Event
Tue 4 Nov 2025 18:00-20:00 at PM Studio
Make Shift Meet Ups- 'Keeping your Head Whilst Making Tiny Hands'
Independent animated film+puppet maker Helena Houghton explores the joys (and struggles) of creative industries, we might make some puppets too!
Hosted by
Tony Bhajam
Tony supports Watershed's community to grow their skills, build their practice, and nurture their networks18-30's (ish) creatives are invite to join us for the third in our autumn/winter Make Shift Meet-Up series.
This month we are joined by the wonderful Helena Houghton, who wears many hats.
She is a Filmmaker, Animator, Props and Puppet Maker with years of experience as a freelance animator and fabricator, she recently went on to direct her own BFI-funded stop-motion animated horror short, BELTANE.
Through directing, designing and fabricating, Helena pushes to experiment with puppet filmmaking, embracing the weird through a focus on practical effects and visual spectacle.
In this hands-on session Helena invites you to join a fun (and frank) conversation about how to 'keep your head' as an independent animated film-maker and puppet maker, and the joys and struggles that go with that.
All whilst having a go at making some tiny puppet hands and drinking cups of tea.
Why Come to a Make Shift Meet Up?
-Find out about Watershed, the Pervasive Media Studio and what we offer to South West based creatives
-A chilled space where you can meet and chat with other creatives
-Talks from creative practitioners on anything from finding funds for your project to how to do your tax return
Timings:
5:30pm - Optional Drop in and get to see the space
6:00pm - Meet Up Start -Sharing something we love
6:30pm-7:30pm - Session with Helena
7:30pm-8:00pm - Social and next steps
Give Tony a shout if you have any questions - Tony.B@watershed.co.uk