.
.
For those of you familiar with the site, you probably already know I had an extra-special moment this year at the South by Southwest Film Festival, when I got to tickle the actual Elmo in front of a packed theater. The documentary BEING ELMO was one of my most-anticipated films to watch at the fest this year, especially after hearing so much about it following the Sundance premiere. My review is coming soon (very soon, I promise), but let’s just say that since being announced as one of the films at this year’s Dallas International Film Festival, I’m more than anxious to see it again. During my SXSW trip, I had the honor of sitting down with the creative minds behind the film, and the master puppeteer Kevin Clash – the man who IS Elmo. It’s always fun to pick the brain of someone responsible for a great documentary, but when it’s something like this, the interview suddenly becomes a unique pleasure the likes of which can’t be measured. I was raised on SESAME STREET and THE MUPPETS, and those characters (to me at least) remain some of the most special and creative figures for children ever to be created. But Elmo became an even bigger phenomenon, appealing to everyone from the youngest of kids to the most mature of adults. My brother Joel, who is almost 40, has one of the largest Elmo collections in the world… something I don’t fault him for at all. I only hope he can vicariously enjoy my tickling Elmo moment, as I know most of my friends are more angry it wasn’t them (wink to Dev!). Check out the video interview below with co-directors Constance Marks and Philip Shane, director of photography James J. Miller (the guy who got the ball rolling on this project), and the man himself, Kevin Clash. I could have talked to them for hours. Also special thanks to the wonderful David Magdael for setting up this fantastic moment. Be sure to click on the links under the video for more information on the film.
>
For more information on BEING ELMO visit the official website, find them on Facebook, or follow their Twitter.
And here’s a special shout out to my brother Joel from Elmo… his birthday is about a month away.
Always remember…
Born and raised in Dallas, Mark has been a movie critic since 1994, with reviews featured in print, radio and National TV. In 2001 he started the Entertainment section of the Herorealm website, where he contributed film reviews and celebrity interviews until 2004. After three years of service there, he started Bigfanboy.com, which has become one of the Dallas film community's leading information websites. Bigfanboy hosts several movie screenings in the Texas area, and works closely with film and TV studios and promotional partners to host exciting events and contests. The site also features a variety of rare celebrity and filmmaker interviews, and Bigfanboy.com regularly covers the film festival circuit as well. In addition to Hollywood reporting, Mark has worked for many years as an advertising and sci-fi/comic book artist. Clients have included Lucasfilm Ltd., Topps Trading Cards, The Dallas Mavericks and The Dallas Stars. From 2002 until 2015 he managed the Dallas Comic Con, Sci-Fi Expo and Fan Days events in the DFW area. He currently catalogs rare comic books and movie memorabilia for Heritage Auctions, and runs the Dallas Comic Show conventions, but remains an avid moviegoer and cinema buff. 
Great interview Mark! I’m so jealous you got to meet Elmo!!! Donna