Tim Burton Biography

Burton grew up next door to the giant studios of the American film industry. His pleasure came from painting, drawing and films, especially the monster movies, Hammer horrors and the work of Ray Harryhausen.

In 1976 Burton enrolled at the animator’s breeding ground at California’s Institute of Arts, in his second year he entered into the Disney animation program and, two years later, he joined the ranks of Disney animators.

A 90-minute animated film requires 129,000 frames, each individually drawn. Burton was one of many talented artists stuck drawing the same character, with minute differences, over and over again. He did not enjoy the experience.

His style did not fit, so he was let loose to work on his own projects, including 'Vincent' and a live-action short, 'Frankenweenie'.

Steven King saw 'Frankenweenie', passing it to Warner Bros, who employed Burton to make 'Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure', which was a success. Three years on, Burton’s vision gelled in the anarchic 'Beetlejuice', which was another hit, and Warner offered Burton the directorship of the eagerly awaited comic adaptation, 'Batman'.

Burton used his new popularity to get an extremely personal project, 'Edward Scissorhands', made. For the first time Burton had full creative control, having written the story and also produced the film. He was awarded the distinction of film artist.

Burton oscillates between Hollywood blockbusters and quieter, personal films not always rewarded with great box office success, but usually with critics' respect. After his parents died in quick succession, Burton made 'Big Fish', the story of a man trying to reconnect with his dying father.

His current project, 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory', will include Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka, and promises to be one of the most interesting blockbusters of 2005.