I'm an artist from Tennessee and I've been into many things creatively: When I was a kid (around 10yrs old I think) I was doing magic shows and was even a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians. I met several ventriloquist at the IBM Event in Gatlinburg and still have some photo/s autographs from then; I had even gotten a ventriloquist dummy, but didn't get far with it at that time (also stopped doing magic back then shortly after meeting David Copperfield and figuring out how his tricks worked just from seeing them in person.) I had made several of the smaller magic tricks people showed me once I knew how to do them.
When I turned 15 work sotra took over my life but I started making small makeup effects for Halloween (which were excellent compared to anything else people were doing.) Since graduating then I've learnt to do a little 3d art: http://www.antoniorobbins.com/

I've always loved makeing things and here lately I've been wanting to try to build a couple of puppets. Thing is, I'm not looking to hand puppets, marionettes,  or the classic ventriloquist puppets, but another method I've seen but can't find any information on: Cable controlled puppets. The basis is the character is held or on a surface and the head rotation (X & Y) and mouth movement are being controlled by cables that run into the puppet. I Know I've seen this done TONS of time for puppets being used in movies and commercials, but don't know the name for it nor where to find information on getting the neck rotations right!

Anyone know how this is done, or somewhere I can get information on it?

Thanks!

I don't know that much about cable controlled puppets or how to build them. I would like to Welcome you to Puppets and Stuff. We are so glad you join our group. A 3-D artist we now have to add to the many talented members here at P&S. I'm sure some one will be here shortly to give you the information you need. Make your self at home.

Billy D.

I believe there is a place  called www.fantasypuppet.com they make cable dragons...you might want contact them...you can also reach them at woodbaby@juno.com...


Hope this is helpful.
Sincerely,


Spoon

Welcome to puppets and stuff.  Good luck on your research.  Let us know if your find any good resources for cable controlled puppets.  right now I'm trying to figure out how to design a rod controlling mechanism for a puppet I have in the design phase.  so I'd be interested in learning other methods of opperation as well.

Why not just google 'animatronics'? There are heaps of sites out there that would cover the topic.

Welcome by the way!

Look at the Animatronics section of PuppetBuilding.com. It's by no means comprehensive, but includes a lot of info about cable mechanisms and animatronics. There is also some useful info in the hand/rod puppet section that might be applicable.