Was mentored at age 14 by Milt Kahl, one of Disney's legendary animators known as the Nine Old Men

Wrote, directed and produced an episode of "Amazing Stories" titled "Family Dog"

Directed episodes of the animated Fox series "The Simpsons"; also served as consultant

Wrote and directed the segment of "Amazing Stories: Book Two" titled "Family Dog"

Created the short-lived animated series "Family Dog" based on the segment he created for "Amazing Stories"

Helmed the animated feature "The Iron Giant"

Helmed the animated feature "The Incredibles" about a family of undercover superheroes; earned an Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay

Helmed the award winning animated feature, "Ratatouille," a Pixar cartoon about a skinny rat who lives in a Parisian restaurant; also scripted; earned an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay