Picture House to Host ‘Being Elmo’ Producer During Screening

Corinne LaPook, director of the documentary “Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey,” will be at the Friday for a special screening of the film.

The documentary tells the story of Kevin Clash, the creator of the "Sesame Street" character Elmo. Clash, who idolized Jim Henson, has also appeared on “The Great Space Coaster” as Goriddle Gorilla and Huggle Scuffy; the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle” movie franchise as Master Splinter; and a number of “Muppets” movies.

Whoopi Goldberg narrates the film, which includes interviews with Frank Oz, the voice actor  known for portraying Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear and Yoda from the “Star Wars” movies; Rosie O'Donnell; Cheryl Henson, Jim Henson’s daughter; and Joan Ganz Cooney, one of the founders of the Children’s Television Network.

The film debuted at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year.

“It’s an origin story,” said Ilya Tovbis, the director of film programming at The Picture House. “It’s the origin of Kevin Clash, the man who created Elmo...He’s a guy whose work influenced so many people and they don’t even realize it.”

LaPook will introduce the film, which starts at 7:45 p.m. in the Picture House’s Main Hall,  and stay after the screening for a special question and answer session.

General admission tickets cost $12 at the door and $9 with an advanced purchase. Seniors, students and children pay $10 at the door and $8 with an advanced purchase. Members pay $6 for tickets at the door or in advance.

For information or to purchase tickets, visit www.thepicturehouse.org or call the box office at (914) 738-7337