Dasdasi clips on Facebook

There's a Facebook page for Dasdasi with some clips from the episodes. They're in Persian, so I can't understand what they're saying, but it looks pretty funny! Check them out if you want to see the spin-off for yourself!

Oobi is back! A new spin-off called "Dasdasi"

I'm back with some very unexpected news! There is a brand-new Oobi SPIN-OFF!! It's called "Dasdasi" and is a localized remake of the original show. It was filmed last year in Iran and is currently airing in a couple of other Middle Eastern and Asian countries as well.

Like the Oobi we all know and love, Dasdasi is about two sibling hand puppets who live with their grandpa. But there's a big difference: their parents live with them too, and they're major characters.

The cast! Dad and Mom are on the left.

What I like: I'm really glad that other countries are getting to experience a new version of Oobi. It's also nice to see the show stemming off into a franchise of its own. More than a decade after the old show started, there is still new Oobi stuff being made. Pretty impressive for a kids' show.

The puppeteers on Dasdasi are all professional comedians, and they each have quite a few film credits under their belts. I can't tell what they're saying in the clips, but it sounds hilarious.

What I don't: I'm not sure how I feel about the parents. I've always liked the original show's dynamic, with Grampu as the kids' only guardian. Like I've said before, I think it offers some great representation of a non-traditional family unit that you don't see very often in kids' TV. I guess I'll have to wait for an English dub for my final verdict!!

Behind the scenes

Oobi in the Pentecostal Evangel!

Cainjen emailed me with a discovery: Oobi got a feature in last month's issue of the Pentecostal Evangel! The article was written by Franklin Haynes. It has a little overview of the show, plus some tips on how to use Oobi eyes in teaching and play. I found an online version which I will copy below.

What’s an Oobi?

Written by Franklin Haynes

Oobi was a famous children’s program here in America created by Little Airplane Productions.

Geared toward toddlers on up to about 5 years old. My daughter loved watching Oobi for years.

Josh Selig, the developer of the series, created Oobi shortly after leaving Sesame Street, which he had a creative hand on since its early seasons. He developed the idea for Oobi while watching bare-handed puppeteers audition for Ulica Sezamkowa, the Polish version of Sesame Street.

The series features Muppet performers Tim Lagasse, Stephanie D'Abruzzo, Noel MacNeal, and Tyler Bunch in starring roles.

This show actually popularized the use of the finger ring eye puppets, but they had a history long before the show.

History

It’s not a nostalgic history, but a good one nonetheless. The original purpose of these eyes was to train puppeteers without having to use quality investments to do so. Also, you can see how they are moving their hand inside the puppet, so this allows you to catch common mistakes as they are noticed with the bare fingers before they get noticed with a puppet, such as star gazing; you can notice fingers slowly positioning upwards before you will a puppet.

To this day, I still try to train my students with these before I let them even try on another puppet.

Can Get In Just About Anywhere

Not so much of late, but for years I often could be found with a pair of these eyes in my pocket. I have pulled them out in restaurants and made dinner rolls into puppets, I have pulled them out on a plane to Russia and entertained kids that couldn’t even speak English,  I have have handed them out to people as gifts to spread the love of puppetry.

There are many places that you can’t get into with a large puppet, but since these things are so small and innocuous, you can take them just about anywhere.

I agree completely, Franklin. And kudos to you for spreading the magic of puppetry wherever you go!!

Fan Video Friday archive

This is an archive for all the Oobi fan videos that have been featured on the blog! I'll keep updating this so stay tuned!

Music videos

• Sour Grapes by Mallory Leishman

Funny videos

• Oobi's Jif Sandwich by mindymoox
• Oobi & Kako Watch YouTube by Baseballfan2413
• Abstract Ooooobi by deepfriedwonton
• Oobi's Evil Twin? by CupcakexLindsay
• Grampoo by samlilnow

Series

• An Oobi Vacation #1 by BluedogAndBelly
• An Oobi Vacation #2 by BluedogAndBelly

Fan Video Friday: "Interview with Grampu!"

A funny take on Grampu's life after the show! Video by samlilnow.

Noel MacNeal doing his Kako voice

Noel MacNeal is a phenomenal puppeteer and voice artist. I found this video of him from just a few months ago, where he does Kako's voice! It's so cool that he can still do it after such a long time. "Perfecto!"

A big thank-you to Ricci Puppets for this footage!!

Fan Video Friday: "An Oobi Vacation"

BluedogAndBelly is a brand-new YouTube channel that just started up last month. They're posting a whole series of Oobi fan videos called "An Oobi Vacation!" It's about Oobi and Uma going on a trip. There's also a brand-new character named Kakoo, who strikes me as a jealous-girlfriend type. 

The creativity of people on YouTube never ceases to amaze me. You can watch a couple of the episodes here, and sub to their channel if you want to see more!