On this episode, listen to my conversation with the talented duo behind MonkeyBoys Productions, Marc Petrosino and Michael Latini. These Emmy-nominated puppetry masters and co-founders of MonkeyBoys share their incredible journey through the world of puppetry, creativity, and creative business ownership.
🚀 Discover the importance of understanding and fighting for your creative worth, even in the early stages of your career.
🚀 Learn how to strike the balance between taking calculated risks and securing fair compensation for your artistic talents.
🚀 Uncover the power of strategic investments in your own development, as MonkeyBoys reveal their approach to hands-on learning and innovation.
🚀 Explore real-world examples of how embracing opportunities for growth can lead to more significant doors opening in your creative career.
Whether you're an emerging artist or an established creator, their insights will empower you to unlock your creative worth and embark on a path to endless possibilities.
Marc Petrosino (he/him), is an Emmy-nominated designer, puppeteer, builder, and co-founder of Monkey Boys Productions who, as a child, was heavily influenced by Sesame Street & The Muppets, as well as many talented family members and friends. Marc’s hand has made several ‘appearances’ on film in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (TriStar Pictures), and on television, on Saturday Night Live! (NBC), Sesame Street (PBS), Blue’s Room (Nick Jr.), Crank Yankers (Comedy Central), Elmo’s Christmas Countdown (ABC), and with The Muppets on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon (NBC). He has also appeared onstage in Little Shop of Horrors (Broadway & First National Tour), Anthony Minghella’s Madama Butterfly (The Metropolitan Opera), three separate Young People’s Concerts at Carnegie Hall, During his career, Marc has also worked as a builder and/or designer on many projects, including Saturday Night Live! (NBC), The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon (NBC), The Today Show (NBC), and more.
Michael Latini (he/him), is an Emmy-nominated designer, puppeteer, fabricator, and co-founder of Monkey Boys Productions who has always played with and taken apart toys. Around the age of 12, he started performing in school shows, doodling during class, and working with his carpenter father. These passions, along with his love of the amazing practical effects films of the 80s & 90s, led him to the puppetry industry after getting his degree in Metals/Jewelry/CAD-CAM from @tyler_artandarchitecture. His puppetry career began as “Bear” in the Bear in the Big Blue House Live, national tour in 2001 and he’s been lucky to work with many shows and productions since then. Little Shop of Horrors, Avenue Q, Johnny & the Sprites, Sesame Street, Walking with Dinosaurs LIVE, How to Train Your Dragon LIVE, The Muppets, Helpsters, & Saturday Night Live.
Check out MBPDIY Puppet Kits! They are a great way for you to create your own puppet, and learn some fabrication skills along the way.
MonkeyBoys' Website
TJ's Coaching IG
TJ's Art IG
https://www.tjwalshcoaching.com/
Host & Producer: TJ Walsh
Engineer: Daisy James