MONSTERS FUNDAY FOOTBALL
A sports matchup over two decades in the making
MONSTERS INC.
“Here we go again!”
That was our initial thought when Pixar and ESPN entrusted us with bringing another iconic set of characters to life in a new way.
Over the course of three months, we developed and produced a five-minute short film titled Monsters Funday Football Cheer Canister Competition, also known as the MFF Halftime Show. This piece explored the character strengths and flaws of Mike and Sully as they compete for glory on the gridiron. Collaborating with ESPN and Pixar to create something that felt true to their identities, without trying to reinvent them.
As with any piece featuring such iconic characters, we began with extensive research, followed by lots of trial and error designing scenes and gags.
SET PIECES
Every project has its own unique pipeline, tailored specifically for that project. However, with Monsters Inc., we had to adapt to an existing world and characters, so we needed to blend in.
We began with storyboards to capture the essential beats of the short, including camera angles. Then, we quickly transitioned into asset creation. The key assets for MFF were the Ball Toss, The High Striker, and The Tug-of-War Pit.
Each set piece presented its own set of challenges, but the main design guiding principle was that each piece should feel like it naturally fits into the monsters’ world.
FROM BOARDS TO FINAL LOOK
Bringing a project like this together in just three months requires extraordinary teamwork, meticulous planning, and creative problem-solving. Each production stage must progress and integrate with the previous one to achieve the final look. Our incredibly talented team did an amazing job of bringing the world of Monsters Inc. and its characters to life!
ON AIR
Launching on ESPN, ESPN+, and Disney+ on December 9th, 2025, the Monsters Funday Football broadcast is a fun football broadcast for the whole family to enjoy.