THE ART OF PUPPETRY
PUPPENSPIELKUNST / sound design
Sound design Concept:
The goal was to create music compositions, sound design, and audio post-production in order to support the aesthetics and storytelling of the 40-minute documentary film about the Puppetry Department at HfS Ernst Busch.
The film showcases the work of the puppeteers at Ernst Busch and highlights the school’s creative environment. Through original music compositions, creative audio design, and the technical cleanup/restoration of recorded dialogue, the artistry of the participants was brought to the forefront in this audio-visual documentary.
Original Music Compositions:
Music compositions, inspired by vintage circuses, old music boxes and variety shows, support the performances of the puppeteers and emphasize the magic of puppetry. A combination of modern electronic beats with acoustic VST instruments blend together to create a unique sound with a nostalgic and memorable vibe.
10 individual compositions were made to accompany the variety of scenes.
Puppeteer: Alexander Finger
foleys and sound effects:
Grandma Puppeteer: Liquid Nestler
The film features a grandma puppet who enters to to turn on a mechanism which activates stage curtains that reveal the next scene.
Sound effects had to be layered and edited to create a convincing sound as well as foley recordings for the puppet’s footsteps.
A jazzy tune inspired by 30’s music and vintage grammophones was composed to accompany her scenes.
DIALOG EDITING & Cleanup:
Recorded interviews were edited and cleaned up for clarity. This process included the removal of interfering background noises, distracting breaths or miss-speaks, as well as leveling in compliance with standard European Broadcast Union guidelines.
Dialog sample with backround noise:
Dialog sample after cleanup:
Puppeteer speaking: Mario Pannach
Check out the Trailer Here
Credits:
Filmed, Edited, with Sound-Design, and Music by: Talissa Mehringer © 2025
Production Assistant: Manzanabeja
Puppetry Students:
Gerda Pethke, Christine Zeides, Mario Pannach, Liquid Nestler, Gwentsche Kollewijn, Madita Kuhfuhs, Hannah Elischer, Alexander Finger
HfS Ernst Busch Professors:
Roscha A. Säidow, Madga Lena Schlott, Jonathan Gentilhomme, Ingo Mewes