Dear Friends:

After 18 months, I am so excited to finally announce that "Inner Workings" is a brand new short from Walt Disney Animation Studios that will premiere at the Annecy Film Festival in France this June, and release theatrically with Disney's "Moana" this Thanksgiving.  Even though it is only 6 minutes, I have dedicated more time, strategy, and effort into every single frame on this short than any other project in my career - which has been rewarded with my first Associate Producer credit.

This heightened visibility has catapulted me into the 2016 Creative Leadership Mentoring Program at the studio, where I have been paired one-on-one with a mentor - Dr. Ed Catmull - the President of Walt Disney Animation Studios and co-founder of Pixar .  With five Oscars, lifetime achievement awards in the computer graphics field, and a New York Times bestseller which has been described as the most thoughtful management book ever, Ed and I are practically exist on different planets.  However, I am extremely honored and privileged to have this opportunity with such a legendary pioneer, and encouraged by the investment in my future a leader in the workplace.

Despite the focused attention at work, I found balance renovating my kitchen counter tops, rehabilitating elbow stitches from basketball, and spending time with family in Philadelphia, San Diego, and San Francisco.  Additional California explorations took me to Monterrey, Point Vicente, Murphy's Ranch, The Broad, Sausalito, and Mount Tamalpais where, in each case, the amount of photography equipment I packed would continue to grow.  Luckily, this has been rewarded with a Best in Category ribbon in the Burbank Library Amateur Photography Contest and 1st Place in the National Park Service, Centennial Photo Contest (thanks to your votes).

Weeks away from wrapping "Inner Workings", I cannot wait to share more, starting with the world premiere in Europe.  Immediately following the business trip, I will embark on personal time off in the French Riviera, Amalfi and Dalmatian Coast.

If you haven't already, do yourself a favor and watch "Zootopia".

Au Revoir,
-Mike

Dear Friends:

As promised, I turned my attention to the domestic front this summer - introducing my bedroom to talalay latex, embedding a 20-hard-disk-drive network attached storage into my home theater, cleaning crevasses with the cordless Dyson DC59, and upgrading my ride to a first generation Acura RDX with SH-AWD.

Desperately trying to avoid crinkling into an old man, I jetted off to Southern Europe for an aggressive 7-night holiday in August - soaking in the rich architecture of Barcelona, diverse culture of Istanbul, and luxurious beauty of Santorini.  Here in California, new adventures on foot took me through the Channel Islands, Mt. Baldy, Abalone Cove, Scipps Pier, El Matador State Beach, and Leo Carrillo State Beach (just last night).

Documenting life along the way, I harnessed myself with my first full-frame 42mp Sony A7RII 4k mirrorless camera.  I am pleased to announce I was one of 250 finalist for the National Park Service, Centennial Project - a photo contest to find and celebrate the top 100 Find Your Park stories.  As an individual who finds refuge in our natural and cultural resources, I could not be more honored and thank you for your support.

At Disney, the theatrical short is on track to premiere next year.  Even though we are far from finished, my elevated/hybrid role has offered a new level of challenges and learning opportunities, all while I've attempted to not completely and utterly fail.  Professional outreach continues to keep me busy, taking a research trip to the Aquarium of the Pacific along with speaking engagements at Siggraph at the LA Convention Center and the upcoming CTN eXpo in Burbank in November.

This holiday I look forward to making a trip back to the East Coast before entering a focused production period at work in the new year.  For the first time in my career, there will be no Disney Animated film in theaters this year (but not to worry, there are two in 2016).  As a result, I will probably keep myself entertained renovating my kitchen countertops and a flying around to balance it all out.

Talk soon,
-Mike

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

Dear Friends:

As expected, my year was focused in full sprint on Disney/Marvel's "Big Hero 6".  I refused to be denied the summer circuit of E3 in LA in June, ComicCon in San Diego in July, and a cross country visit to my newborn nephew in New York City in May (plus the Electric Daisy Carnival).

In the months bordering production, I jumped on opportunities to explore new (always overdue) corners of Southern California - Mt. San Jacinto in Palm Springs, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, the Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades, the Sriracha Factory in Irwindale, and of course the Big Hero 6 sneak-peak at Disneyland.

For the remainder of the year, I plan to enjoy an extended mix of paid-time-off and "professional exploration" to step back and reevaluate my career trajectory, which is not limited to my geographical commitment to Southern California (or the United States).

Although business flights for me are extremely rare, the mouse house covered a spontaneous trip to Times Square in September to screen a work-in-progress version of the movie to 3 people, and will be sending me to San Francisco in November to attend Fast Company's Innovation Uncensored Conference (featuring Disney Animation & Pixar President Ed Catmull).  Feeling generous, I returned the act by initiating a Disney themed indiegogo fundraising campaign for the Ryder Buck Memorial Scholarship Fund.

I am currently in Salt Lake City cheering on my struggling USC Trojans at Rice Eccles Staidum, and off the grid in Utah to take in nature's Bryce Canyon, Zion, and Arches National Park this October.  I plan to be in San Diego this November, and will depart for 23 nights in United Arab Emirates, Tanzania, and South Africa this December.  With 5.5 inches of screen space, the iPhone6 Plus will satisfy my tech crave this holiday and securing a savvy Global Entry membership will help me keep pace.

I know I won't be able to keep my mind idle for long, so look forward to new personal and professional endeavors in 2015.

On November 7, treat yourself to Disney's first ever Marvel animated film, "Big Hero 6", and look for my surname cameo on a sign within the first 15 seconds of the film.

Excelsior!
-Huang Dumplings

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