Dear Friends:2015 is off to new heights, having spent new years day on the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro (19,341 ft). In December, I took 26 days traveling over 30,000 miles through air, land, and water to Africa (and Dubai). In addition to hiking the world's highest free-standing mountain, I watched the sunset from the world highest's observation deck, witnessed millions of wildebeest migrate across the Serengeti, escaped to the white sand beaches of Zanzibar, and swam with great white sharks in Cape Town.
"Big Hero 6" took home the academy award for Best Animated Feature, while "Feast", the accompanying short film, won for Best Animated Short. Disney is the first animation studio to ever sweep both categories. "Big Hero 6" not only opened #1 in box offices this holiday, it has become the third largest grossing Disney Animated film of all time.
Professionally, I have begun a new adventure in an elevated/hybrid role on a Disney theatrical short film (to be announced for 2016) under the personal mentorship of a 2-time Oscar winning producer. After 20 years, our Burbank studio (the "sorcerer hat" building) is undergoing a year+ renovation and I have temporarily moved offices to Disney Toon Studios in Glendale.
Work related conferences and speaking engagements brought me to the CTN eXpo in Burbank, Fast Company's Innovation Uncensored in San Francisco, SXSW Interactive in Austin, and the Gnomon School of Visual Effects in Hollywood.
Nearly out of gas, I continued through Northern California's Point Lobos State Nature Reserve, Big Sur State Park, Muir Woods National Monument, and Lassen National Park. In addition, I carried heavy objects up steep hills in San Francisco assisting my sister (and now 1-year-old nephew) as she moved from NYC to join her siblings on the West Coast.
My passion for photography continues to grow, investing in full-frame gear, earning recognition in the Burbank Library amateur photography contest, and (just now) beginning to explore the world of instagram.
This year, having accomplished my immediate international goals, I anticipate turning my attention to the domestic front - like unpacking, roasting turkeys, and learning to fold a fitted bed sheet. However, I'm always open for to new opportunities or ideas?
Get at me!
@whoismikehuang
