My Monsters University Classes – #MonstersUEvent

Last month on my press trip to Monsters University at Pixar Studios we got to take five different classes. The classes were short but the topics were very interesting and had me wishing that each of these classes were a little longer so I could learn more.

English 101: How To Tell A Great Story

In this class our teacher was Story Supervisor Kelsey Mann who explainedto us how the story process works. Mann oversees a teem of 58 story artist through the process of storyboarding “Monsters University”. My favorite part of this class is where Mann taught us how to draw a picture of Mike.

Here is my picture that I drew in class.

Sociology 203: The Deconstruction of a Character

In Sociology 203 our instructors included Production Designer Ricky Nierva, Character Art Director Jason Dreamer and Character Designer Daniela Strijleva. We learned about the design of the college-aged Mike & Sulley and the design of the new characters in Monsters University Terry & Terry, Squishy and more…

We learned that with the character Mike they removed wrinkles, the adult hands, gave him a retainer and he wears a hat! With Sulley, we learned that his horns are going to be blunter, his nails will not be as sharp, he will look a little skinner and they added a little fohawk hairdo to him. With Randall you will see some fur and he will be a little less groomed & cleaned. Then Randy, he will be of course younger, skinnier, his wrinkles have been removed and he he will be wearing glasses.

Anthropology 152: Monsterizing the World

This class was instructed by Shading/Lighting Art Director Dice Tsutsumi and Sets Art Director Robert Kindo. The lecture included the creating and “monstering of the world of MU.

Dramatic Arts: Bringing a Character to Life

This class was instructed by Supervising Animator Scott Clark and I thought it was one of my favorite classes. Clark showed us how the animation process works and he showed us a little demo on a linux machine. Clark showed us how he could make each of the characters move throughout the scenes and even showed us how he can make Sulley dance with some funky moves.

Physics 250: Global Illumination

This class was interesting and included instrutors Jean-Claude (JC) Kalache (DP-Lighting), Sanjay Bakshi (Supervising Technical Director) and Christine Waggoner (Simulation Supervisor. During this session we got to view a presentation on the use of Global Illumination in Monsters University and The Blue Umbrella.

After classes an awesome tailgate lunch & some fun games! I wish that all classes at college where this interesting! I only wish we could have got to spend a little more time at Monsters University to learn even more. What made the experience even more special is we got to see a sneak peek at some of the Monsters University movie. I can’t tell you what I seen but I do suggest you take the kids to see it when it comes out!

Monsters University opens in theaters everywhere on June 21st. Follow along the Monters University chat by using the hashtag #MonstersUEvent on Twitter!