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Monsters, Inc. Invades Monday Night Football
8 Dec
Summary
- Monsters, Inc. characters will animate Monday Night Football on ESPN2.
- Animation challenges included tracking the ball and character movement.
- Real voice actors recorded dialogue for the animated segment.
This past Monday night, the Philadelphia Eagles faced the Los Angeles Chargers in an NFL game that featured an unusual animated twist. ESPN2 broadcast a "Monsters Funday Football" special, showcasing beloved characters from Disney and Pixar's Monsters, Inc. Mike Wazowski and James P. "Sulley" Sullivan animated the game, with Mike playing for the Eagles and Sulley for the Chargers, chosen for their respective team colors.
The "Funday Football" concept, now in its third year, selects different intellectual properties annually. For this iteration, Monsters, Inc. was chosen for its nostalgic appeal and practical character design, as monsters possess legs and arms suitable for animating football actions. The production team, led by Michael "Spike" Szykowny and David "Sparky" Sparrgrove, encountered significant technical challenges, including issues with ball tracking, motion tracking, and camera angles. These glitches, though present, were managed by the control room crew.
Despite initial technical difficulties, the broadcast was met with positive audience reception, with viewers appreciating the innovative attempt. A key enhancement this year was the inclusion of original voice actors Billy Crystal and John Goodman, who recorded new dialogue for the animated segments, adding a layer of authenticity. This creative integration aims to provide a unique and engaging viewing experience for families during the NFL season.
