Born in 1960, he is an American film director, writer, and animator known for his work in animation. He began his career at Walt Disney Feature Animation, contributing to films like "The Little Mermaid." He made his directorial debut with "Cats Don't Dance" in 1997. He gained further recognition for directing "The Emperor's New Groove" and "Chicken Little." His style often blends comedy with unique storytelling, contributing to his reputation in the animation industry.