I AM BIG BIRD Film Review

Our friend Gordon Yarley was lucky enough to attend the World Premiere of I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story at the Hot Docs International Film Festival in Toronto last night. Below is his review of the extraordinary documentary about an extraordinary man.

Gordon Yarley - Who is the man in the big yellow bird? The man responsible for bringing joy to millions world-wide, young and old, is known as Caroll Spinney, the very talented performer of both Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch for 45 years. A few years back we got the wonderful Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey about Kevin Clash, and it received high praise from critics and fans. This documentary based around Caroll Spinney’s life, seemed only natural (and overdue).

While multiple books have been written on the subject of Sesame Street, a book cannot contain video footage of the history. The sheer joy of seeing what is now referred to as Classic Sesame Street footage, both aired, and private behind the scenes made the sold out screening of this a wonderful documentary on the life and work of Caroll Spinney a truly incredible experience.

The one theme that ran throughout the movie was that of love, you could tell that Caroll has a lot of love to give, first to his work, and then to his friends, but mostly to his beloved wife, Debra. They both attended the screening and it was the first time they’d seen the movie in its entirety and they were very moved by it--as was the rest of the audience.

I Am Big Bird, is truly a remarkable movie. Looking at this from a fan’s perspective it was truly wonderful to see the behind the scenes rehearsal footage, as well as private parties and functions attended by the Muppet and Sesame Street families. The private footage was shot by Caroll and Debra over the years and it proved invaluable in helping to flesh out this wonderfully charming sweet man, who had nothing but praise for his friends and coworkers from Sesame Street.

One word of warning, make sure you have tissues nearby as there are multiple times where you will tear up, and it isn’t because of onions from Oscar's trash can. The inclusion of footage from Sesame Street with the death of Mr. Hooper where you see the power of Caroll’s performance as Big Bird truly goes down in history as a very memorable television moment. They also show Caroll performing Big Bird at Jim Henson’s funeral. The movie also touches on Caroll's past with an abusive father and shows how much he learned from his mother, who helped get him started on the path to puppeteery.

It is from the many interviews from fellow performers that you truly get to know what a kind, sweet man Caroll Spinney is, and how his past experiences have shaped the characters he performs today. While he may have trained Matt Vogel as a successor to Big Bird when he eventually steps down, it is clear that Caroll has no sign of stopping and as long as he can perform Big Bird and Oscar, he will.

One of the highlights of the evening for this writer was a talk back after the movie, where you could tell how touched Caroll and Debra were from all the love in the room. It was delightful to witness the charming sweet man talk about his life, his love and his career. Then he brought out Oscar--not Big Bird, since he requires a first class seat and Oscar can be put in the overhead storage. Watching Oscar performed live was truly a remarkable moment, one that won’t be forgotten.

Is this documentary worthy to own? Absolutely. Muppet fan or not, it is a very well made movie about the life and work of a remarkable man. Is there rewatchability? Yes. Though blown up on a big screen some of the older footage from television or the home movies understandably showed its age, it should be fine on a television watching at home. It was also extremely nice to see the actual Muppet performers themselves interviewed in the film. There's plenty of on-screen interviews from many of the primary Sesame Street performers.

Word of note, there is some language used in the movie and certain sections that might not be appropriate for small children. Understandably, this is first and foremost an adult-aimed documentary. Despite this, however, everything shown in the film truly shows how utterly wonderful Caroll and Debra are as people and as a family, and everyone should strive to live life like them and show love towards everyone. I would have appreciated if dates could have been pointed out, as the film jumped back and forth quite a lot at times and it might be a bit hard for non-obsessed fans to follow along.

For the minor faults mentioned above, they don’t detract away from the charm and heart threaded throughout and I Am Big Bird is a wonderful documentary. There were many scenes, interviews, and home videos that had to be cut, and I hope that they will include more on the upcoming DVD release.

Overall I enjoyed that the documentary didn’t white wash any subjects and took a real, honest look at Caroll's life and legacy. Not only do I feel genuinely changed by watching it, but I feel happier for having grown up with Big Bird and Oscar on my television screen as a child. Caroll Spinney is quite a remarkable man and I Am Big Bird is a remarkable documentary.

Five Stars out of Five. Or Five Feathers out of Five Feathers.

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com

I Am Big Bird Reviews Are In

I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story will have its world premiere this Sunday at the Canadian International Film Hot Docs Festival. Reviews of the Copper Pot Pictures documentary are already filtering in, and there isn't a bad one in the bunch. Check out some of the great reviews below!

DorkShelf Review by Andrew Parker
"Aside from being a remarkably well crafted and guileless tearjerker, Walker and LaMattina have also created a brilliantly comprehensive biography of one of the Muppets’ most unsung heroes, combining rare home video footage shot by Spinney and his wife and in-depth and insightful interviews with those who know him best. Nothing is left untouched regardless of how negative or “un-Sesame” it might appear. It’s the beautiful, sometimes melancholic, and always heart tugging story of a man who wanted nothing more than to make people happy. I started crying mere minutes into the film and didn’t stop for the entire running time. Bring multiple boxes of tissues. This is not an exaggeration or suggestion."

SceneCreek Review by Anthony Marcusa
Spinney, it’s explained by friends, colleagues, and his wife, is in fact Big Bird, from the way in which he enjoys simple pleasures in life to his almost naïve look at the world. What’s perhaps most interesting, aside from the complicated inner workings it takes to actually wield the massive yellow costume, is how everyone seems to be in agreement about just how peculiar and refreshing Spinney really is.

The Globe and Mail Article/Review by Dave McGinn
"This idea was really, in its basic form, 'Hey, it's really cool one guy’s been doing this for so long,' " says Dave LaMattina, who co-directed the documentary. But after meeting Spinney and delving into his life story, LaMattina and his partner, Chad Walker, knew they had a story that was much richer and more nuanced than that novel fact.

The Star Review by Bruce DeMara
The film will remind audiences of the important role Big Bird (and the man in the yellow suit) played in shaping both culture, children’s education and even politics.

Pretty Clever Films Review by Brandy Dean
These sorts of docs always have the potential for a being a big of a drag. After all, Carol Spinney is just a man and sometimes people are just boring. But do not fear. It turns out that Carol Spinney is just as much bird – if not more – than man. You already love Big Bird, but after watching I Am Bird Bird, you’ll fall in love with the man who brings him to life as well.

I don't know about you, Muppet fans, but I'm so completely thrilled to see this film. We'll keep you posted about when and where you can see I Am Big Bird as soon as we have more info!

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com

I Am Big Bird Premiere and Screenings Coming Soon

I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story has been finished for awhile now, and last month we were so busy covering Muppets Most Wanted that we missed the huge news of the film's premiere date and location! I Am Big Bird will have it's World Premiere at Hot Docs, the Canadian International Film Festival at the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema on April 27th! The World Premiere will feature appearances from the entire filmmaking crew and Caroll Spinney himself. For more information, visit the Hot Docs website.

There will be four other screenings of I Am Big Bird at Hot Docs on April 28th, April 30th, May 1st, and May 4th. If you're in the area or able to head there, this is a can't-miss opportunity to see the film well before its full release. Again, see the Hot Docs website for more information on tickets and locations.

The film will have its debut in the US on Saturday, May 3rd at the Montclair Film Festival in Montclair, New Jersey. Again, Caroll Spinney WILL be in attendance, so this is another can't-miss opportunity for those on the East Coast in the New York/New Jersey area. There are sure to be even more screenings of I Am Big Bird coming in the near future as the film expands to other festivals and (hopefully) into a wider, albeit still limited, release. We'll keep you posted as more information becomes available about where you can see I Am Big Bird!

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, mupetmindset@gmail.com

Happy 80th Birthday, Caroll Spinney!

Our favorite Christmas carol of all didn't first come around until the day after Christmas... Caroll Spinney, the man who has brought life to Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch for 44 years, turns 80 years old today! I was lucky enough to have met Caroll (and Oscar) last year, and it's just such an honor to say I know this incredibly amazing man--this true living legend. Thank you, Caroll Spinney for everything. We love you!

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com

Muppet Fan Testimonials: Josh Hankemeier

Josh Hankemeier - What can I say that hasn't already been said by fans of Jim Henson and the Muppets?

Thanks to Jim Henson and his colleagues, I have developed a great appreciation for the arts. Muppeteers aren't just "doll wigglers." Frank Oz is a director, Fran Brill is also known for her voice-work in commercials and other places. Jerry Nelson was a musician in his own right (Truro Daydreams). Caroll Spinney was an illustrator and animator years before he set foot on Sesame Street. Most Muppet fans know this, but Caroll Spinney's most famous illustration appeared in Sesame Street's most memorable moment. I refer to, of course, the caricature of Mr. Looper... I mean Hooper.

While thinking about what to write for this testimonial, I considered mentioning some of my favorite collectibles, Muppet moments in TV and movies, even the day I heard that Jim Henson had passed away. I thought about mentioning a list of Muppet-related things I think of during my daily routine. (To cite a single example: there are frequent thunderstorms during the summer where I live. When these storms occur, a bold Transylvanian laugh, "Ah, ah, ah," either runs through my head or slips out of my mouth).

After some thought, I decided to zero in on one specific date and time: August 4, 2012, 1:00PM. This was when I married my sweetheart Jeni Rizio. Although the wedding had some very traditional elements, it also had subtle (and not so subtle) Henson influences. The regular attendee would not catch most of them, but to those with fine-tuned "Muppet senses" could easily detect the influences interwoven throughout that hour.

First up, Jeni and I are friends of Caroll and Debi Spinney. Jeni has known Caroll since 2001 and runs www.carollspinney.net. Caroll and Debi were present when I popped the question on June 19, 2010. Caroll was nice enough to make a little drawing of Jeni and I as "Big Birds" and told us (in Oscar's voice) "Normally, I'd say have a rotten day or rotten anything, but I ain't saying that. Have a beautiful, loving, never forget to tell you how much you love each other marriage." Then he pointed to Debi and (in Big Bird's voice) said "This is Little Bird, so we know what it's like." Debi agreed by saying "Don't have a rotten marriage!" The illustration Caroll drew was reprinted (with Caroll's permission) in the order of service bulletins for the wedding.

The wedding ceremony began with some prelude music. One of the pieces played was "Gelfling Song." Kira's voice never sounded so beautiful as it did coming from the ceiling speakers. It was my turn to walk down the aisle first. Long ago, I had chosen the song "Music Box" from Fraggle Rock to be "my" wedding march song. Fraggle fans will know this is song was from "The Lost Treasure of Fraggle Rock," composed by Phillip Balsam (or if you prefer) by Dwight at the Time of the Third Drafting.

As I walked down the aisle, I wore a tuxedo and a top hat. Back when I picked my tuxedo to rent, I showed the owner of the shop a photo of the type of tux I wanted: it was a traditional one... worn by Luis (Emilio Delgado) from the wedding of Maria and Luis on Sesame Street. A gold pin featuring Kermit on his bicycle was on my lapel.

My top hat was not exactly like a Fred Astaire top hat, but one with a curled brim and a flared crown. Except for being black, it closely resembled the hat worn by the only version of Charles Dickens with a wise-cracking rat as a companion. Tucked in the hatband was a tuft of bright yellow: an authentic Big Bird feather. Speaking of our favorite blue weirdo, I was reminded of the many times Gonzo wore a black tuxedo, whether it was in action figure form, imitating James Bond or preparing to marry Madeline Kahn. In a way, that's what I was: the eccentric, silly weirdo lucky enough to find a beautiful girl.

I walked slowly past the custom-made wedding cake. It was a replica of Ma and Pa Gorg's wedding cake from the Fraggle Rock episode "Ring Around the Rock." My Ma and Pa PVC figures stood on top, just as the same type of PVC figures did in the episode. Thanks to Muppet Wiki, a photo of Junior accompanied it to show people the comparison. I even made Ma a bridal train and some flowers for her hair and hand, just like in the episode. I've heard of a few Kermit and Miss Piggy-themed wedding cakes, but never a Gorg one... well, until now!

I paused before approaching the Justice of the Peace. Next to my Best Man, a large table was filled with photographs. My wife and I had decided to honor those dear to our hearts who were not there for the wedding. It was a mixture of those who had passed away, those who couldn't make it due to their distance and those who we never even met, but who meant a lot to us all the same. I silently thanked my late mother, my father, and great grandparents. Near to them were the following two photos: one was of Caroll and Debi Spinney. The other was of six guys (Jim Henson, Frank Oz, Richard Hunt, Jerry Nelson, Dave Goelz, and Steve Whitmire) whom I'm sure regular readers of this site would recognize. I thanked the people in those photos as well. No one reading this article needs me to explain why those pictures were there. Muppet fans understand.

As I put the purple arc anthurium and upright heliconia flowers in the vase next to my mother and father's picture, the Fraggles chanted to the tune of "Music Box." Between the flowers, I saw a miniature radish... Geraldine, lovingly cradled in Junior Gorg's hands. It was part of a sculpture I created for my aunt and uncle some years ago: Marjory the Trash Heap peered at the wedding party through her lorgnette with Philo and Gunge on her shoulders. The miniature replica of the Gorgs' Castle, garden and even the exterior of Fraggle Rock surrounded them all, including Ma and Pa. The onion dome of the bell tower loomed behind the pictures and a box meant for cards for the bride and groom. On one side of the box was a photo of Milton the Golden Toad and Ruth from "Song of the Cloud Forest." (GoldenToad was my name on the dating website where I found my wife).

"Music Box" came to its end just as I turned around to face the congregation. My bride, led by her father, walked slowly down the aisle to her own song. Ultimately, she chose a song not related to Jim Henson, but one of the songs she seriously considered was the Phillip Glass piece from "Geometry of Circles." When the Justice of the Peace began to speak, I was reminded of a portion of the text my wife an I had chosen. Along with the simple vows and the Lord's Prayer, a few lines were included. Again, to those in attendance, it sounded very basic. To us, however, it was yet another Muppet-related reference. Except for the names, this passage was directly quoted from Maria and Luis's wedding:

"Josh and Jeni are making a promise today... a promise to share their lives together. A promise to help one another and care for each other and love each other for the rest of their lives. They are celebrating this promise in front of you, the people they love most: their friends and their families."

The recessional music was not very audible, but was scheduled to be "Funky Chimes" by Joe Raposo. Since the wedding was catered, no one had to worry about any suspicious dishes made by certain unintelligible, Scandinavian cook. The Maid of Honor made a very flattering speech, including this quote by Kermit:

"I really do believe that all of you are at the beginning of a wonderful journey. As you start traveling down that road of life, remember this: There are never enough comfort stops. The places you're going to are never on the map. And once you get that map out, you won't be able to re-fold it no matter how smart you are.  So forget the map, roll down the windows, and whenever you can pull over and have picnic with a pig. And if you can help it never fly as cargo."

When my bride and I left the building, I tipped my top hat to the crowd. As I did, I took one last look at the gathering of family, friends and interspersed references to my heroes. It was a lovely day. One year has passed since then... and my wife and I continue to cherish the fond memories of that day, and look forward to future Muppety adventures. As it said on our wedding order of service, "Life's a happy song when there's someone by your side to sing along." Indeed it is.

My love to you forever and always, my lovely wife...my dear, sweet Jeni.  Happy first Anniversary.

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com

News Update: February 7, 2013

NEWS UPDATE: February 7, 2013

The Muppets... Again is currently filming over in London and last week Disney released some awesome publicity stills for the upcoming film. Well, our friends at StitchKingdom.com have posted all of the released images in hi-resolution, including the picture below, which we missed last week. Enjoy!

Master Muppet songwriter Paul Williams (The Muppet Movie, The Muppet Christmas Carol, Emmett Otter's Jug-Band Christmas) will be a guest on CBS's The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. This is exciting for many reasons: One, because Craig Ferguson is my personal favorite late night talk show host. Two, because Craig is a Muppet fan and will most likely ask Paul about working with Kermit and friends. Third, Paul is awesome and I'm sure he'll be great on the show. So set your DVRs (or your VCRs, if you're still there, I guess) or tune in tonight to see Paul Williams on the show! If you miss it, be on the lookout for clips from the appearance here on The Muppet Mindset!

The folks who brought us a release of A Special Sesame Street Christmas on DVD last year are releasing the 1978 special Julie Andrews: One Step Into Spring on DVD on April 23rd. Why should this matter to Muppet fans? Because the Muppets play a big part in this special. Kermit, Miss Piggy, Rowlf, and a whole bunch of other Muppets appear to sing and play along with Julie Andrews. I've never seen the special, so I don't know if it's worth buying just for the Muppet parts. In any case, the DVD is available for pre-order on Amazon now.

On the final page of their "Farewell: Remember the Friends We Lost in 2012" issue, LIFE Magazine released a gorgeous tribute to Muppeteer Jerry Nelson, who passed away in August. The tribute was illustrated by Caroll Spinney with some incredible words written by the LIFE people. You can see our exclusive scan of the page below. Make sure you click on the picture to make it bigger to read the entire beautiful tribute.

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com

News Update: December 8, 2012

NEWS UPDATE: December 8, 2012

Let me just preface this by saying that I can't remember the last time we did two News Updates in one week... but this week has been jam-packed with Muppet news and content, so... here we go!

As we reported earlier this week, Kermit the Frog appeared on NBC's 30 Rock on Thursday night. He only had a brief appearance near the end, but it was a perfect cameo. Check out Kermit as he joins Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin) for the greatest eulogy of all time in the video below!



Speaking of everyone's favorite frog, Kermit also stopped by the TV Guide offices while he was in New York last week to film a video as part of their "Cubicle Confessions" series. It's a really fantastic and fun little clip with rapid-fire questions for Kermit, including his favorite TV shows! Watch below!




Last Friday I wrote up an article about my time spent with Caroll Spinney at the University of Illinois. As I mentioned in the article, video footage of Caroll's entire lecture might be on the way... and I was right! So check out the video below for exclusive video from the event featuring Caroll Spinney and Oscar the Grouch, all filmed by our friend Josh Hankemeier!




In news that you don't have to watch a video for, a few days ago Grammy nominations came out and it was announced that The Muppets was nominated for two Grammy Awards! One for Best Compilation Soundtrack For Visual Media and one for "Man or Muppet" for Best Song Written For Visual Media. This is just another entry on the list of the tons of awards The Muppets has been nominated for/won. Hopefully Bret McKenzie and the Muppets be able to add two more statues to shiny gold statues to their shelves when the winners are announced!

Finally, in official casting news for the next Muppet movie, ABC's Modern Family's funny-man Ty Burrell has officially signed on for the film! The Hollywood Reporter broke the story last night, revealing that Burrell would take the role previously offered to Christoph Waltz, who is too committed to other projects to be in the movie. Burrell will play "one of the key roles" in the movie, that of an Interpol inspector. I don't know about you, Muppet fans, but I think this is a phenomenal casting choice. Ty Burrell is fantastically funny and incredibly goofy and a perhaps perfect performer to play alongside the Muppets. I can't wait to see him in the movie! (And I just can't wait to see the movie.)





The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com

Spending Time with Caroll Spinney

Ryan Dosier - On Wednesday night this week, yours truly traveled about three hours north from where I live to Champaign, Illinois to the University of Illinois to be in attendance as the legendary Caroll Spinney visited to talk about his amazing life and career. Obviously, this was a huge deal for me, as Mr. Spinney is an obvious hero of mine so getting the chance to see him in person was just astounding. If you're wondering why The Muppet Mindset didn't mention this appearance anywhere, I was asked by the group organizers to keep it quiet and not spread it around to try and keep it within the school... but luckily I was able to attend.

I arrived early enough to get a seat in the second row, directly behind my friends Josh Hankemeir and his wife Jeni Rizio, who you may remember runs Caroll's personal website (CarollSpinney.net), and whom we interviewed a few months ago. The both of them are good friends with Caroll and his wife Debi and it was so much fun getting to hang out with them for the rest of the night.

Soon after I arrived, the Spinneys arrived as well. I was incredibly intimidated so introduce myself to Caroll, so I just stayed silent for awhile. Caroll's wife Debi sat down next to Josh and I garnered some courage to introduce myself to her. Debi is honestly the sweetest, most engaging person. I had such wonderful conversations with her and after I gave her my business card, she promised she would introduce me to Caroll. She really is the best!

Soon after that, the lecture/talk/whatever got started as Caroll took the stage. I can't tell you what a joy it was to listen to Caroll discuss his life and his career in person. I've read Caroll's magnificent book The Wisdom of Big Bird, I've seen videos of him talking about his career, but getting to see the man himself tell these timeless stories again in person is an unforgettable memory for me. He recounted his story of developing Oscar's voice from a grumpy cab driver, how Jim Henson hired him after a disastrous puppet performance about which Jim said, "I liked what you were trying to do," and stories of working with Bob Hope, traveling to China, and being a truly saint-like man who has influenced generations of children.

The most powerful story he told, and one I don't think I had heard before, involved a sick young boy named Joey. Joey's father wrote Caroll a letter telling him about his son. He was dying of cancer and was very, very sad. The only time young Joey would smile was when Big Bird came on the television. Joey's father asked Caroll if he would call Joey. Of course Caroll did, and spoke to Joey as both Big Bird and Oscar for a few minutes. A few weeks later, Caroll received another letter from Joey's father. As Joey hung up the phone with Caroll he turned to his parents, smiled, and said, "Big Bird is my friend and he loves me." And... well, then Joey closed his eyes peacefully, with a smile. There were tears in the eyes of everyone I saw in the audience, and Caroll had to hold back his own tears. It was a truly beautiful, moving tale of Big Bird's incredible influence, not just on a mass scale, but on a micro, personal level as well.

Throughout the lecture, Caroll would bring out the one and only Oscar the Grouch to keep the attention of some of the young kids in the audience with their parents. It was truly incredible watching as Caroll and Oscar argued with each other, as Oscar insulted Caroll, and as Caroll controlled the whole room with Oscar's grouchiness. There I was, watching two television legends just a few feet in front of me. It was amazing, to say the least. Caroll proved himself over and over again to be every bit as wonderful as I could have hoped. Touching, hilarious, brilliant, and just plain delightful.

After the lecture came the most exciting moment: a photo-op/autograph session with Caroll and Oscar! It was completely unexpected, but Caroll is such a fantastic person that he sat for over an hour signing things, taking pictures with Oscar, and talking to the folks who were in the audience. This gave me two irreplaceable new items for my collection: a signed picture of Big Bird and my picture with Oscar the Grouch and Caroll Spinney. As we were waiting to get a picture, I kept telling Jeni and Josh that I was going to frown in the picture with Oscar. However, once I got up there and Oscar shook my hand and said, "Hey fella," I couldn't help but grin like a crazy person. After the picture I hugged Oscar... and I'm just now realizing that's the first time I've hugged a Muppet. Wow. Anyway... here's the picture.

In the end, my time spent with Caroll Spinney, his wife Debi, Oscar the Grouch, and fellow Muppet fans was yet another insanely amazing experience in my Muppet fan life. Caroll Spinney is perhaps the nicest, most genuine person I've had the honor of meeting. But beyond that, he is an icon and a hero and an undeniable legend. Meeting Caroll was like meeting a part of Jim Henson himself, a man who has committed his life to teaching children and making the world smile. Thank you, Caroll.

I also have to say a special thank you to I Am Big Bird director Dave LaMattina for letting the Spinneys know I was coming to the event.





The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com

Interview with Caroll Spinney Fan-Site Operator Jeni Rizio

Today's interview is with Jeni Rizio, the webmaster of The Official Caroll Spinney Fan Page located at CarollSpinney.net. Since 2001, Jeni has provided the world at large with personal stories, interviews, and more direct from Caroll Spinney. Today she shares with us some of her favorite Caroll moments, the joys of running the website, and the reasons why you should donated to I Am Big Bird on Kickstarter! This interview was conducted before Copper Pot Pictures and I Am Big Bird reached its $100,000 goal yesterday, but you can (and should) still donate if you haven't yet! Enjoy the interview!

Interview with Jeni Rizio

conducted by Ryan Dosier

RYAN:   Our promotion for the upcoming documentary about Caroll Spinney, I Am Big Bird, continues this week as we talk with Jeni Rizio, the operator of Caroll Spinney’s official website: carollspinney.net, and personal friend of Mr. Spinney. Welcome to The Muppet Mindset, Jeni! Can we offer you anything?

JENI:   Thank you for taking the time to interview me. I humbly appreciate it. I'll take a cuppa joe, thank you.

RYAN:   How did you first get involved with Caroll Spinney?

JENI:   Back in the year 2000, not long after I got my Bachelor's degree in graphic design, I sent Caroll a fan letter and some fan art, expressing my appreciation for him as a performer and visual artist. To show how much his work meant to me over the years, and how much I wanted to show it to other people, I offered to create a fan site for him. Not long after I sent the letter to the fan address, I got a letter back from Caroll, complete with drawings of Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch (which you can see on carollspinney.net). I, of course, jumped for joy at the sight of it!

Caroll does not have access to the internet. A week later, I got an email from an friend of Caroll's, who provided me with some of the content for the site and through him, I had a conference call with Caroll. Through him, I got to know Caroll and then Caroll gave me the OK to publish the fan site.

RYAN:   When did you begin The Official Caroll Spinney Fan Page? 

JENI:   It first went live in April of 2001.

RYAN:   What are the best parts of running Caroll's official fan page?

JENI:   The best parts are being able to help Caroll, whether it's through posting events, promoting the I AM BIG BIRD Kickstarter campaign, or helping people get in touch with him since he does not have access to the internet. I truly enjoy helping others and if I can help someone who has been an inspiration to so many people all over the world, then I know I am giving back.

RYAN:   What are some of your favorite Caroll Spinney stories?

JENI:   I truly enjoy the story of how he met his wife, Debi. People can read about it detail in his book The Wisdom of Big Bird. They are soulmates for certain and demonstrate true love for each other; an inspiration to couples all over the world. Another story was when we were hanging out at a restaurant in NYC at lunchtime and Caroll had to drink down his soup all at once because he had to hurry back to set. That's show business for you.

RYAN:   What are your favorite Big Bird moments? 

JENI:   There are so many to pick from! Big Bird and Snuffy imagining themselves at the disco is one of classics, as it features my favorite Sister Sledge music in the background. I also enjoyed seeing Big Bird on the Electric Company.

RYAN:   What about Oscar the Grouch?

JENI:   My favorite Oscar bit is when he reads random names out of the phone book, like it is a story. Also, Josh can do a pretty darn good Oscar impression, and as we were saying our goodbyes to Caroll and Debi, Josh said "Have a Rotten Day" in Oscar voice and, of course, Oscar answered back. 

RYAN:   Tell us about your involvement with I Am Big Bird.

JENI:   Dave LaMattina, of Copper Pot Pictures, contacted me directly, asking if I can become a Kickstarter Ambassador. I have been very busy promoting the Kickstarter campaign on my Twitter feed, Facebook page and on Carollspinney.net. In addition to sharing Copper Pot's media through said resources, I have been posting some of my own.

RYAN:   Why do you feel that Muppet fans should get involved and donate to help I Am Big Bird get made?

JENI:   Caroll deserves this film, plain and simple. You can help make it happen, AND get in return not only the satisfaction of making it a reality, but some neat stuff as well. 

RYAN:   What is the most important thing that you've learned from Caroll Spinney?

JENI:   Be yourself.

RYAN:   Thank you so much for taking the time to participate in this interview, Jeni! Is there anything that you would like to say to Muppet fans?

JENI: You're welcome! Thank you for taking the time to interview me!

For tons of classic Caroll Spinney photos, videos, drawings and to show your support, please visit the I AM BIG BIRD Twitter feed.

Check out the direct link to the I AM BIG BIRD Kickstarter campaign.

Please follow me on Twitter for Caroll Spinney news and more.

Thank you again for your support! It is an incredible joy being a part of this project!

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com