Don Bluth

Animator, Art Director, Director, Producer, Production Designer, Writer

Biography

Don Bluth began his career as an “in betweener” at Disney Studios in Burbank. After working on the movie “Sleeping Beauty” he left Disney and became a Mormon missionary in Argentina. Upon returning he decided to continue his formal education at Brigham Young University, where he studied English Literature. After completing his education he produced and directed popular musical comedies with his brother in Santa Monica. After three years Bluth decided to focus his career to animation.

His first job coming back was as a layout artist for Filmation Studios. Soon after he was promoted to the head of the department and he stayed there for three years. In 1971 he returned to Disney Productions as an animator. While there he worked on such movies as Robin Hood(1973), Winnie the Pooh and Tigger Too!(1974), The Rescuers(1977) Pete’s Dragon(1977) The Small One(1978). In 1979 he and two other animators Gary Goldman and John Pomeroy resigned from Disney Productions to start their own independent production company.

The first animated movie they released was The Secret of NIMH(1982). After creating several interactive laser disc games including Dragon’s Lair(1983) and Space Ace(1984), Bluth started production on An American Tail in December 1984. After moving their studio to Ireland they created several films including The Land Before Time(1988), All Dogs Go to Heaven(1989) Rock-A-Doodle(1991), Thumbelina(1994), and A Troll in Central Park(1994).

Don Bluth returned to the U.S. to head up the Fox Animation Studio in Pheonix, Az. He and his partner Gary Goldman produced and directed the animated musical Anastasia(1997), Bartok the Magnificent(1999) and Titan A.E.(2000). Now Don Bluth has returned to independent film making and with partner Gary Goldman, established their new company Don Bluth Films, Inc.

Family and early life

Don Bluth born into a family of seven children in El Paso Tx. He was raised, though, on a farm in Payson, Utah. After watching Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, he found his calling to be an animator. It became his dream to work for Walt Disney Studios to bring his drawings to life.

Career outline

In-betweener(1955-1956), layout artist, animator(1971-77), director at Disney Studios(1977-79), head of independent production studio(1979-1994), head of Fox Animation Studio(1994-1999) Head of Don Bluth Films, Inc.(1999-present)

Personal style

His films have that classic Disney quality and look and his feature films often feature a glittering gold sparkle effect.

Influences

One of his first influences was the movie Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Honors and awards

Annie Award: Winsor McCay Award 2004

Filmography

References:

Lenburg, Jeff. Who’s Who in Animated Cartoons. Applause Theatre & Cinema Books, 2006.