Robert Mills is the founder of three innovative production companies, each specializing in the creation of film, television, and new media entertainment for diverse audiences. His journey began with the acclaimed Sheep Shop, providing puppet design, construction, and performance services to the industry, which operated for 17 years before closing in 2002.
After studying film and working in theatre, Mills transitioned to television, where he spent over a dozen years as a puppeteer with Jim Henson's Muppets. His experience with the Muppets laid the foundation for his future endeavors.
In 1985, Mills founded Radical Sheep Productions, focusing on the development and production of series television, feature films, and interactive multimedia. Under this banner, he produced over 70 hours of high-quality, award-winning programming for young audiences.
In 2002, Mills established Hunky Dorey Entertainment, dedicated to the development and production of feature films and online entertainment for adult audiences. He also served as Executive Producer for the first season of the adult comedy series Puppets Who Kill, which he also directed two episodes.
Mills' career reached new heights when he was hired by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) in 2005 to Executive Produce their morning and weekend children's programming, Kids' CBC. During his tenure, he oversaw the revamping of the programming block, increased in-house production of original content, and achieved a significant rise in viewership. After achieving his initial goals, Mills stepped down from the CBC in the summer of 2006 to focus on his online ventures.
Mills' early work in television included his role as "Junior Gorg" and other characters in the award-winning Fraggle Rock. He also appeared in numerous Henson feature film and television productions, such as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II, Labyrinth, Short Circuit II, and Dinosaurs.
In addition to his work in television, Mills was a writer and story consultant for the Canadian version of Sesame Street. His early work in theatre included studies in corporeal movement, mask, mime, clown training, and performing with various schools and collectives.
Mills co-founded The Mime Associates, a mask, mime, and clown performance collective, in 1978. The collective's work eventually led him from theatre to television and beyond. He also shared his performance and production skills through private mentorships and workshops conducted under the auspices of the Sheep Shop.
Today, Mills resides in Toronto with his wife, Karen, and son, Henry.
