at 1:28 PM on March 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
I ... what?
Are you feeling a little confused? Did you die?
posted by yoink at 1:29 PM on March 5, 2015 [8 favorites]
Are you feeling a little confused? Did you die?
posted by yoink at 1:29 PM on March 5, 2015 [8 favorites]
chthonic: concerning, belonging to, or inhabiting the underworld:
Well, in addition to the other things, my life cannot be complete until I've played that word in a game of Letterpress.
posted by pwnguin at 1:29 PM on March 5, 2015
Well, in addition to the other things, my life cannot be complete until I've played that word in a game of Letterpress.
posted by pwnguin at 1:29 PM on March 5, 2015
These videos are great. They are making me feel guilty though. I need to get off my ass.
I set out to do something like this, but only managed to make one video: TSA PSA (self-link obviously). The problem I ran into was the amount of time it takes to write an episode, do the puppetry, do multiple takes, and then to edit that shit down. I don't see how you can do it on a weekly basis. My hat's off to you, sir!
How much time does it typically take you? I was spending one hour per page of script writing (one page per minute of video), three or four takes for each scene, and an hour of post for every minute. So a three minute video literally took me all day.
I really wanted to do something that was topical and funny, then the Glove and Boots guys came out with their project and kind of sucked the wind out of what I wanted to do (since I knew I'd never be as good).
A friend of mine does puppetry as well. He's got an Italian grandmother puppet and a fairly decent following: Nonna Maria.
I'm also a huge fan of the Don't Hug Me I'm Scared Guys and I have a puppet addiction when it comes to kickstarter. I funded the DHMIS guys and a production of Beowulf and a few other puppet shows. I love puppets!
I have a dozen or so professional puppets and another couple dozen off the shelf puppets. I love this sort of stuff. I have a room in my house dedicated to puppets. We refer to it as "the studio" sometimes, but generally it's "the puppet room."
I have my puppets made, but I designed about half of them. The other half I hired an illustrator to create drawings for me (actually the guy who does the Nona show above). Here I am with Hoté and here's one with Griselda. (I hope those links work).
Greg Nog, if you ever want a guest puppet on your show let me know. We could Skype or something. Hell, I could even jump in the car and head down for a weekend.
You should consider posting your videos over on /r/puppets if you are a redditor.
You been to any of the regional festivals? You have some really decent puppeteers down your way.
posted by cjorgensen at 1:30 PM on March 5, 2015 [3 favorites]
I set out to do something like this, but only managed to make one video: TSA PSA (self-link obviously). The problem I ran into was the amount of time it takes to write an episode, do the puppetry, do multiple takes, and then to edit that shit down. I don't see how you can do it on a weekly basis. My hat's off to you, sir!
How much time does it typically take you? I was spending one hour per page of script writing (one page per minute of video), three or four takes for each scene, and an hour of post for every minute. So a three minute video literally took me all day.
I really wanted to do something that was topical and funny, then the Glove and Boots guys came out with their project and kind of sucked the wind out of what I wanted to do (since I knew I'd never be as good).
A friend of mine does puppetry as well. He's got an Italian grandmother puppet and a fairly decent following: Nonna Maria.
I'm also a huge fan of the Don't Hug Me I'm Scared Guys and I have a puppet addiction when it comes to kickstarter. I funded the DHMIS guys and a production of Beowulf and a few other puppet shows. I love puppets!
I have a dozen or so professional puppets and another couple dozen off the shelf puppets. I love this sort of stuff. I have a room in my house dedicated to puppets. We refer to it as "the studio" sometimes, but generally it's "the puppet room."
I have my puppets made, but I designed about half of them. The other half I hired an illustrator to create drawings for me (actually the guy who does the Nona show above). Here I am with Hoté and here's one with Griselda. (I hope those links work).
Greg Nog, if you ever want a guest puppet on your show let me know. We could Skype or something. Hell, I could even jump in the car and head down for a weekend.
You should consider posting your videos over on /r/puppets if you are a redditor.
You been to any of the regional festivals? You have some really decent puppeteers down your way.
posted by cjorgensen at 1:30 PM on March 5, 2015 [3 favorites]
This is fantastic, and reminds me of this other great project some pals of mine are involved with here in Austin: Fragile Rock
posted by slappy_pinchbottom at 2:06 PM on March 5, 2015
posted by slappy_pinchbottom at 2:06 PM on March 5, 2015
A puppet has made me think about my career choices...
...I didn't want to think those things.
Brilliant work.
posted by stanf at 2:19 PM on March 5, 2015 [2 favorites]
...I didn't want to think those things.
Brilliant work.
posted by stanf at 2:19 PM on March 5, 2015 [2 favorites]
This is really good! Sheela's accent sounds almost, but not quite, like my great-aunt's, which is fun because my great-aunt isn't the kind to worry about HR.
posted by Rustic Etruscan at 2:55 PM on March 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by Rustic Etruscan at 2:55 PM on March 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
Ahahahahah! I love this. I would work for crazy lady who likes 'em built like a mailbox.
posted by travertina at 5:05 PM on March 5, 2015
posted by travertina at 5:05 PM on March 5, 2015
I'm impressed with Greg's vocal range, actually.
posted by The Whelk at 5:09 PM on March 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by The Whelk at 5:09 PM on March 5, 2015 [1 favorite]
Bizarre and delightful. Can't wait to see what more Greg Nog has in store!
posted by Lexica at 5:56 PM on March 5, 2015
posted by Lexica at 5:56 PM on March 5, 2015
This is a lot of fun, and it is only going to get better once she figures out how to steal a client and ends up having to skip town...
Seriously though, I am enjoying this.
posted by capricorn at 7:47 PM on March 5, 2015
Seriously though, I am enjoying this.
posted by capricorn at 7:47 PM on March 5, 2015
I loved this. Please more please more
Also the meta-plot kind of reminded me of Scandal and I don't know how I feel about that but mostly good
posted by threeants at 8:34 PM on March 5, 2015
Also the meta-plot kind of reminded me of Scandal and I don't know how I feel about that but mostly good
posted by threeants at 8:34 PM on March 5, 2015
This is amazing. I would donate multiple bits of yarn and scraps of felt to this project.
posted by BlueJae at 8:34 AM on March 6, 2015
posted by BlueJae at 8:34 AM on March 6, 2015
The cool frog made me laugh more than I've laughed at anything in a while.
posted by Pizzarina Sbarro at 12:36 PM on March 6, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by Pizzarina Sbarro at 12:36 PM on March 6, 2015 [2 favorites]
Yes, that was some good Photoshoppin', Gables! I hope we someday see a glimpse of wherever he posts those to.
posted by ignignokt at 4:34 PM on March 6, 2015
posted by ignignokt at 4:34 PM on March 6, 2015
So I finally got around to watching this on the train because I can only put sunglasses on frogs at my office and not view youtube videos, and while I was doing so, a woman started loudly proselytizing on a very crowded train about how it wasn't too late for Jesus to save us all, so I'm sorry that none of you were able to experience the ideal way to watch this for the first time.
posted by MCMikeNamara at 5:00 PM on March 6, 2015 [10 favorites]
posted by MCMikeNamara at 5:00 PM on March 6, 2015 [10 favorites]
More of this, please. You're puppets now. (And yes, I don't usually even like things with puppets, so well done.)
posted by limeonaire at 6:51 AM on March 7, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by limeonaire at 6:51 AM on March 7, 2015 [1 favorite]
This has been in my head all day because I am sitting in work basically being Alma, looking at a massive spreadsheet that I have no clue what to do with, and listening to my boss talk in apparently a foreign language while I externally nod and internally have a nervous breakdown. I'm going to give up and photoshop glasses onto a frog.
posted by billiebee at 5:00 AM on March 9, 2015 [4 favorites]
posted by billiebee at 5:00 AM on March 9, 2015 [4 favorites]
I am really enjoying this.
posted by ocherdraco at 5:09 AM on March 13, 2015
posted by ocherdraco at 5:09 AM on March 13, 2015
I just spent a reeeally long time pausing it and squinting at my phone screen trying to work out what Glables was typing. Totally worth it.
posted by billiebee at 11:42 AM on March 13, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by billiebee at 11:42 AM on March 13, 2015 [1 favorite]
Okay so my parents saw this while I was showing it to my husband and they were like, "Oh, a Sesame Street spoof?" and I was like, "Ummmmmm, no." And then they were like, "Wow, that green Muppet has some issues."
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 8:15 PM on March 13, 2015
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 8:15 PM on March 13, 2015
But they felt like not being able to find the power being fucking haunting was a good point.
Apparently tomorrow I am going to be showing my parents all four episodes.
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 8:22 PM on March 13, 2015 [2 favorites]
Apparently tomorrow I am going to be showing my parents all four episodes.
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 8:22 PM on March 13, 2015 [2 favorites]
I dunno my mom did her thesis on Prufrock, she might like it. She's kind of into despair and inertia.
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 8:54 PM on March 13, 2015
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 8:54 PM on March 13, 2015
Oh my god the calendar that just says "Day" over and over again
posted by en forme de poire at 4:31 PM on March 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by en forme de poire at 4:31 PM on March 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
Just watched episode 4 and I NEED MOOOOORRREEEEE.
The tone is great, and the confusion delicious. I have no idea how long the sense of naivety will last for her, but I never want the unraveling to end.
posted by Theta States at 6:13 AM on March 16, 2015
The tone is great, and the confusion delicious. I have no idea how long the sense of naivety will last for her, but I never want the unraveling to end.
posted by Theta States at 6:13 AM on March 16, 2015
This is really great and I found myself pausing it in places to look for little Easter eggs. Like how every day on the calendar is just marked "Day."
omg.
posted by Theta States at 6:19 AM on March 16, 2015
omg.
posted by Theta States at 6:19 AM on March 16, 2015
Ahahahaha I love "HE WILL SPEAK YOUR FEARS" logpuppet
posted by en forme de poire at 2:53 PM on March 21, 2015
posted by en forme de poire at 2:53 PM on March 21, 2015
For some reason, all but one of the videos YouTube recommended to me after watching this most recent episode were from an anime called Tsuritama. (And the one exception was one from ABC News entitled "'Sugar Daddies' Hook Up With Young Women.")
I'm not quite sure what to think about this.
posted by ocherdraco at 5:06 PM on March 21, 2015
I'm not quite sure what to think about this.
posted by ocherdraco at 5:06 PM on March 21, 2015
Are there margaritas in hell Greg
posted by The Whelk at 8:37 PM on March 21, 2015 [3 favorites]
posted by The Whelk at 8:37 PM on March 21, 2015 [3 favorites]
lets all do some crazy dream shit
posted by naju at 1:48 AM on March 22, 2015 [4 favorites]
posted by naju at 1:48 AM on March 22, 2015 [4 favorites]
Looking good, Krebs! Looking... real... uh... real good.
posted by boo_radley at 3:36 PM on March 23, 2015
posted by boo_radley at 3:36 PM on March 23, 2015
I'mjustkiddin'you'renotanalligator.
My dog Xharl'ed up to me this morning and it was the sweetest thing. She looked kinda bluish in the early light.
posted by mochapickle at 9:58 AM on March 27, 2015
My dog Xharl'ed up to me this morning and it was the sweetest thing. She looked kinda bluish in the early light.
posted by mochapickle at 9:58 AM on March 27, 2015
"like a geigah countah at Seabrook."
I'm glad you're showing your New Hampshire roots, Greg.
posted by bondcliff at 11:41 AM on March 27, 2015 [3 favorites]
I'm glad you're showing your New Hampshire roots, Greg.
posted by bondcliff at 11:41 AM on March 27, 2015 [3 favorites]
when my footsteps disappeared, that is when I was busy improving my personal brand...?
kind of maybe
it'll be fine, it's fine, he's fine
posted by limeonaire at 11:23 AM on March 29, 2015 [1 favorite]
kind of maybe
it'll be fine, it's fine, he's fine
posted by limeonaire at 11:23 AM on March 29, 2015 [1 favorite]
GREAT XHARL
posted by The Whelk at 7:49 AM on April 3, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by The Whelk at 7:49 AM on April 3, 2015 [2 favorites]
That was both entertaining and also illuminating re: how uncomfortable it must have been for the druids of old and other occult rite participants to walk on dirt and cold stone in bare feet!
posted by ignignokt at 8:00 AM on April 3, 2015
posted by ignignokt at 8:00 AM on April 3, 2015
NB: be very wary of drinks offered by Greg Nog
posted by feckless fecal fear mongering at 8:24 AM on April 3, 2015
posted by feckless fecal fear mongering at 8:24 AM on April 3, 2015
This thread took a turn.
posted by Potomac Avenue at 11:43 AM on April 4, 2015
posted by Potomac Avenue at 11:43 AM on April 4, 2015
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posted by Potomac Avenue at 11:47 AM on March 5, 2015