Paul is just like you, probably.

Hes got a job, but maybe doesnt get everything he wants out of it.

Hes pragmatic and sensible, but maybe wishes he wasnt so.

EW: This short was inspired by old anatomy textbooks.

Why were you reading them?

Just a nostalgia stumble?

It was fascinating to me and became one of my most enduring memories from my childhood.

What did your initial pitch look like compared to the finished film?

You focus on a few organs: Brain, lungs, heart, bladder, and stomach.

Were other bodily functions considered?

At one point, we had the skeleton system be a big part of it.

And at some point, the appendix was a big part of it.

He would never do anything he would just hang out.

The film would just cut to him and hes not doing anything.

Whats the primary message you hope folks take away fromInner Workings?

Its a good question.

But realism can also be optimism.

Life is a balance.

In the beginning, the brain is very fearful of taking chances; hes comfortable with the status quo.

I think a lot of people in society, especially in Hollywood, can relate to that.

I think thats kind of the message.

You utilize hybrid animation in this short.

Is there any uncharted territory here?

The style of the short is extremely graphic, and that was a big challenge for us.

Theres a hybrid with 2D we had the help of some incredible animators at Disney.

We thought that would really help tell the story in this Golden Book direction.

So we chose to go this 2D route to really play the comedy out of it.

Theres an obvious parallel here toInside Out.

Whats that relationship like?

Inside Out, I think, is an incredible film.

When we started working on this, we knew that Pixar was working on something similar.

Even John was on board, and he knew the idea.

Even though they cover similar subjects, theyre completely different.

Also, its based on my personal story.

Its very much based on the 80s and my heritage.

Was that a happy accident?

Thats why we ended up in front ofMoana.

It was really just a coincidence.

But its great that they complement each other.

Were very happy, and also very honored to be in front ofMoana.

Moana andInner Workings arrive in theaters Nov. 23.