Henry Selick

Henry Selick, real name Charles Henry Selick Jr., is a renowned American filmmaker and animator. He is best known for his work in the field of gothic horror films and stop-motion animation. Selick's notable works include 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' (1993), 'James and the Giant Peach' (1996), 'Monkeybone' (2001), 'Coraline' (2009), and 'Wendell & Wild' (2022). He often collaborated with late voice actor and artist Joe Ranft.

Born on November 30, 1952, in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, Selick displayed enthusiasm for drawing from his early years. Inspired by Lotte Reiniger's stop-motion film 'The Adventures of Prince Achmed' and Ray Harryhausen's animated creatures in 'The 7th Voyage of Sinbad', he honed his skills in animation. He studied science at Rutgers University, art at Syracuse University, and Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design in London, before enrolling at the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) to study animation. His student films, Phases and Tube Tales, were nominated for Student Academy Awards. Selick worked for Walt Disney Studios before directing his first two films, produced by Tim Burton, and later joined Pixar and The Walt Disney Company to produce stop-motion films. His work at Laika, LLC resulted in the critically acclaimed 'Coraline', the first ever stereoscopic 3D stop-motion animated film.