An American director, producer and writer, born on August 25, 1958 in Burbank, California. Burton was not a good student and his interests were limited to drawing and watching movies of his favorite directors. After graduation he studied animation at the California Institute of the Arts and then began making short films in his home garden using animation techniques. Burton's first work was the short film Stalk of the Celery Monster in 1979. During his long career, Burton managed to produce many successful films. Some of his works include Ed Wood (1994), Batman Returns (1992) and Corpse Bride (2005). In 2007, Burton received the Golden Lion Award from the Venice International Film Festival for Lifetime Achievement.