Dear Friends:

"Wreck-It Ralph" claimed best animated feature at the Annie Awards, Critics Choice Awards, and Producers Guild Awards, as well as a nearly $500 million world wide box office.  "Paperman", the theatrical CG-handrawn hybrid that played in front of "Ralph", took home the Academy Award for best animated short (our studio's first win in that category in 40+ years).

In the fall, the Angeles National Forest's Wildlife Waystation and California's Death Valley National Park were refreshing expeditions, while celebrating with the LA Galaxy hours after winning their second consecutive MLS championship (hello Mrs. Beckham) kept the city spectacular.

This winter, I embarked on 19 days and 21,957 miles through South America.  Argentina offered a trek through Patagonia's beautiful Los Glaciares National Park, a short day trip to Chile's Torres Del Paine, a lively San Telmo street fair in Buenos Aires, and perhaps the best filet mingnon I've ever eaten.  Brazil unveiled caiman hunting along the Amazon River, a 2,300ft climb through Corcovado to Cristo Redentor, the hydraulic beauty of Iguazu Falls and Paraguay's Itaipu Dam, and endless beach bodies at Rio's Ipanema beach.

The new year kept busy with rare visits from my father and sister to Southern California escaping the winter weather, and a Vegas bachelor party reunion over Easter weekend that unfolded in all too many familiar stereotypes (hangover included).

I felt fortunate to have my high school alumni magazine "The Lawrentian" publish a nice article on my job, speak to students at my alma mater as part of a Disney USC career panel, while some of my photography was put on display at the Burbank Public Library amateur photography contest.  When not geeking out over my new 16.1 MP mirrorless camera, dual 24" IPS display panels, and custom hack-intosh pro, I find myself managing a new basketball team with the Disney Studio League (simultaneously with the Burbank City League).

This summer, our next Disney project  "Frozen" (November 2013) will have a teaser in front of Pixar's "Monsters University" (June 2013).  In addition, I look forward to a quick weekend in NYC, Lawrenceville, and Philly - as well as standing next to my brother, Peter, as he ties the knot on the North Shore in Oahu.

Aloha,
-Mike

Dear Friends:

After 15 very challenging months, it was game over for "Wreck-It Ralph" which opens in theaters November 2 and will be my 5th theatrical film credit in 5 years - which for computer animation - is an aggressive (and lucky) pace I should not expect to maintain in my career.

For a 4th consecutive year, I witnessed the fanfare which consists of San Diego's ComicCon and can honestly say the response to "Ralph" makes it is the most highly anticipated project I have ever worked on.

While "Ralph" consumed most of my time this spring/summer, I managed a few trips in May and August to New York City, Philadelphia, and Wisconsin for friends, family, and the world's largest bratfest (in that order).  As a manager and player, I was extremely satisfied to debut our Disney-exclusive roster in the Burbank Men's Basketball League to an undefeated championship season.

It was a short break for me in July, before immediately rolling on to a new project, Disney Animation's "Frozen" staring the vocal talents of Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel (Holiday 2013).

My work schedule currently does not appear to offer much more flexibility this upcoming year, so I plan to capitalize on the remaining holidays with a local expedition to California's Death Valley National Park this November, and reward myself with a much needed trip overseas to Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, Rio De Janeiro, Patagonia and the Amazon River this December.

The conclusion of 2012 not only marks my 10th year living in California, 4th anniversary as a homeowner, 5th year of service at Disney, but also 60 months since the inception of this blog.  I thank each of you who continue to read and say "hi" :)

I hope you have a chance to get "Wreck'd" with your family and friends in theaters next weekend - I welcome your thoughts!

Power up,
-Mike

Dear Friends:

This past holiday was highlighted by my sister's wedding at the Glen Foerd Historic Mansion on the Delaware Riverfront.  From hosting the rehearsal dinner to late night cheese steaks in the groom suite - it felt overwhelming at times to absorb everything that was happening - but was an extremely beautiful, heartwarming, and consummate weekend for Jen and Josh.  With newly extended family in New York City, I took the opportunity for my first Thanksgiving on the East coast in nearly a decade.

Upon returning West, I played host to Southern California landmarks, such as Santa Monica's Pacific Park, Griffith Park's Hollywood Sign, the boardwalk at Venice Beach, the California Design exhibit at LACMA, the new Star Tours at Disneyland, and Six Flags Magic Mountain.  Nonetheless, I couldn't resist my urge to get out of the city, departing on a weekend cruise to Baja Mexico for New Years where I indulged in more than my share of 24-hour buffets, rode horseback through Salsipuedes Bay, and toasted champagne alongside the captain in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

A weekend in Philadelphia over President's Day allowed me to revisit American classics like the Liberty Bell, Jim's Steaks, and the Philadelphia Flyers.  However, it was only a short break before returning to Disney to continue pushing "Wreck-It Ralph" towards our Fall release.  This project, albeit very challenging, is developing into a notably original and purely entertaining film I am excited to share.  Our trailer will be featured on Pixar's "Brave" (June 2012).

After 8 seasons in the Burbank Men's Open Basketball League, this summer I begin a new era as the manager of my own Disney-exclusive roster.  In addition, once "Ralph" wraps later this year I plan to not only travel coast to coast, but also pay a visit to America's breadbasket.

Sincerely,
-Mike

Dear Friends:

2011 stared on an unnatural high, positioning the back half of the year as the humbling balance needed to enjoy such luxurious periods in life.  I have yet to enjoy a single day off work in the past 6 months, suffered a dislocated finger in our basketball league, bid adieu to several cornerstone Angelenos, and face an increased production crunch at Disney entering 2012.

Nonetheless, a 17-mile day hike through Yosemite National Park was a nice change of pace from the local trails this summer, and a quick fall getaway took me to St. Louis for a sports, grub, and Budweiser infused weekend.  Overdue firsts included Nokia LA Live for Kid Cudi and Copley Symphony Hall for Daniel Tosh.

Conventions kept my summer "educational", making my way to downtown LA for the Electronic Entertainment Expo in June, San Diego for Comic Con in July, and Anaheim for the D23 Expo in August.  I've definitely developed an immunity for these things, where the Klingon Lifestyles Presentation no longer appear to phase me at its extreme awkwardness.

At D23, our current project, Disney's "Wreck-It Ralph" (formerly "Reboot Ralph", November 2012), screened the first 4 minutes in storyboards to the 4,200+ person arena and was positioned on the convention floor inside a 1980s classic 8-bit arcade cabinet.  In addition to my daily work routine, I've had the opportunity to geek around on our new motion camera capture stage and collaborate with software engineers to develop the studio's production tracking system.

"Tangled" continues its success as TIME magazine's 19th best animated film of all time, Rapunzel's recent coronation into the Kensington Palace royal court, and a new short "Tangled Ever After" in theaters with "Beauty and the Beast 3D" (January 2012).

This holiday I'll make one of my few remaining trips back to Philadelphia to witness the first Huang child (Jennifer) to be joined in holy matrimony. 

See you on the other side,
-Mike

Dear Friends:

"Tangled" successfully hosted a $68.7 million Thanksgiving bow - making it the biggest domestic box office opening for Walt Disney Animation Studios, and the second biggest turkey weekend opener in history. Conversely, ImageMovers Digital's "Mars Needs Moms" pulled a $6.9 million opening weekend and is currently on "track to become one of the biggest box-office bombs in movie history." Fun to be involved in both sides of history, even more fun to be involved in the Disney music video "Something That I Want" by Grace Potter (look for a familiar face around the 3:00 mark).

My latest world adventure took me on a 3-week exploration through the South Island of New Zealand and Sydney, Australia in December. My experiences were triumphant, revealing, and equally terrifying - including a handstand off the world's highest cliff jump (360 ft), tramping across the Travers river upon my descent from Angelus Peak, swimming in the eel infested Lake Rotoiti, a 38-minute sprint up Bob's Peak (480 ft / 37° incline) at night, and a shower in the Christchurch airport. I can't wait to go back and do it again.

After a 28-month hiatus, I finally returned to the East Coast this April on a whirlwind tour coalescing with the family, reuniting with familiar faces, and uncovering pockets of yuppies in New York, Philly, and Chicago. I returned to my alma mater high school in New Jersey for a speaking engagement on Computer Animation that was a testament to my career dexterity and reassurance in validating my fortunate line of achievements.

Despite the traveling, a relatively slow period at Disney allowed for frolicking in my first graupel blizzard in Burbank, hiking my way around new LA territory, another undefeated championship season in the Burbank Men's Open Basketball League, a return to the Coachella Music Festival, and a forgetful night in Hollywood that left me with a concussion. My reckless indulgence of toys this round included a new Nikon digital SLR with 18-200mm lens, Pioneer HDMI A/V receiver, and 54" Panasonic 3D HDTV.

This summer, it's back to the magic, stepping up to my new role on Disney's "Reboot Ralph" (2012).

Til next time,
-Mike

Dear Friends:

In September, after 16 months, I was relieved of my extensive role on Disney's "Tangled". Before we wrapped, I had the surreal opportunity to be on the orchestra sound stage with Composer Alan Menken and witness him score the film (it's a musical).

Scheduled to release nationwide on November 24, "Tangled" will be my third theatrical feature film in three years. However, Walt Disney Animation Studio's next CG feature is not slated until the spring 2013, which raises a lot of career questions.

Additional milestones included graduating UCLA Extension with a Certificate in Project Management (earned with distinction), our basketball team's undefeated summer season in winning the Burbank Men's Open Basketball League championship, and finally assembling my mac mini home theater PC (running plex from an unraid server).

Some new territory explored included wine tasting in Temecula, summer concerts at the Hollywood Bowl, show taping at Warner Brothers, and 11 days as a juror on an LA county murder trial with Christopher Darden. Although familiar territory, equally entertaining trips included San Diego for Memorial Day and ComicCon, Newport Beach for Fourth of July, Dodger Stadium's all-you-can-eat pavilion, and my birthday riot at California Adventure's new nighttime spectacular World of Color.

For the remainder of the year, I'll be working on (Northern California based) ImageMovers Digital's motion capture feature "Mars Needs Moms" through a remote crew at Disney Animation (Burbank, CA) - and yes, unfortunately everyone I work with now is a continual reminder of the Phillies NLCS loss to the Giants. "Moms" is scheduled for released next March 2011.

As for this winter, I will be taking a few weeks for an adventurous trip hiking, kayaking, biking and exploring New Zealand's South Island. Feeling well versed in the routines of living in LA and demands of the Mouse House, I consider an international escape down under with the Kiwis my self rehabilitation.

Hope your holidays include a chance to get "Tangled" with family and friends.

Gidday!
-Mike

Dear Friends:

"Princess and the Frog" accumulated over $260 million worldwide. Despite the relatively disappointing box office numbers, Frog received an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature and TIME magazine ranked it the #1 movie of 2009.

New highlights include my first Eagles football game in San Diego, my birthday with the Black Eyed Peas and U2 at the Rose Bowl, and a face melting experience* at the 3-day Coachella Music Festival in the Palm Desert with the likes of Jay-Z, Vampire Weekend, Phoenix, and the Gorillaz. Another 23 hour spontaneous Vegas trip happened somewhere in there as well.

Besides that, I've really spent the past few months quite selfishly, taking a real close look at my personal well being.

In my continual effort to single handedly revitalize the nation's economy, I purchased an Intel Core i5-750 computer and a 2010 Honda Accord Coupe (my first new car). In addition, I've spent a considerable amount of time suiting up the condo - selling old things, painting the walls, furnishing the living room, and wiring together an entertainment center. Perhaps my favorite addition so far is a home theater electric recliner, which has appropriately earned the "silla de hombre" title.

At Disney, I have developed a strong affinity for the art of animation and have growing confidence in my capabilities - although that gets put to the test daily on my current project "Tangled" (November 2010), previously titled "Rapunzel".

After some careful consideration where my future may lead, I will be exploring different roles Disney may have to offer as well as other opportunities within the entertainment field after this summer's production crunch. Because of that primary uncertainty, I haven't solidified too many plans beyond there - but would always enjoy traveling (your suggestions are welcome).

Check out the "Tangled" teaser, and our theatrical trailer which will be in front of "Toy Story 3" (June 18).

Yours,
-Mike

*observation courtesy Michael Burton

Dear Friends: At Disney, I finished my role on "Princess and the Frog" in June, spent a brief stint on "Beauty and the Beast 3D" (2010), before settling in on "Rapunzel" (Holiday 2010). I took advantage of a shorter work week by returning to Las Vegas (twice) by finally overcoming the anxiety of not being able to out-due my senior year formal at USC. I also made my first trip to Big Bear for the Forth of July, San Diego for ComicCon, Anaheim for the D23 Expo, Irvine for Dave Matthews Band, Beverly Hills for the Playboy Mansion, and Chicago for the USC/Notre Dame football game. At the end of September I embarked on a 2 week trip through China - visiting Hong Kong, Macau, Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Yangshuo, and Shanghai. Overall, it was refreshing to take a break from my LA routine and experience the rich history, unique culture, and remarkable development of China (especially during the 60th anniversary of the PRC). Perhaps the most memorable moment from my first triathlon in Malibu was along the bike ride, when an elder competitor turned to me and exclaimed "do something to be proud of son" before zooming off ahead. Truly taking that to heart, I found renewed motivation, finishing 10/20 in the M20-24 age group, and 33/121 in the M25-29 age group: 00:14:52.2 Swim (0.5 miles) 00:03:10.6 Transition 1 01:00:14.6 Bike (18.0 miles) 00:00:58.5 Transition 2 00:31:45.8 Run (4.0 miles) 01:51:01.8 Thanks again to everyone who helped Disney and I raise $250,000 for the Childrens Hospital Los Angeles. For the rest of the year I anticipate focusing on big home improvement projects, enrolling in my final class at UCLA extension, upgrading my automobile, and spending the holidays with the family on the West coast (for the first time). I'm always excited to read what you have to share. Let me know what you think of "Princess and the Frog" in theaters nationwide December 11. Take care, -Mike