Spark Artist

Jesse Blanchard is a Portland-based filmmaker and practical effects artist known for his genre-defying, puppet-driven feature film Frank & Zed. A champion of independent filmmaking, Blanchard has spent over a decade handcrafting a cinematic world where every set, prop, and character is built by hand — a testament to the enduring power of storytelling through physical materials.

Rooted in Portland for over 20 years, Blanchard's work embodies the city’s spirit of experimentation and creative grit. His approach, which he calls “Puppetcore,” merges horror, comedy, and heartfelt craftsmanship into something entirely original. Frank & Zed, his first feature, was shot in a 400-square-foot garage using almost entirely practical effects. The film is a love letter to monsters and the magic of old-school movie-making.

In recent months, Blanchard began sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of Frank & Zed on social media. The response has been substantial, with over 100,000 followers gained across platforms and millions of views. The strong engagement reflects a growing interest in handcrafted, independent filmmaking and the unique world of Frank & Zed.

The project is currently nearing completion on principal photography, with Blanchard and his team finishing the final scenes and the complex miniature effects work needed to complete the film. You can follow along on Instagram and Patreon for up-to-date progress on the project.