Berkeley Studio Kuku Studios Launches Debut Film “In Your Dreams”

Berkeley, California, is now home to a vibrant new voice in animation with the launch of Kuku Studios, founded by writer and director Alex Woo. After nearly a decade of hard work and dedication, Woo has realized his dream of creating an animated feature film, titled “In Your Dreams.” This heartfelt story centers on two siblings, Stevie and Elliot, who embark on a magical journey through their dreams to seek help from the Sandman in hopes of mending their parents’ troubled marriage.

Woo’s journey began at the prestigious NYU Tisch School of the Arts, where he aspired to make a feature film on a grand scale. He reflects on this ambition, stating, “Every film student and every aspiring filmmaker wants to make a feature film on the biggest scale. That was always the dream.” With the support of fellow animators Stanley Moore and Tim Hahn, Woo founded Kuku Studios in his hometown of Berkeley.

From Pixar to Kuku Studios

Woo’s background in animation is impressive, having spent ten years at Pixar Animation Studios. He describes his time there as akin to a master class in storytelling, where he honed his skills alongside renowned filmmakers. “I worked with Brad Bird on Ratatouille and Andrew Stanton on Wall-E, and John Lasseter on Cars 2,” he notes, emphasizing the invaluable lessons he learned during his tenure.

His dedication to crafting a film that resonates emotionally with audiences drove him to invest countless hours into perfecting every detail of “In Your Dreams.” “The main goal, really, is to make something that touches people in so many ways,” Woo shares. He expresses gratitude for the artistic community in the Bay Area, stating, “The Bay Area has given me so much as an artist and as a filmmaker. I just want to continue that legacy established by those who came before me.”

Star Power and Audience Connection

The film features voice talent from actor Simi Liu, who plays the father in the story. Liu describes the film as reminiscent of the movies that shaped his childhood. “It feels like the movies that I grew up watching and loving and being really deeply impacted by,” he says, sharing his enthusiasm for the project.

Woo’s vision for “In Your Dreams” encapsulates a blend of humor and emotional depth, aiming to evoke both laughter and tears from its viewers. This duality in storytelling is a hallmark of the most enduring animated films, and Woo is committed to achieving that balance.

As Kuku Studios embarks on this exciting new chapter, the release of “In Your Dreams” marks a significant milestone for Woo and his team. Their dedication to storytelling promises to leave a lasting impact on audiences, making the dream of a feature film a reality. For further information about the film and Kuku Studios, interested parties can visit their official website.