Frank & Zed -

Frank & Zed is an ambitious, "all-practical" puppet horror film created by Jesse Blanchard and his production company, Puppetcore . Known for its intense DIY ethos, the project famously avoids CGI and AI, relying entirely on handmade puppets, miniature sets built from repurposed materials, and classic practical effects like saltwater tank clouds and real fire.

: While a version premiered at festivals in 2020 (like Fantasia), Blanchard returned to "the lab" to refine the movie, aiming for a final completion in 2026.

The film’s production timeline is a story in itself, having spanned over 13 years. Frank & Zed

If you are developing a paper or project about Frank & Zed , here are the core themes and production details to focus on: 1. The DIY "Splattercore" Ethos

: Started in 2014 in a Portland basement, the film has undergone multiple iterations. Frank & Zed is an ambitious, "all-practical" puppet

: A notable example of their creativity involves slicing a busted salt lamp, mixing it with mud and plaster, and lighting it with tiny torches to create high-quality cinematic shots.

The story follows two classic monsters—Frank (a Frankenstein-like creation) and Zed (a zombie)—who have lived in isolation for centuries after a catastrophic battle. Frank & Zed: An All Puppet Monster Movie - Kickstarter The film’s production timeline is a story in

: The director hand-drew every storyboard because the film does not use a traditional script, using these drawings to guide the complex, frame-by-frame puppet performances. 2. A Decade-Long Production Journey