The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021) is the Oscar-nominated animated sci-fi comedy directed by Mike Rianda (Film/Video 10) and co-directed by Jeff Rowe (Film/Video BFA 11). The two also wrote the script, which follows Katie Mitchell and her quirky family as their road trip to drop her off at film school is unexpectedly interrupted by a robot apocalypse.
Rianda and Rowe were the guests of honor at the 2022 Character Animation Producers’ Show on May 4 at the Academy Museum in Los Angeles, addressing students in the audience where they once sat a decade before.
In this episode, Rianda and Rowe talk about the highs and lows of making the movie, their time at CalArts, and how Mike's Mom won Oscar night.
Content Warning: Language
Host: Christine Ziemba
Music: Erick "Pepper" Rivera (Music MFA 12)
Featured in CalArts' The Pool, Issue 11
Beyond the Blue Wall is a production of the CalArts Office of Advancement. You can find all of the episodes at calarts.edu/btbw.