Semi-realistic Panda “Manchu”
The semi-realistic, animatronic “Manchu” model Giant Panda replaces our original animatronic panda (“Tofu” model) from 10 years ago. With our compact actor inside, this suit is within 10% scale of an adult male giant panda in the wild. With careful placement, Manchu can appear properly scale as the live animal.
Animatronic features have been expanded to add eye blink to the original independent ear action + chewing or talking actions. The head animation functions are operated externally by a puppeteer via radio remote while the suit performer controls arms, legs, torso and neck movement. This newer suit also has improved paw dexterity to enable better prop or product interaction.
Manchu is accompanied by a trained professional ensuring the very best performance for your project.
Panda for Cleartalk Wireless
Cellular company Cleartalk Wireless tapped JEH Productions’ of San Antonio and DGC Marketing and Ideation for a multi-year series of humorous commercial spots filmed around Texas. We were thrilled to be selected by JEH to team up with their spokesman- Damon Pampolina, an actor from The All New Mickey Mouse Club and writer for Doogie Howser, M.D. Over several years we shot perhaps a half dozen spots with our Tofu model panda and more recently with Manchu. The projects were always a team effort where everyones’ input was valued. It was the first time my own suggestions made it to film and this camaraderie on set made the annual-ish team-ups more like family reunions. It was a genuine pleasure working with the professionals at JEH, DGC and Cleartalk Wireless.
To note: JEH Productions was founded by actor Jackie Earle Haley who portrayed local troublemaker Kelly Leak in the well-regarded Walter Matthau and Tatum O’Neal film “The Bad News Bears”.
Panda for Netto with the WWF
Netto, a European chain of supermarkets continues its’ partnership with the World Wildlife Fund in this new panda centric campaign filmed in Germany. We thoroughly enjoyed this collaboration with a fun production team and great script on Netto’s sustainable sourced food products. Manchu was seriously bummed that he could not have the fish once wrap was called!!
See Our Demo Reel!
Interested in hiring Manchu?
Please contact us to discuss how we can help you with your project!
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