Handmade Video

Handmade Video

Handmade Video is an experimental project produced by Jim Henson Productions on May 7, 1990.

Jim Henson introduces a demonstration of what he calls a "whole new and different kind of television" that he expects will evolve in the coming years. He recalls his own beginnings in television and the cumbersome weight and size of using studio cameras. He suspects that with the advent of "handycams," television will be created by those who grew up watching MTV with access to more affordable equipment.

What follows is a video featuring three young men on a road trip attempting to loosely simulate the ideas of Jack Kerouac in what they call a hi-tech version of Route 66. The video features Sean Masterson, Dana Gould and Jordan Brady.

Among those who auditioned for the project were Adam Sandler and Judd Apatow.

“Adam: Judd stole an audition away from me with Jim Henson.

Judd: That's right. Jim Henson was doing a reality show, where you would drive around the country with your own video cameras.

Adam: At that time, Judd said he didn't even want to be on camera anymore. Judd was slowly starting to say, "Maybe I just want to be a writer." I didn't even know what he was talking about. I was like, "What's a writer?" Then, we auditioned for Jim Henson and I was so cocky. I was like, "Oh, I can't wait for that callback." Then, Judd was like, "Yeah, they called. They were interested in me."

Judd: But, I ultimately didn't get it because Jim Henson said I lacked warmth. When the guy who taught me how to read told me that I lacked warmth, I was devastated.”