shadow world puppets new blog

 

 

Shadow World Puppets has moved! All latest blogs, videos, and updates are now available at https://www.swpp.info/

 Please subscribe to get notifications and direct access to my grant funded series, "Out of this Planet!"

This biweekly program with puppet characters introduces children to early financial literacy and features some cool facts about our solar system.  It is geared for children ages 3 to 8; but can be appropriate for all ages!  

Thank you! 

Scattering the Seeds for Financial Literacy! 

 

Ken Harris

Puppeteer/Filmmaker

Shadow World Puppets 

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https://www.swpp.info/

 

 

Article highlighting conference

 

My latest article in the Point of View Community Magazine highlights my experience performing and speaking at the 13th Annual Florida Prosperity Partnership in Orlando, Florida and attending the F5 Financial Focus Filmfest. 

I was one of thirteen plenary leaders asked to share input on financial literacy and education to practitioners in attendance. My presentation focused on the 13 common scams that included phishing, bogus employment offers, gold coin scams, sweepstakes cons, and more. 

I took questions from those in attendance and watching virtually. 

I performed my little puppet show, "The All Expense Scam" and used my puppet friends to assist me. 

At the festival, where was my first puppetry film, "That Gone Darn Scam" made the cut of nearly 3,000 films submitted, I took home the "Audience Choice Award" in the short film category. 

This 3-day event at the conference will never be forgotten! Article can be found on page 13 in the community beat section!

https://www.afampointofview.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/August%202021/mobile/index.html

Check out the latest on my website at https://swpupp.wixsite.com/safe

Stay Safe and Stay Secure! 

Plenary Leader at the 13th Annual Florida Prosperity Partnership Conference

 

Speaking at the 13th Annual FPP Conference
 

 

By Ken Harris

 

Before the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic that paralyzed the economy, I knew I was on to something after diligent research. 

 

I realized I was the first American puppeteer attempting to spread cyber security awareness and scam prevention on a web series through my YouTube channel. I was taking this lifelong passion of puppetry and combining it with content I care so deeply about as a volunteer AARP Digital Fraud Fighter. 

My efforts culminated in securing virtual gigs domestically and internationally. Before I knew it, I had a weekly 22-minute program on the new Spondulics TV under the umbrella of the nonprofit Florida Prosperity Partnership organization based out of Sanford, Florida. What makes FPP and its broadcast network unique is its commitment to introducing a broad range of shows aimed at elevating financial literacy and multiple ways one can save and maintain finances in a responsible way. 

 

Then I was asked by CEO Bill Mills to participate as a plenary speaker at the June 13^thAnnual FPP 2-day training conference at the Omni Orlando Resort at Champions Gate; the site of the F5 Financial Focus FilmFest. 

 

Along with 16 other chosen speakers across the country, I was flown to Orlando to meet and greet with experts, practitioners, bankers, and even talented musicians who all contributed in some way to this unforgettable experience. It was so mind blowing, I nearly forgot my short comedy film, “That Gone Darn Scam” was nominated as an official selection for the film festival at the same event. 

 

With session moderator Pamala McCoy, the CEO of BONA5D Credit Consultants assigned to my live block, I used puppets to conveyed ways how con artists can cheat consumers multiple ways. This performance was designed to help practitioners be aware and vigilant against identity theft, investment fraud, and other common scams.  

 

The reception of my 45-minute slot was well received and my short film at the festival was equally admired when it garnered enough sufficient in-person and virtual votes by spectators to win the audience choice award. 

Apparently, a unique film featuring puppets shining a light on the grandparent scam won favor. My film was only one of eleven films selected among 3,000 submissions as an official selection for the F5 Financial Focus FilmFest. Spondulics TV has video of the event in their archives and the footage can be accessible at https://spondulics.org/watch?v=146

 

Also, my presentation, “Safe and Secure with Ken and Friends? can access anytime at https://spondulics.org/watch?v=141

 

This was a wonderful experience; especially considering this was my first time venturing to the state of Florida. My hunch as using puppetry as a tool to educate on the topic of fraud was right on. 

Now I am in the midst of converting my award-winning filming into a touring play here across Western Massachusetts. If I could help making a difference in my community with a lifelong passion, why not? It’s better late than never. 

 

Check out my new website at https://swpupp.wixsite.com/safe

 

 

 

 

The Pyramid Hoax Part 1

 

Pyramid Schemes. Would you know one if you ever came across it?

This "blessing looms" scheme makes it rounds on social media platforms; enticing people to join a group for investment of $100 in order to reap a return of $7,000 in days IF they encourage family and friends to join as well.

The fact of the matter is it's no different from a Ponzi Scheme.

My latest short video, "Pyramid Hoax Part 1" highlights the operators in this illegal operation and the table is turned when a close acquaintance gets entangled in this web of lies and exploitation.

This year long project, "PrimeTime Prevention" is funded in part by a grant from the West Springfield Arts Council, the Everett Cultural Council, Springfield Cultural Council.

The mentioned local agencies are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18dr_DEVXJg

Cyber Brats on Spondulics TV

 

Cyber Brats on Spondulics TV

This week on Spondulics TV, my latest episode on Cyber Brats highlights a pyramid scheme. Two bad actors devise a blessing loom where participants are encourage to gives $100 and ask others to join the circle to reap a return of $7,000. This is actually an investment fraud making the rounds on social media platforms. This is a Ponzi scam. As the circle of recruitments widens, so does the money flow and the reliance on getting others to sign up to keep the scam afloat. Check out how this goes down only on Spondulics TV, weekdays, 9:30am to 10am eastern time and replays every 6 hours. As an AARP Digital Fraud Fighter and Puppeteer, this program shows reenactments of incidents involving reported fraud. While it is funny thought puppetry and animation, the goal is to help viewers be vigilant! An FYI - on app downloads: Roku: 171 FireTV: 9 AppleTV: 6 iOS Mobile: 24 Android Mobile: 6 AndroidTV: 6 https://www.spondulics.org

Latest on Puppetry Web Series

 

This week on my YouTube web series, Alex Midas and Cyber Sly is on their way to a cyber security conference when an unexpected challenge derails their plans. Their rental car breaks down.

Meanwhile, the event at the hotel is underway when a Security Officer finds a stranger attempting to regain access into the building. Friend or Foe (Part 2 segment next week).

This project, "PrimeTime Prevention" is funded in part by a grant from the West Springfield Arts Council, the Everett Cultural Council, Springfield Cultural Council, and the Massachusetts Cultural Council COVID-19 Relief Fund.

The mentioned local agencies are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

Interview with a Con Artist pt 2

                                                      (locksmith Con Artist Rowdy Robbin)

The latest episode of my web series "Primetime Prevention" is now available on YouTube. This is the 2nd part of "Interview with a Con Artist". Part 1 and 2 highlights locksmith scams. Grumpy town hall host Alex Midas is dumbfounded when he learns how the convicted fraudster is using his talent to make a difference in the world. Primetime Prevention is a comedy that uses reenactments to show how scams unfold and how viewers can be vigilant. Be sure to check it out! By subscribing to my channel you will get automatic weekly notifications when a new episode is uploaded to my channel. This project is funded in part by a grant from the West Springfield Arts Council, a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

Primetime Prevention

In other news...I just completed a short comedy film inspired by real events when I was employed as an usher in a movie theatre many many years ago. It is called, "Matinee Madness".

What would you coif you found an envelope inside a theatre with $3,000 in cash? I look forward to sharing this hilarious story with the world sometime this summer!

I had a great time talking with Adam Dinsley from the "For the Love of Nerds" podcast. This interview will be available in July and I will share it when available. I enjoyed talking about what inspires me as a puppeteer and filmmaker. 

You can always check out AARP's scam tracking map at AARP SCAM TRACKING MAP to report and learn of scams in your area. The best way to ensure your financial security is keeping yourself informed about what's going on. 

Until next time, stay safe and stay secure!

Ken Harris

Puppeteer/Filmmaker

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