Supermarionation/Marionettes

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The creators of ‘Supermarionation’ puppets were Gerry and Syliva Anderson at ‘Anderson Provis’ studios in the 1960s, this iconic puppet style is used in television productions such as ‘Thunderbirds’, ‘Stingray’ and ‘Captain Scarlet’. The origin of the word ‘Supermarionation’ itself was derived by Gerry Anderson, combining the words “super”, “marionette” and “animation” which Anderson said “promoted the quality” of their work. 

How is it constructed? 

• The construction of these particular puppets is very similar to the likes of marionette puppets, being controlled by strings above. However, what makes supermarionation particularly individual is their appearance, particularly the movable lower lip. 
• Fun fact: condoms were one of the first materials tested to cover the area below the lower lip, however they instead chose good quality leather as the solution.
• Main weight is supported by three tungsten steel head strings, two at the back of the head behind both ears and one at the front just behind the hairline; as well as an additional two attached to both arms. The wires are attached to a control frame which can be used easily to manipulate the upper body movement on the puppet. For scenes where the puppet is standing up, the puppets are wired differently, two on both shoulders, hips, knees and ankles, and one attached to the back. 
• There is also a mechanism which controls the movement of the eyes, also attached to a wire which can be controlled by the main frame held by the puppeteer. 
• Later on in the process of making the puppet, it was decided that the puppets were made electronically in order to make the puppets’ bottom lip move in sync with the previously recorded dialogue. 
• The heads of extras and incidental characters are ready-made shells with eye and lip-sync mechanisms inserted which are then built up with plasticine 
• *marionette - means the puppet is controlled from above using strings or wire.

* There are many materials that can be used to make a supermarionation puppet; recycled plastic, wood, papier mache, clay (quite heavy). For the details such as hair, thread can be used as well as wadding from cushions, or even hair from an old doll or wig.

Click below for inspiration:

Joseph Cashore shares his inspiration and working methods