PUPPETEERS GmbH
- Open roles
- 0
- Founded
- 2004
- Employees
- 1-10
- Offices
- 1
About PUPPETEERS GmbH
PUPPETEERS GmbH is an independent, owner-managed German creative agency and digital production studio based in Dortmund. Its work combines strategic digital communication with 3D animation, character design and immersive technologies. Founded in Schwerte in 2004, the company transferred its corporate seat to Dortmund in 2014, continuing the same business.
The studio develops commercial, cultural and educational experiences across film, interactive applications and physical installations. Its production capabilities span 2D and 3D animation, CGI, motion graphics, explanatory films and tutorials. Character development is a particular focus, including branded figures, digital storytelling and conversational virtual guides.
From strategy to interactive experiences
PUPPETEERS works across the development process, from digital strategy and concept development through design, production, programming and testing. Services include scripts and storyboards, communication and interface design, native and web applications, backend systems and digital platforms. Prototypes, feasibility studies and usability testing support the development of new applications.
Its immersive work encompasses augmented, virtual and mixed reality, digital showrooms, virtual exhibition stands and interactive installations. Museum applications combine historical interpretation with animation, holographic presentations and visitor interaction. Other formats include gamification, serious games and data visualization, alongside AI chatbot and avatar integration.
Cultural and commercial work
For the LWL-Museum für Archäologie und Kultur in Herne, the studio developed an AI-powered museum guide and animated historical artifacts and figures for holographic displays. Its educational work includes the animated character Willi der Wassertropfen and an augmented reality application for an interactive water-themed playground in Menden. Commercial animation projects include campaigns supporting Payback’s Collect & Pay app features.
The company serves museums and heritage institutions, industrial and automotive businesses, consumer brands, utilities, public-sector organizations and healthcare companies. Across these markets, its work connects visual explanation, character-led communication and interactive media, adapting the format to settings ranging from mobile applications and marketing campaigns to exhibitions and showrooms.
More about PUPPETEERS GmbH
Leadership
- Martin Becker is the statutory Managing Director and has held that position since December 2008.
- Sebastian Heger is a member of executive management, with responsibility for technology and creative direction.
Technology and operating model
Smart Character middleware connects 3D characters to natural language processing and LLM-based chatbot engines. It enables real-time conversational responses accompanied by lip-sync, facial expressions and gestures.
The company describes its operating model as an interdisciplinary core team supported by an agile network of specialists. PUPPETEERS®, CORPORATE CHARACTER® and SMART CHARACTER® are registered trademarks of Puppeteers GmbH at the German Patent and Trade Mark Office.
Collaboration and public activity
PUPPETEERS Space hosts client workshops, agile design sprints, hackathons and public technology showcases. Its activities include official sessions for Dortmund Digital Week, also known as #diwodo.
Notable credits
8 creditsOffices
Where PUPPETEERS GmbH is based
- Fred-Ape-Weg 76, 44263 Dortmund, GermanyDortmund, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
Dortmund office
HeadquartersAbout this office
Overall headquarters and creative animation/XR production facility in Dortmund-Hörde, including PUPPETEERS Space. The former address Hermannstraße 76 identifies the same premises; the street section was renamed in 2022.
Open roles
Find your next role at PUPPETEERS GmbH