Frequently Asked Questions
HOW MUCH DOES A CUSTOM PUPPET Character COST?
Price considerations vary depending on your specific requirements. To provide you with an accurate estimate, we encourage you to reach out to us with your project details. Feel free to share any concept art you may have to help us better understand your vision. Whether you're interested in features like blinking eyes or other mechanisms, please provide us with as much information as possible. Rest assured, requesting an estimate is completely obligation-free and comes at no cost.
How Long does it take to make a custom character?
The construction timeline for your character hinges on several factors, including our team's existing workload and the intricacy of your design. Generally, a standard build typically spans a minimum of 6-8 weeks. If you require any type of mechanism, please allow an additional 2-3 weeks. For more elaborate projects such as full-body costumes and walk-around characters, the production timeline may extend from 3 to 6 months.
Do I fully own the rights to the character after purchasing it?
The creative process for bringing your custom puppet to life is a collaboration between your idea and our expertise. While the initial concept is yours, the transformation from a mere drawing to a tangible 3D object depends on our team’s craftsmanship and skill.
When you invest in a custom puppet, you will receive a contract that grants you the right to use the character in visual media, promotional advertising, or personal ministry purposes with no intention of profit. Please note that all other rights are retained by Kristofer Sommerfeld Productions.
It's important to highlight that we do not sell duplicates of your character to anyone else. If you wish to acquire additional rights for media, products, or any other profit-oriented purposes, we offer options through licensing contracts or a full buy-out fee. This allows you to secure all future rights related to the character's use. For more details, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Please be aware that Kristofer Sommerfeld Productions maintains sole ownership of patterns, materials, personal designs, building techniques, prototypes, and any other elements associated with the construction process, and we do not relinquish these rights.
Can you also build sets and props?
Our extensive experience in puppetry equips us to craft a wide range of props and sets tailored to your unique needs. Moreover, we excel in the art of designing props and sets that seamlessly complement puppetry performances, ensuring a smooth and captivating production.
It's worth noting that Dave Privett, a member of our team, has earned two Emmy Awards in recognition of his exceptional set and prop design contributions to puppet-based video projects. This accolade underscores our commitment to delivering top-tier craftsmanship and innovation in the world of puppetry.
Can we visit your workshop for a tour?
At Kristofer Sommerfeld Productions, we adhere to a closed-shop policy, which means we do not accommodate drop-in visitors. However, we do, on occasion, arrange scheduled tours for those interested. If you are keen on exploring the possibility of scheduling a tour, please feel free to get in touch with us, and we will be happy to provide you with more information.
For those eager to delve deeper into the art of puppet and character construction, it's worth noting that Kristofer and our talented team are available to offer conference teachings and conduct construction workshops. We are dedicated to sharing our expertise and knowledge in this creative field.