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

Dear Friends:

In May, a few nights in NYC and Philly did not fail to disappoint, and a reunion at Lawrenceville with my classmates felt utterly too short.  Finishing "Frozen" this summer allowed time to wander the annual E3 Expo in LA, Comic Con in San Diego, and nature's subway at Zion National Park in Utah.    

As my brother's best man, a Hawaii wedding involved months of preparation, but resulted in a spectacular week in July on the North Shore of Oahu.  I felt gratified to know my video tribute, custom tank tops, catamaran/skydive outing, and sentimental toast contributed to Pete and Rica's special day - and could not wish for a better beginning to their lives together.

In September, I spent 17 days traveling over 16,600 miles through Northern Europe for a wedding with USC fraternity brothers, Euro-tripping through Dublin on Arthur's Day, Manchester's Bijou Club, Cheshire's medieval castles, Munich's Oktoberfest, Amsterdam's Van Gogh Museum, and London's Brick Lane.  

Simultaneously, I couldn't resist the challenge of venturing to Iceland for 5 nights (alone), where I bathed in the geothermal spas of the Blue Lagoon, hiked 1,150ft high through a blizzard in Skaftafell, peeked into the Kverkfjöll ice cave remotely tucked within Europe's largest glacier, and photographed three hours of spectacular aurora borealis above the Lagarfljót Lake at 2:45am.  Iceland was so logistically complex and naturally unpredictable, I feel richer through adventure, matured by solitude, yet versed in a whole new repertoire.  As for the rest of Europe, it just made me feel hungover.  

New travel gadgets include a Google Nexus 7 tablet, Suunto Ambit GPS watch, and Sony 16-70mm f/4 Carl Zeiss mid-range zoom lens.  My focused investment in travel photography is edging me towards building an amateur portfolio, so your encouragement has not been overlooked (stay tuned for a Northern Europe update).  

"Frozen" will be in theaters worldwide on November 27 and promises to warm up your hearts during this holiday season.  I'm anticipating spending Christmas on the east coast before returning to the city of angels in 2014 to focus on my next project, Disney/Marvel's "Big Hero 6" (November 2014).

Prost!
-Mike

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