Feature Film & TV Production Grant Brings Shakespearean Puppets to Life

Raj Padmanabh is a recent grant recipient of Creative Saskatchewan’s Feature Film & TV Production Grant for his show Titus Puppet Vengeance.

You’ve never seen Shakespeare like this before.

Titus Puppet Vengeance, a screenplay produced by Raj Padmanabh, is a visually stunning adaptation of Shakespeare’s first and most violent tragedy, Titus Andronicus, performed with tabletop puppets.

Rather than a traditional stage performance, Padmanabh’s feature drama re-tells the revenge story of Titus Andronicus with a mix of real-world and created locations while showcasing the dynamic abilities of puppets on film.

Padmanabh had wanted to partner with Wide Open Theatre, and make use of their beautiful, unique puppets and skills, for a long time. The stars finally aligned with Titus Puppet Vengeance and an incredible production has come from it.

The unique film is already garnering attention.

Titus Puppet Vengeance has been accepted by The Art of Movie Making Film Fest in New York and recently won Best Thriller at the Toronto Film and Script Awards. Padmanabh’s eyes are set on a streaming or distribution deal as well, noting how the Shakespearean aspect of his film makes it an attractive piece.

Producing the film employed a number of people in Saskatchewan, including performers and actors. The production and post-production were all done here in the province as well. Padmanabh points out that, “98% all of the grant money we received from Creative Saskatchewan stayed here in the province,”

As this was Padmanabh’s first time leading the charge as a producer, there was a bit of a learning curve in applying for financing. But with the help of Creative Saskatchewan’s staff, it all went smoothly. “They were excellent,” states Padmanabh. “Very helpful and easy to work with. The reason we have a successful show is because we had a great all-Saskatchewan team with excellent attitudes and talent, and the support of Creative Saskatchewan.”

Since it’s release, Titus Puppet Vengeance has received the following awards and nominations: