Dear Friends:

For the first time since 2008, I spent the holidays on the east coast, which not only allowed me to build a snowman, but also take my family to the theaters to see our name on the big screen.

"Frozen" became a groundbreaking film for this generation - earning an Academy Award for best animated feature film and best original song, Golden Globe for best animated feature, Billboard #1 soundtrack, the fastest-selling digital release of all time, and a $1+billion box office as the largest grossing animated film of all time (and 6th largest grossing film worldwide EVER*)!

The success of the film is emblematic of the resurgence of Walt Disney Animation Studios since 2007 (when I was hired), and an extremely rewarding feeling after being involved in 5 Oscar nominated features with no trophy... until now.  I am sure it is hard me to fully embrace, but we are writing a new chapter in the Disney legacy.  "Let it Go" (the award winning ballad) from "Frozen" exists in 25 foreign languages, various sing-a-longs, animal parodies, remarkable covers, unique mashups, and new bizarre recreations every day.

Without a Southern California polar vortex, I flew north to chilly San Francisco in January, celebrated marriage in Park City in March, Brea in April, and beheld the emeralds of Seattle last weekend.  I was honored to be featured in the December 14th LA Times as a student of distance learning, highlighting my apparent desire to be a life-long student and blatant disregard for brain congestion.

On March 26, after 9 arduous months, I finally did it... becoming an Uncle and welcoming my first nephew, Thomas Julian, to the world.  I anticipate returning to NYC in May to squeeze his baby cheeks and congratulate proud parents Jen and Josh.

Disney has equipped me with new toys, a big 51" 4k monitor and tiny 13" MacBook Air to craft magic (that Oscar money right?).  However, this summer presents a new set of career challenges with Disney/Marvel's "Big Hero 6" (November 2014), which undoubtedly requires some super human effort.  Look for our teaser this May 30th on "Maleficent".

I like warm hugs!
-Mike

*As of April 26, 2014