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Monsters University Review! #MonstersUEvent

Lolli — Fri, 21 Jun 2013 11:00:59 +0000

I attended the Monster’s University Freshman Orientation (press event) in April. Travel expenses and accommodations were covered by Disney/Pixar (as well as plenty of behind-the-scenes sneak peek information about the upcoming movie) but no monetary compensation was received. All opinions are my own.

I’ve been talking about Pixar’s newest movie for months, now….and today I’m excited to finally be able to share my full Monsters University review!

When I was at Pixar Animation Studios in April, I was able to see the first 40 minutes of the movie, which was both good and bad….My sneak peek certainly gave me a taste of Monsters University and got me excited for more, but it was torture to stop the movie when I had gotten completely immersed in the story. I’ve been waiting for months to see how it ended.

Amazingly, despite the fact that I attended the pre-movie event and talked with the Animators, director, producer, and more, I was still surprised by some of the turns at the end.

Favorite part of Monsters University

As we were leaving the theater, I asked Necco (the lucky child who got to be my +1 at the screening) what her favorite part of the movie was, and she answered without hesitation: “The library scene!” I agreed with her – the library scene, part if the Annual Scare Games, was not only suspenseful and hilarious (yes, both!) but it was a wonderful example of teamwork. You’ll know what I mean when you see the movie.

I adored how the movie began, with a scene from Mike Wazowski’s childhood, and found myself loving Mike’s character even more than I did in Monsters Inc. I love knowing the beginning stories of characters I’ve come to love in my favorite shows.

Will my kids be scared of Monsters University?

I feel like there is a lot more humor than scariness in Monsters University, and would be totally comfortable with any of my kids seeing the movie. If your kids scare easily, then a movie all about monsters might not be a good choice for them, but be assured: Monsters University focuses on the “human” side of monsters and, in my opinion, takes away most of their scariness by helping kids relate to them. Yes, there is plenty of roaring and growling. Yes, Dean Hardscrabble is intimidating (and yet graceful at the same time). But this is not what I consider a scary movie for kids.

One of the things that I appreciated the most about Monsters University was hearing from the monsters that even monsters get scared, nervous, and insecure. And bravery can come from unsuspecting sources.

Is 3D worth it?

I saw the movie in 3D and thoroughly enjoyed it, but when I take my kids to see it in the theater on Saturday morning, we’ll be opting for the non-3D version. 3D is fun – there’s no doubt about that – and the 3D effects certainly enhance the Monster world (you really feel like you’re a part of the MU campus). But I really don’t think we’ll be missing out my seeing it in 2D.

Do I recommend Monsters University? Definitely yes! Set aside some time this summer to see it in the theater (we’ve already had requests to buy it on DVD, so I know that this will be a movie we watch over and over again in our house).

Read the rest of my sneak peek posts about Monsters University:

Monsters University comes to theaters June 21, 2013! Don’t miss it!
Like on Facebook: facebook.com/disneypixar
Follow on Twitter: twitter.com/disneypixar

Monsters University Printables {Free Activity Sheets} #MonstersUEvent

Lolli — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 03:10:14 +0000

My kids and I are getting excited about Monsters University coming to the theaters (finally!) THIS MONTH. To help you get pumped for the movie – and to give your kids something to do to pass the time this summer – here are some fun, new activity sheets to print out at home.

Let the fun begin!

(You can either click the images above to download the PDF version of these activities, or download the Monsters University Create-your-own School Crest or MU Memory Cards.

Be sure to print the first set of Monsters University printables, too, if you missed them last month!

Monsters University comes to theaters June 21, 2013! Don’t miss it!
Like on Facebook: facebook.com/disneypixar
Follow on Twitter: twitter.com/disneypixar

Producer Kori Rae Speaks About Monsters University #MonstersUEvent

Lolli — Mon, 20 May 2013 16:00:21 +0000

I attended the Monster’s University Freshman Orientation (press event) last month. Travel expenses and accommodations were covered by Disney/Pixar (as well as plenty of behind-the-scenes sneak peek information about the upcoming movie) but no monetary compensation was received. All opinions are my own.

When Kori Rae entered the conference room and took a seat at the head of the big table, surrounded by our rather large group of bloggers, she immediately felt like one of us. We could have chatted with her for hours, I’m sure.

Kori Rae Pixar started working with Pixar in 1993 and was part of the original entrepreneurial team that helped build and shape Pixar into the studio it is today. Kori worked on Pixar’s first hit, Toy Story, and then was asked to be the animation manager on A Bug’s Life and Toy Story 2. She continued on as associate producer for Monsters, Inc and The Incredibles.

Pretty incredible resume, if you ask me.

While we sat with her inside the Steve Jobs building on Pixar Studios’ campus, we asked her why it took so long to make a follow up to Monster’s Inc., especially considering the success of the movie.

Her response was that the decision to make Monsters University was more about how much the people at Pixar loved the world of Monsters, Inc., and not so much about the success of the first movie.

We also questioned the decision to create a prequel instead of a sequel. According to Kori Rae, the prequel made the most sense from the beginning. She said, “Let’s go backwards, see how the characters became the way they are, and explore the world of the Monsters.” Monsters University is the story of Mike and how he overcomes failure and how he realizes his dream.

The movie asks the question, “What do you do when one door closes, especially when you think that door was your only option?”

And answers back, “If you work hard enough, you can achieve anything.” What a great message to send to children and adults alike!

Ms Rae spoke of the challenges of making a prequel – she said that prequels are intense but a lot of fun. “How do you make a prequel fun and interesting but not predictable? You know how the story ends…” One of the first things they did in the beginning was to create and design background characters.
Animation-wise, the number of secondary/background characters was difficult in Monsters University. There are hundreds (literally) of background characters – any way you look at it, that’s a lot of work.

The good news is that everyone collaborates at Pixar. That fact was apparent everywhere we looked on the Pixar campus, from the way employees interacted with each other to the various clusters of chairs and tables designed for impromptu meetings in the middle of the work day. Kori said that you have to be able to roll with changes at Pixar – deadlines are changing constantly. They have milestones and goals, of course, but otherwise everything is fluid.

One of the bloggers in our group asked Kori Rae, “Do you ever get antsy and eager to see the project finished?” She answered, “Yes – but there is so much progress along the way.” Progress moves all of them along (and judging by their successes, they have a lot to be proud of!).

Check out this Monsters University trailer:

Monsters University comes to theaters June 21, 2013! Don’t miss it!
Like on Facebook: facebook.com/disneypixar
Follow on Twitter: twitter.com/disneypixar

I attended the #MonstersUEvent press trip during the month of April. All travel expenses were covered but no monetary compensation was received. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Photos included in this post were taken by the official Pixar MU photographer. Used with permission.

Monsters University Activity Sheets (FREE Printables) #MonstersUEvent

Lolli — Thu, 09 May 2013 15:13:44 +0000

Do you have any little monsters at home who are excited about Monsters University coming to theaters next month??

Here are a few free printables that will keep your monsters (or monster fans) occupied and entertained. Click any of the images below to download the PDF to print at home. Enjoy!

“Like” MONSTERS UNIVERSITY on Facebook: https://facebook.com/PixarMonstersUniversity

“Follow” Disney/Pixar on Twitter: @DisneyPixar

Visit the website: https://www.Disney.com/MonstersU

MONSTERS UNIVERSITY comes to theaters on June 21st!

Note: No compensation was received for sharing these kid-friendly activity sheets from Disney/Pixar.

My Monsters University Class Notes #MonstersUEvent

Lolli — Mon, 06 May 2013 16:25:19 +0000

I attended 5 excellent classes taught by the top Pixar “Professors” while on the #MonstersUEvent press trip. All travel expenses were covered but no compensation was received. All thoughts, opinions, and notes are my own.

When I was in college (the first time around) I was known to my professors as a top-notch note-taker. I was often asked to share my notes with other students and even with the instructors so they could gauge what the class was “getting” out of the lectures. While my note-taking skills may be a little rusty after (ahem) a few years post-college, I figured that someone out there may be able to glean a few interesting facts or helpful tidbits from my first day of classes at Monsters University.

After sitting in classes for several hours, I was definitely able to narrow down my Monsters University focus. I many have a strong scream (and could probably do very well in the School of Scaring) but I think my heart is in writing, as confirmed in my first class, English 101. Here’s a sneak peek at my day:

ENGLISH 101: How to Tell a Great Story

Instructor: Kelsey Mann (Story Supervisor)

Our classroom of bloggers certainly sympathized with our MU professor when she said that a blank, empty canvas is a scary thing. Instead of staring at white, when the story supervisor and writers meet together to start work on a new project, they get something down on paper and start building from there.

At Pixar, there is a lot of talking and throwing around ideas. They start talking until something feels right, then write down thoughts and keep changing and adding to those thoughts. Writers take the notes they get from brainstorming sessions and break away to write pages and pages of additional ideas that build on what they thought of together.

The coolest part of this process is that they rarely have to “fight” to implement their own ideas because they best ideas always rise to the top and in the end everyone tends to agree–this was the way it was supposed to be.

As a writer myself, coming up with fresh and interesting ideas is the hardest part of my job. Give me a tightly defined topic and I can almost always whip something up. After attending this class, I am convinced that what I need to make my blog more successful is a team of Pixar story tellers to brainstorm with me once a week. I’d even settle for once a month.

SOCIOLOGY 203: The Deconstruction of a Character

Instructors: Ricky Nierva (Production Designer), Jason Deamer (Character Art Director) & Daniela Strijleva (Character Designer)

We already know Mike and Sulley well….as “grown up” Monsters, Inc. employees. But how do you make a grown monster look younger? I loved the answer that our Sociology teachers gave: pull out all of the animators’ college pictures and study! What they discovered is that across the board everyone was skinnier in college. But simply making Mike and Sulley skinnier didn’t cut it. In addition to slimming down, the returning monsters were also given a “visual hook” – that one visual cue that sets the older and younger characters apart at a single glance.

Mike Wazowski: The younger Mike is more gangly, his skin is more translucent, his horns are smaller….but the biggest difference is that he has a retainer.
James P. Sullivan (Sulley): The younger Sulley is skinnier, wears a Monsters University jacket almost everywhere, and (that visual hook) has a faux hawk.
Randall (Randy): Instead of slimming down, Randy actually got a little bit of plump, so his legs look like they have a little bit of baby fat. The biggest difference, though? Randy wears glasses.

Fur development was a big deal with the new movie (technology has advanced so much in the last few years!). And since many college students are not into personal up-keep and grooming, the enhanced hair animation shows off the college kids’ lack of grooming with their messy tufts of hair. Believe me, you’ll be able to see a difference!

One of my fellow students asked specifically about the devlopment of one of Monsters University’s new characters, Dean Hardscrabble. We learned that the animators had initially planned on Dean Hardscrabble being male, but in a last minute change, the Dean was transformed into a female version (based on a very lethal giant venomous centipede, by the way!). The question was concerning the scariness level of Dean Hardscrabble. How hard is it to make a scary monster that is scaled back enough to keep the movie kid-friendly?

The animators commented that although she is based on a very scary creature, Dean Hardscrabble’s elegance and reserved personality scale her scariness factor back a bit. While she certainly demands respect (from the students at MU and from the viewers) and can pull out the scare tactics out on the spot, she doesn’t inspire nightmares just by looking at her.

PS – Did you know that every single monster created for each of the Monsters movies has a name in the Pixar database, even if they are never named in the movie?

ANTHROPOLOGY 152: Monsterizing the World

Instructors: Dice Tsutsumi (Shading/Lighting Art Director) & Robert Kondo (Sets Art Director)

Anthropology was such a cool class! To get our class started, out professors asked the question, “What makes a building monstery?” In studying the architecture of Monsters University, there were so many more aspects to the campus structures than one might catch at first glance. In a University filled with monsters of all shapes and sizes, the issue of scale was one of the first things the animators considered. How do you make buildings accomodate small monsters like Mike and giant monsters at the same time? What about flying monsters or monsters that live underwater?

A few special touches throughout the MU campus include: doors, stairs, drinking fountains, and more have difference levels (this of the kiddy doors built in to the bottom of an adult-size door). The aviation school and aquatic school both are built to accomodate flying and underwater monsters.

Pipes are seen throughout the movie (remember that the monster world is powered by scream energy).

One of the fun touches that I noticed during the preview that we saw of the movie was statue in front of the scare school. Monsters University has been around for a long time–generations of monsters have come before Mike and Sulley’s class, and that’s evident in the front paw of the monster statue at the entrance of the scare school. It’s tradition for entering freshmen to rub the paw of the statue as they head to class on the first day, and the paw is polished from all of the rubbing!

DRAMATIC ARTS: Bringing a Character to Life

Instructor: Scott Clark (Supervising Animator)

The animation process is kind of like a dance–different animators are working on different characters, and somehow they get each of the characters to come together. In this class we were able to watch the evolution of the dance party scene–how they decided how Sulley should dance (we had some fun live demonstrations) and how he should interact with the difference characters on the dance floor. It was fascinating to watch the scene emerge from rough computer “sketches” to a finished and polished scene, ready for the movie.

PHYSICS 250: Global Illumination

Instructors: Jean-Claude (JC) Kalache (DP-Lighting), Sanjay Bakshi (Supervising Technical Director) & Christine Waggoner (Simulation Supervisor)

After talking with the Physics professors at MU, I was thoroughly impressed, and I admit my head was swimming just a bit. Did you know that Pixar doubled its render farm to make Monsters University? Over 400 new characters were build for Monsters U. On average, there are 24 characters per shot in Monsters University (the average Pixar film has about 10 characters per shot). What do all these numbers and stats mean? Basically, this all tells us that Monsters University is more complex on the animating front. There is a lot going on in each scene!

Interesting Physics facts (averages):

Limbs per character: 6.2
Horns per character: 5.4
Eyes per character: 3.7

Comparing Monsters Inc. with Monsters University, MI had a “one hairy character per scene” rule versus MU’s 25% (ie, in Monsters University, about 25% of the characters have simulated hair).

In Monsters University, a significant amount of the animation is simulated. What is simulation? Simulation is motion calculated by software that is too complex to be animated by hand. This includes folds in clothing, pages in a book, leaves on trees, bedding, and of course hairs. Putting Monsters, Inc. and Monsters University side by side, it’s obvious how far animation (and specifically simulation) has come!

In the end, what Monsters University bloggers do best…Writing and taking pictures. Lots of them!

Monsters University comes to theaters June 21, 2013! Don’t miss it!
Like on Facebook: facebook.com/disneypixar
Follow on Twitter: twitter.com/disneypixar

I attended the #MonstersUEvent press trip during the month of April. All travel expenses were covered but no compensation was received. All thoughts, opinions, and notes are my own. Photos included in this post were taken by the official Pixar MU photographer. Used with permission.

First Day on Campus: Monsters University #MonstersUEvent

Lolli — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 16:00:59 +0000

Disclosure: I attended the Monster’s University Freshman Orientation (press event) this month. My travel and accommodations were included, as well as plenty of behind-the-scenes sneak peek information about the upcoming movie. All opinions are my own.

As soon as I stepped off the bus for freshman orientation at Monster’s University, I felt like I’d been transported to a well-established college campus.

It has been a while since I was a college freshman (in fact, my daughter will be heading to college in a little over a year) but as I stepped under the MU banner and walked past the rousing drum band, those old college emotions came rushing back.

Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, California, was transformed. From Monster’s University banners to monster-themed flyers pinned to all the bulletin boards, the whole place was decked out. It really did feel like we were walking around Monster’s University with Mike and Sulley (I caught a few snap shots with Mike and Sulley, who did in fact show up throughout our orientation).

Not only were we entertained by MU cheerleaders and drummers during our outdoor tailgating BBQ lunch, but we were able to enjoy some my favorite Pixar icons, like the Luxo the lamp and the yellow Luxo ball.

Inside the Steve Jobs Building, we spent a good part of the day in classes, but we took time out of our busy schedule to take our official Student ID pictures, a special picture with Mike and Sulley, and a quick visit with one of the Professors of Scaring who rated us on our scariest screams.

My kids were not surprised when I reported back on my score – my scream was received a Super-Scary-Dean-Hardscrabble on the official Scare-O-Meter (“Scariness is the true measure of a Monster”). In the next few weeks, I get to share a video of the scary and not-so-scary screams that happened during orientation (I must say, though – only at MU can you be sitting in class and hear constant screams in the courtyard. At least I hope that’s the case…).

After classes, we were led on a tour of the Pixar campus, and although much of what we saw behind the scenes was photo-restricted, I can tell you that I was in awe. I’ve loved Pixar from the moment I saw Toy Story for the first time back in 1995 (and many, many times since) but when I saw where and how they worked–where so much of the Pixar magic is born–I was blown away.

Did you know that Pixar has produced thirteen feature length animated films? Pixar has won 27 Academy Awards, seven Golden Globe Awards, and eleven Grammy Awards, as well as many other awards. Up and Toy Story 3 are two of only three animated films EVER to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture.

Pixar does some amazing work…but as we toured the campus, I was reminded that Pixar is only as strong and talented as the many talented, incredible people working there.

I’m just grateful that I could spend a few days surrounded by such greatness.

And now I’m excited to share this brand new never-before seen trailer for Monsters University:

How excited are you for this movie to come out?!

Meet the Newest MU Freshman! #MonstersUEvent

Lolli — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 03:01:40 +0000

No, I’m not talking about my oldest daughter heading off to college (expect that announcement next year). Me! I’m going to be leaving in just a few weeks for freshman orientation at MU (Monsters University, that is).

My decision to head back to school came somewhat spur of the moment, though I’ve been putting quite a bit of thought into this idea of going back to school for several years. I was sitting on the airplane this weekend heading back from my trip to to San Diego and happened to sit in a middle seat in between two members of the women’s track team from my alma mater. As we chatted about college days (I admit I was somewhat embarrassed to answer the question “Oh, so what year did you graduate?!”) I realized that my focus the first time around was completely wrong. As much as I loved Early Childhood Education, that was not where my true talent was.

In fact, to uncover my true calling, all you would really need to do is call my younger brother up….

You see, when my family lived in San Jose, my little brother had his own room across the hall from the bedroom that my sister and I shared. I would sneak into his closet while he was getting ready for bed and watch through a crack in the sliding closet door for him to settle in for the night. When the time was just right, I would quietly lift my pale pink nightgown high up over my head and open the closet door as fast as I could, shrieking and moaning and scaring the begeebers out of the poor little guy.

And I did it over and over and over again (it’s a wonder I didn’t get in trouble for scaring him more often…).

Don’t you see? I’m perfect for MU.

I was thrilled last week when I received a much-anticipated acceptance letter from Monsters University, straight from the admins at Disney/Pixar, inviting me to come to Freshman Orientation on April 8-10. Orientation is just a few short weeks away, which means that I’ve got a lot to do to get ready.

I’m thinking of using the next few weeks to brush up on my jump-out-of-closet scare routine. I’ve got 5 kids down the hall who would be PERFECT guinea pigs.

I’ll let you know how that works out….

What would YOU study if you could go back to school and join me as an incoming freshman at Monsters University? Here’s an overview of the MU schools:

School of Scaring – MU’s School of Scaring offers beginning and advanced courses in all things horrific: from shrieking to slithering and room awareness to the history of scaring.
School of Engineering – The School of Scaring offers both an historical perspective on technology and advanced hands-on experience working with real-world tools.
School of Liberal Arts & Monstrosities – At the heart of the well-rounded monster is the burning desire to learn more about the culture, the world, and the self. The School of Liberal Arts and Monstrosities does just that.
School of Science – From biological categorization of our own species to the study of still-unknown properties of human screams, the School of Science offers students access to top scientific minds and state-of-the-art lab facilities.
School of Business – The B-school at MU is ranked #1 in the monster world, offering students the leading resources in strategy, leadership, accounting, and marketing training.

I’m definitely leaning towards the School of Liberal Arts and Monstrosities. Hey, I may even become the world’s first Monster-Blogger. It has a nice ring to it (get it? Like Mommy-blogger? Ok, I’ll stick to the scaring…).

Here’s a quick itinerary of my trip to sunny San Francisco:

Monday, April 8th: Evening reception at Pixar with footage from MONSTERS UNIVERSITY and a screening of the short film THE BLUE UMBRELLA.

Tuesday, April 9th: Press day at Pixar for MONSTERS UNIVERSITY (including interviews with Director Dan Scanlon, Producer Kori Rae, animators and a tour of Pixar).

Wednesday, April 10th: Visit The Walt Disney Family Museum.

More details will be coming in the next few weeks and months as we prepare for the start of our first semester at MU (ie – Monster’s University opens in theaters June 21, and I’ll be keeping you well-informed and up-to-date as we approach the exciting day!).

About Monster’s University:

Mike Wazowski and James P. Sullivan are an inseparable pair, but that wasn’t always the case. From the moment these two mismatched monsters met they couldn’t stand each other. “Monsters University” unlocks the door to how Mike and Sulley overcame their differences and became the best of friends.

Screaming with laughter and fun, “Monsters University” is directed by Dan Scanlon (“Cars,” “Mater and the Ghostlight,” “Tracy”) and produced by Kori Rae (“Up,” “The Incredibles,” “Monsters, Inc.”). The film opens in U.S. theaters on June 21, 2013, and will be shown in Disney Digital 3D in select theaters.

Note: I was invited to attend the Disney/Pixar Monsters University Freshman Orientation press event in April, and all my travel expenses will be covered. Follow the hashtag #MonstersUEvent as our group of 25 incoming freshman prepare for and attend orientation, or check out the MU Facebook page. We’ll be sure to give you the most up to date and juicy college details.