In this episode of Six Degrees of Cancer, we speak with Toby Philpott, an entertainer who performed in many different films, including Jim Henson's The Dark Crystal, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, and is most well-known for his role as one of Jabba the Hutt's puppeteers, who performed his left hand, tongue, and body in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. Toby explains how his career in film took off and the lessons he learned from working alongside director Jim Henson. Listen in to learn why creativity and relaxation were of utmost importance working with puppets and other creatures in the practical effects process of filmmaking. Top Takeaways The importance of creativity and enthusiasm when performing on film and live shows. Learning to be a team player playing your individual part to help produce a group product. Understanding how practical effects were implemented in films plus how they were outdone by CGI in the late 80s. Episode Timeline [0:49] Intro [1:33] Toby’s experience of the pandemic as an introvert living in a less populated country area. [4:08] The exotic travel adventures from Toby’s younger years. [6:17] He narrates the beginning of his performing career and overall experience alongside Jim Henson. [22:16] He explains how he got the Jabba the Hutt job. [24:39] The original non-computer-generated process that was used to create the Who Framed Roger Rabbit film. [29:29] When Toby’s career in films came to an end, plus why The Dark Crystal was his favorite film. [32:59] He explains why he’s not a Star Wars fan due to lack of interest and practical effects in the prequels and sequels. [38:01] The memorable moments that Toby had with his fans long before Google and social media. Memorable Quotes “If you're going to be a member of a team, trust everybody else to do their bit.” “There are no human beings [in The Dark Crystal], so you have no reference for how big or small anything is. That's why he [Jim Henson] wanted us working in weird positions, because most aliens, let's face it…are humanoids with a funny head.” “I didn't know about the [Star Wars] fan base.” Links Official Website: http://www.tobyphilpott.uk (www.tobyphilpott.uk) Order Autographed Photos: https://sites.google.com/site/jabbahutt2/signing-jabba-pix (https://sites.google.com/site/jabbahutt2/signing-jabba-pix) IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0680975/ (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0680975/) Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toby_Philpott (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toby_Philpott) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toby.ph (https://www.facebook.com/toby.ph) Twitter: https://twitter.com/bogusmagus (https://twitter.com/bogusmagus) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toby-philpott-32682110/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/toby-philpott-32682110/) Vimeo 20-min Filmumentary: https://vimeo.com/118751672 (https://vimeo.com/118751672) Library Talk “From Juggler to Jabba”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKsYeiVSjkI (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKsYeiVSjkI) Films The Dark Crystal: https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/the-dark-crystal/id469333419 (https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/the-dark-crystal/id469333419) Labyrinth: https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/labyrinth/id553393377 (https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/labyrinth/id553393377) Star Wars: Return of the Jedi: https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/star-wars-return-of-the-jedi/id976965981 (https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/star-wars-return-of-the-jedi/id976965981) Support this podcast
