News: HOMECOMING FOR DISNEY/PIXAR’S “FINDING DORY” FILIPINO SKETCH ARTIST, PAUL ABADILLA

MANILA, June 20, 2016 – Paul Abadilla, the US-based Filipino animator from Pixar Animation Studios received a warm homecoming welcome by his family and animation fans in Manila, Philippines. Parallel to the story of Dory finding her way home in the new Pixar film, “Finding Dory” -- Abadilla made his way home to share more about the work he did on the film, which opened here on June 16th.

Joined by some of his own family who are still living the Philippines, the Manila-born artist attended the premiere of “Finding Dory” last Saturday, June 11 at SM Megamall. Abadilla also took time out to conduct an Animation workshop, attended by over 250 animation students and influencers last Tuesday June 14 at Makati Diamond Residences. Attendees also received autographed “Finding Dory” concept art.

“It’s great to be home to be with my family and I feel privileged to be given the opportunity to come back and share what we did for Finding Dory. This is an unforgettable experience and I am very moved by the warm reception I’ve received so far,” said Abadilla.

Disney/Pixar’s Finding Dory sketch artist, Paul Abadilla, and his family at the Philippine premiere of the film.

Abadilla shared how he started his career in animation, the obstacles he had to go through, and his journey at Pixar. The workshop was followed by a Q&A session where local animation students got a chance to seek Abadilla’s expertise in the animation field.

Abadilla joined Pixar Animation Studios as an intern in June 2008. He continued on as a sketch artist in several art departments doing shading and set design on the feature films “Monsters University,” and Academy Award®-winning films “Brave” and “Inside Out.” In addition, Abadilla has worked on the short films “The Blue Umbrella,” Pixar’s first television special “Toy Story of TERROR!,” “LAVA,” the Academy Award®-nominated “Sanjay’s Super Team and most recently Finding Dory.”

As a sketch artist, Abadilla collaborates with film directors, production designers, art directors, and various technical departments to produce the best design solutions for various CG elements used in the film. His versatile skill set allows him to contribute in many aspects of the pipeline, including designing environments, surface textures, and color and lighting.

Born in Manila, Philippines, Abadilla moved to California at age 7, and was raised in Milpitas and San Jose, Calif. He graduated from San Jose State University, Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation and Illustration. Prior to joining Pixar, he interned with the Walt Disney Animation Studios as part of the visual development department.

About Disney/Pixar’s Finding Dory”

Disney•Pixar's “Finding Dory” welcomes back to the big screen everyone’s favorite forgetful blue tang Dory (voice of Ellen DeGeneres), who’s living happily in the reef with Marlin (voice of Albert Brooks) and Nemo (voice of Hayden Rolence). When Dory suddenly remembers that she has a family out there who may be looking for her, the trio takes off on a life-changing adventure across the ocean to California’s prestigious Marine Life Institute, a rehabilitation center and aquarium. In an effort to find her mom (voice of Diane Keaton) and dad (voice of Eugene Levy), Dory enlists the help of three of the MLI’s most intriguing residents: Hank (voice of Ed O’Neill), a cantankerous octopus who frequently gives employees the slip; Bailey (voice of Ty Burrell), a beluga whale who is convinced his biological sonar skills are on the fritz; and Destiny (voice of Kaitlin Olson), a nearsighted whale shark. Deftly navigating the complex innerworkings of the MLI, Dory and her friends discover the magic within their flaws, friendships and family.

Directed by Andrew Stanton (“Finding Nemo,” “WALL•E”), co-directed by Angus MacLane (“Toy Story OF TERROR!”), and produced by Lindsey Collins (co-producer “WALL•E”), Disney/Pixar’s “Finding Dory” is now swimming in Philippine theatres.

Movie Review: "Finding Dory"

It was thirteen years ago when "Finding Nemo" broke box office records, earned critical acclaim and captured the hearts of kids and adults alike. I was in High School when the film came out and I remember how amazed I was at the incredible and beautiful graphics and animation in the film. Of course, the powerful story itself had everyone crying buckets. 

The film has established cult lines such as "Just Keep Swimming" and even the hilarious mantra "Fish are friends, not food." 

Part of what made "Finding Nemo" a success was the cheerful and optimistic, blue tang, who suffers from memory loss, Dory (Ellen DeGeneres) audiences loved her and soon after the commercial success of the film, DeGeneres has been campaigning for a sequel (at least through jokes on her talk show). 

Nevertheless, the long awaited sequel has finally been released and here are my thoughts on the film. 

It's been a year since the events of the first film. Dory now lives with Nemo and Marlin, everything seems to be calm and nice (much to Marlin's content) but Dory has been having dreams of her old life (before she met Nemo and Marlin) and for someone who suffers from short term memory loss, it would be hard to remember who your family is, let alone where to find them. 

Dory convinces Nemo and Marlin to help her find her family (Marlin needed more persuading) so the three set off on a journey which all largely depends on Dory's memory recall. 

Paul and I felt that Marlin (Albert Brooks) is a more believable anchor to a story. An overprotective father who will cross the ocean for his lost son seems to have more tugs on the heartstrings, rather than a fish with short term memory loss in search for her parents.

Of course there will still be that magic-Pixar-punch-in-the-gut, tears-in-your-eyes moment which you cannot miss.

Mind you, the film was still enjoyable, mostly because of the new characters Hank (Ed O'Neil) a cranky but sweet octopus-err--septopus and Bailey (Ty Burrel), a beluga whale. I honestly wasn't a fan of Destiny, a near sighted whale shark, I found her voice (Kaitlin Olson) to be a little annoying, which is sad since our waters are home to whale sharks. You probably know someone who knows someone who has swam with or at least have seen these gentle giants.

Pull out a P 100.00 bill, there's a whale shark right at the back of it.

I would love to watch film again because of Hank, which in case you didn't know, the technology to create Hank was not yet available ten years ago. Hank is an accomplished escape artist and/or 'octopus-ninja' who slithers everywhere and there was one scene which took the animators two years to make and you should see that in the glory of the cinema.

Aside from just the ground breaking animation and technology to create Hank, you shouldn't miss this sweetheart on screen. He tries to be a toughie but you know that he's all cotton candy inside.

Dory and Hank. 

I loved Ty Burrell's Bailey, who uses his sonar abilities to help Dory on her adventure, he's so hilarious he was like a fish with powers. 

There's this hilarious "They're consuming her!" scene which we just super LOL'd at. 

Another thing that sets "Finding Dory" apart is this action packed sequence, which I would never thought I'd see in a film about fish. 

Bailey. Destiny and Dory. 

The film teaches us to celebrate our flaws, which even leads to Marlin and Nemo asking "What Would Dory Do?" and that despite Dory's short term memory loss and in retrospect inability to go on her own adventure, the cheerful blue tang has actually been a much bigger help than the father and son realized. The movie is a great way to teach these to kids, as Destiny is near-sighted and Bailey thinks that his sonar is off, Hank is lacking one tentacle. Yet despite these setbacks, these colorful sea creatures save the day. 

8 out of 10 stars. Finding Dory may not surpass it's predecessor but it is still a colorful, ambitious and hilarious addition to Pixar classics. 

"Finding Dory" swims into Philippine theaters on Thursday, June 16th, 

“Finding Dory" is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International through Columbia Pictures. Follow the official social media accounts of Disney in the Philippines, namely, (FB) WaltDisneyStudiosPH, (Twitter) @disneystudiosph and (Instagram) @waltdisneystudiosph and use the hashtag #FindingDoryPH.

The Good Dinosaur: A Beautiful Story in a Beautiful Landscape

Disney-Pixar does it again! 

In their latest full length feature, Disney-Pixar have yet again created another heart warming film which will have you wiping away tears and being filled with that fuzzy feeling that only they can make you feel. 

In a world where the comet did not hit the earth and the dinosaurs did not go extinct is a timid Apatosaurus named Arlo.   

Arlo is the runt of the litter, you would say, he is smaller than his brother and sister and in a world where dinosaurs work as farmers and ranchers it's easy to fall behind when you are as timid (and let's say a bit of a wuss - really) like Arlo. And in harsh and constantly changing environment it will be hard to survive. 

Which is what happens to Arlo when he is separated from his home and family. Arlo must find his courage as he travels through dangerous terrain and meets a colorful cast of creatures who in one way or another, help Arlo grow. 

Spot, a human boy is an unlikely friend who helps Arlo the most in his adventure. Spot helps Arlo find the courage to be the dinosaur he was meant to be.  

It is worth mentioning that the landscapes and beautiful terrain used in the film is the most beautiful yet. From lush green fields, to snow capped mountains, to crystal clear lakes to a field of bright emerald fireflies, Pixar pushes the envelope with the magic that they bring to the screen. Everything is so beautiful, it's worth becoming your computer's wallpaper.   

Of course, more than just the exquisite setting, The Good Dinosaur is a coming-of-age story of a dinosaur and his boy. As they remind audiences through their adventures that love and friendship is a transcending force so strong, it knows no boundaries. 

I cried a lot while watching the movie (surprise, surprise) it's really a tear jerker, some grown ups in the press screening were brave enough to admit that they did cry. So just bring the tissues just in case.   

Parents may need to explain some interesting scenes in the film to their kids though (SPOILER) there's this psychedelic scene where Arlo and Spot get high on some bad fruit. While it was hilarious for us adults, the kids might not get it. Don't know how you'll explain that to your kids though.    

10 out of 10 Stars! The Good Dinosaur is a beautiful story of finding the courage in each one of us to face the unknown in our lives and the importance of the people; our family and friends who helped us find that courage.

In case you missed it there's a widespread #FindArlo media campaign across Southeast Asia and we need everyone's help to find him! You can read more in the blog post here!   

Opening across the Philippines on Nov. 25, “The Good Dinosaur” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International through Columbia Pictures. Follow the official social media accounts of Disney in the Philippines, namely, (FB) WaltDisneyStudiosPH, (Twitter) @disneystudiosph and (Instagram) @waltdisneystudiosph and use the hashtag #GoodDinoPH.

Meet Your New Favorite Buddies: Arlo and Spot in "The Good Dinosaur"

We humans seem to have a deep fascination with dinosaurs. Earlier this year the "Jurassic" franchise was revived with 2015's highest grossing film - "Jurassic World". Where (yet again) we see that science and an extinct species don't mix and that a theme park full of live dinosaurs is never a good idea. 

The creative folks from Disney and Pixar once again take this fascination with dinosaurs and put a twist in it, asking a great what if and dares to ask the question "What if the asteroid that hit the earth which caused the extinction of the dinosaurs - missed?"   

Pixar Animation Studios takes you on an epic journey into the world of dinosaurs where an Apatosaurus named Arlo makes an unlikely human friend (Spot). While traveling through a harsh and mysterious landscape, Arlo learns the power of confronting his fears and discovers what he is truly capable of.

“It’s the story of a boy and his dog—only in our story, the boy is a dinosaur and the dog is a boy,” says director Peter Sohn.

“It’s also a coming-of-age story,” adds Sohn. “Arlo is afraid everything. But his father, Poppa, is always there for him, encouraging Arlo to step out of his comfort zone, to confront his fears, to make his mark.”

“From the moment Arlo is born, he’s afraid of the world,” says director Peter Sohn. “He’s fun-loving and determined; he’s got a lot of fire when it comes to his desire to help his family. But he’s scared. His fear holds him back.

The film catapults Arlo into a vast wilderness that forces him to confront his fears. According to producer Denise Ream, the stunning and often overwhelming landscape that artists created ultimately played an important role in the story. “Nature can overcome anything,” she says, “including a massive dinosaur.”

Along the way, Arlo encounters a host of unique personalities who all contribute to his evolution—whether they mean to or not. But the friendship he builds with Spot has the biggest impact. Says Sohn, “The bond that grows between Arlo and Spot allows Arlo to push through his fear and take on the ultimate nemesis: nature.”

In case you missed it there's a widespread #FindArlo media campaign across Southeast Asia and we need everyone's help to find him! You can read more in the blog post here!   

Opening across the Philippines on Nov. 25, “The Good Dinosaur” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International through Columbia Pictures. Follow the official social media accounts of Disney in the Philippines, namely, (FB) WaltDisneyStudiosPH, (Twitter) @disneystudiosph and (Instagram) @waltdisneystudiosph and use the hashtag #GoodDinoPH.

Help Find Arlo, The Good Dinosaur!

Manila, 18th November 2015 –

Have you seen anything strange lately? Oh let's say a dinosaur roaming around? 
Or maybe some pretty big clues? 

A widespread #FINDARLO media campaign will kick off across Southeast Asia, enlisting the help of fans to search for Arlo, the timid dinosaur from Disney/Pixar’s highly anticipated upcoming release, “The Good Dinosaur”.

(Watch the video “Missing Dino Alert. Help Us #FindArlo” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ed1kzMaFTuQ.)

Fans are encouraged to spot traces of Arlo across various locations in the Philippines and report their findings by taking a picture and uploading it to their Instagram account using #FINDARLO. Key online influencers in the Philippines including Alodia Gosiengfiao, Laureen Uy, Ranz Kyle and Niana Guerrero have already committed to help find Arlo before the movie opens on Nov. 25.

So be a part of this fun regional digital movement to locate Arlo in the Philippines this November. For more information, simply log on to http://www.findarlo.com/

Alodia Gosiengfiao just found a clue! #FindArlo #GoodDinoPH

About Disney/Pixar’s The Good Dinosaur 

Disney/Pixar’s The Good Dinosaur asks the question: What if the asteroid that forever changed life on Earth missed the planet completely and giant dinosaurs never became extinct?  Pixar Animation Studios takes you on an epic journey into the world of dinosaurs where an Apatosaurus named Arlo (voice of Raymond Ochoa) makes an unlikely human friend. While traveling through a harsh and mysterious landscape, Arlo learns the power of confronting his fears and discovers what he is truly capable of Directed by Peter Sohn and produced by Denise Ream (“Cars 2”), Disney•Pixar’s “The Good Dinosaur” opens across the Philippines on Nov. 25 and if Disney/Pixar is to continue with their streak of heart warming flicks then I'm sure that The Good Dinosaur is going to be a real tear jerker! 

Looking forward to the movie and I'm hoping I can watch it with my nieces and nephews :) 

In the mean time let's keep an eye out for those clues! 

#FindArlo #GoodDinoPH 

Filipino 'Inside Out' Co-Director Flies Home for Gala Premiere

Ronnie del Carmen - Inside Out Co-Director. 

Talk about those "proud to be a Filipino" moments; Cavite born and raised Ronnie del Carmen makes a homecoming as the Co-Director in one of the best reviewed and most anticipated Disney-Pixar movies to date, "Inside Out". 

Del Carmen migrated to the US several years after graduating from the University of Santo Tomas. Aside from co-directing “Inside Out,” Ronnie del Carmen has also been a member of the story team on a number of the Pixar’s films, including the Academy Award-winning features “Finding Nemo,” (hence the Nipa Hut in the Fish Tank) “Ratatouille” and “Up” (for which he served as story supervisor).

The Fish Tank in 'Finding Nemo' features a Nipa Hut as a nod to Ronnie del Carmen's Filipino roots. Mount Mayon is also the inspiration for Mount Wannnahawkaloogie. P. Sherman is how you would read 'Fisherman' in a heavy Filipino accent. 

Del Carmen flies home to Manila as part of a South East Asia tour from August 2-10. He is joined by Inside Out director Pete Docner. The Disney-Pixar creative geniuses will be going on a 3 day city tour whic will start in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia and proceed to Jakarta Indonesia and end in Manila Philippines. Both filmmakers are scheduled to meet with numerous Disney-Pixar fans and the local creative communities at various on-ground events.

Pete Docter and Ronnie del Carmen. 

In the Philippines, Pete Docter and Ronnie del Carmen will attend the by-invite-only red carpet premiere on  Friday night, August 7 at the IMAX SM Aura in Taguig. And on Monday, August 10 Ronnie del Carmen will give an inspirational lecture before local animators and animation students in an event organized by the Animation Council of the Philippines. Venue is also the IMAX SM Aura. This is exciting news for local animators and fans of Disney-Pixar as this is a rare event which will surely provide not only inspiration but insight as well as what it takes to be part of an internationally acclaimed and innovative team like Disney-Pixar. 

“It is with utmost joy and pride that we welcome Pete Docter and Ronnie del Carmen to Southeast Asia in this historic tour. We want to bring Disney-Pixar fans closer to our movies with such events and allow them to experience such one-in-a-lifetime chance to meet with notable creative minds in the animation and entertainment industry,” said Amit Malhotra, General Manager, Studio Entertainment, The Walt Disney Company, Southeast Asia.

'Inside Out' Director Pete Docter. 

One of the best reviewed movies to date, “Inside Out” is a comedy adventure featuring a team of Emotions who help guide an 11-year-old girl named Riley through an unsettling change in her life.

“Inside Out” opened in the U.S. June 19 with a monumental USD $92-million haul, the biggest debut ever for an original film. On its third week of release, “Inside Out” catapulted to the number one spot of the US domestic box-office. Its cumulative gross now stands at USD $325-million and still counting.

Pete Docter has been nominated for six Academy Awards, including best animated feature winner “Up” and nominee “Monsters, Inc.,” and best original screenplay for “Up” and “WALL•E.”

The team of Emotions in 'Inside Out' 

About “Inside Out”

From an adventurous balloon ride above the clouds to a monster-filled metropolis, Academy Award®-winning director Pete Docter (“Monsters, Inc.,” “Up”) has taken audiences to unique and imaginative places. In Disney•Pixar’s original movie “ Inside Out,” he will take us to the most extraordinary location of all—inside the mind.

Growing up can be a bumpy road, and it's no exception for Riley, who is uprooted from her Midwest life when her father starts a new job in San Francisco. Like all of us, Riley is guided by her emotions – Joy (Amy Poehler), Fear (Bill Hader), Anger (Lewis Black), Disgust (Mindy Kaling) and Sadness (Phyllis Smith). The emotions live in Headquarters, the control center inside Riley’s mind, where they help advise her through everyday life. As Riley and her emotions struggle to adjust to a new life in San Francisco, turmoil ensues in Headquarters. Although Joy, Riley's main and most important emotion, tries to keep things positive, the emotions conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house and school.

Opening across the Philippines on August 19, “Inside Out” is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International through Columbia Pictures.

Meet the Five Emotions in "Inside Out"

When I saw the trailer of Disney-Pixar's new comedy "Inside Out" I wasn't so sure about what to think about the movie, it was an unusual premise for sure. Paul on the other hand was immediately intrigued and interested, but then I started to think about what it was like growing up as a teenager, an angsty one at that, I cut my own hair, listened to punk rock and honestly had a lot of anger in me, I even wrote a lot of really angry poetry but all that is in the past now, as my sister put it I seem to have had a better disposition in life after meeting Paul :p 

Growing up, being a teenager, it really was a roller coaster ride of emotions and looking at that experience through the eyes of a "team" of emotions in your head was really interesting and so I was hooked. 

In "Inside Out" there is a team of 5 emotions who help guide 11-year old Riley through an unsettling change in her life. I remember being 11- it was no walk in the park. 

"Some psychologists claim that there are 27 emotions" says director Pete Docter. 

We toyed with adding Pride. Or Schadenfreude, who delighted in the pain of others. But it started getting crowded in there. We ultimately settled on five.”

Filmmakers then went about defining each Emotion, assigning them a purpose in Riley’s mind, and tackling the difficult process of finding the right look for each. “The look and design of the Emotions had to remind people that they are personifications of feelings,” says Docter. “They’re not little people. They’re Emotions. They’re made of energy—they’re made up of thousands of particles, which kind of looks like energy. We wanted to capture what emotions feel like—the shapes, the colors—as well as their personalities.”

JOY (voice of Amy Poehler). Joy’s goal has always been to make sure Riley stays happy. She is lighthearted, optimistic and determined to find the fun in every situation. Joy sees challenges in Riley’s life as opportunities, and the less happy moments as hiccups on the way back to something great. As long as Riley is happy, so is Joy.

FEAR (voice of Bill Hader). Fear’s main job is to protect Riley and keep her safe. He is constantly on the lookout for potential disasters, and spends time evaluating the possible dangers, pitfalls and risk involved in Riley’s everyday activities. There are very few activities and events that Fear does not find to be dangerous and possibly fatal.

ANGER (voice of Lewis Black). Anger feels very passionately about making sure things are fair for Riley. He has a fiery spirit and tends to explode (literally) when things don’t go as planned. He is quick to overreact and has little patience for life’s imperfections.

DISGUST (voice of Mindy Kaling). Disgust is highly opinionated, extremely honest and prevents Riley from getting poisoned – both physically and socially. She keeps a careful eye on the people, places and things that Riley comes into contact with – whether that’s broccoli or last year’s fashion trend. Disgust always has the best of intentions and refuses to lower her standards.

SADNESS (voice of Phyllis Smith). None of the other Emotions really understand what Sadness’s role is. Sadness would love to be more optimistic and helpful in keeping Riley happy, but she finds it so hard to be positive. Sometimes it seems like the best thing to do is just lie on the floor and have a good cry.

“All of the Emotions are the most cartoony, most stylized characters that we’ve ever attempted in a feature film here at Pixar,” says supervising animator Victor Navone. “They are the kind of characters that might actually be easier to draw on paper—but they’re really hard to do in three dimensions. These characters are so special, so unique—we just wanted to hit a home run.”

Opening across the Philippines on August 19, “Inside Out” is distributed by The Walt Disney Company – Studio Entertainment through Columbia Pictures.