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The Jim Henson Company celebrates 50 years

Courtesy of the Jim Henson Company
March 15, 2005

This year marks the 50th anniversary of The Jim Henson Company and plans are underway to celebrate this milestone at local events around the country and with new projects for the millions of viewers who have been inspired by the organization’s work and the vision of its founder.

In 1955, Jim Henson premiered his first show, Sam & Friends on Washington DC’s WRC-TV, revolutionizing puppetry on television and redefining family entertainment. From that small beginning, a diverse string of the highest quality productions, thousands of memorable characters and cutting-edge technologies became the standard for the business that bears Henson’s name and continues his legacy.

“My father was an inspiration to those around him - always challenging himself and others to be innovative and imaginative,” said Brian Henson co-CEO of The Jim Henson Company. “His principles continue to be the foundation for our company and have allowed us to push the boundaries in creativity and technology.”

“The Jim Henson Company has for decades been a prolific source of unique and fantastical projects of all kinds,” said Lisa Henson co-CEO of The Jim Henson Company. “The 50th anniversary is the perfect opportunity to reflect on the many different types of projects created here and celebrate their universal appeal with our fans.”

Throughout 2005, The Jim Henson Company will reach out to various communities around the US as well as several international outlets to honor the company’s continued mission to “make the world a better place by inspiring people to celebrate life.”

The kick off for these plans will be at this year’s Newport Beach Film Festival (www.NewportBeachFilmFest.com) on Saturday, April 23rd, where two of Henson’s classic fantasy films The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth will screen at Edwards Island 7 Cinemas in Fashion Island along with a collection of short pieces by Jim Henson. Originally released in 1982 and 1986 respectively, the two innovative features were well ahead of their time in technical achievements for visual effects and have remained favorites for audiences around the world.

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   MORE HENSON NEWS

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• Jim Henson's Dinoaur Train premieres September 7
• Dark Crystal and Labyrinth arrive on Blu-ray September 29
• Emmet Otter musical debuts at Goodspeed Opera House
• Houston Henson screenings December 5-7
• The Christmas Toy comes to DVD
• Henson announces Emmet Otter musical
• Henson's "Sid the Science Kid" coming to PBS in September