Inner Workings is the Newest Short Film from Walt Disney Animation Studios
When I was in Los Angeles last month we had the chance to sit down and talk with Leo Matsuda, the director of the latest Walt Disney Animation Studios short film Inner Workings. Inner Workings appears in front of feature film Moana November 23, 2016. He's no newbie to the animation world; he worked as a story artist on Zootopia, as well as the 2014 Oscar®-winning film Big Hero 6. Matsuda was nominated for an Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement, Storyboarding in an Animated Feature Production for his work on the 2012 Oscar®-nominated Wreck-It Ralph.
Matsuda said his Japanese side loves discipline, and his Brazilian side loves Carnival and parties, so he struggles internally with his two cultures. You see a little bit of this represented in this short film, which explores the importance of finding balance in daily life. He was inspired by anatomy books growing up, which was part of the artistic inspiration for this short film.
Matsuda was one of 73 hopefuls who pitched ideas to the Walt Disney Animation Studios Story Trust, and Matsuda was ultimately selected to direct the new short. “Inner Workings is special to me because it directly reflects a theme in my life that many people can relate to,” he says, “which is the constant battle between our hearts and our brains.”
I was fortunate enough to see the short film when we interview Matsuda last month in Los Angeles. The film is fun and poignant for those of us who struggle with work-life balance. As a product of the 80s, I love the music, which reminds of vintage video games. The short uses a combination of CG and traditional hand-drawn animation, which also plays to that retro theme. You won’t want to miss it.
I’ve been invited to an all-expenses paid trip to LA. As always, all opinions are my own.
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This looks like it will be great.