Michael K. Frith

Michael K. Frith had already had a successful career in publishing when he joined Henson Associates full-time in December 1975, just weeks before the first episode of The Muppet Show was taped. Michael's association with the Muppets had begun some years earlier by way of Sesame Street publications, and Jim Henson soon realized that his talents as an art director could be directly applied to puppet design.
"Jim was a master of direction through indirection. When he gave me the great challenge of designing this new bunch [the characters from Saturday Night Live], about the only directions I remember were 'kind of mossy' and 'taxidermy eyes.' But just this departure from the 'usual' Muppet look spoke volumes.
"Newcomers were often surprised by what Jim could communicate without seeming to say much-it was all rhythms, hints, expectations. For someone unused to it, it could be pretty baffling.
"In 1988, a few of us went to the then-Soviet Union to shoot a piece for an ABC special that featured a satellite link between Moscow schoolchildren and a bunch of kids in New York. After interminable glitches and delays, the camera finally rolled for a take. Jim watched the playback, then raised Kermit back into position: 'I think it could be funnier,' he murmured mildly. We automatically readied to go again, but our Russian producer seemed taken aback. For a moment, his brow furrowed painfully. Then he brightened.
'No,' he announced with great certainty. 'It funny enough!'
"And with heretofore unhinted-at clarity, the crew had lights and camera dismantled and out the door, leaving behind a profoundly puzzled puppeteer."

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