Becoming a Disney animator would appear to have been the fulfillment of a childhood dream for ace animation director Kirk Wise. With co-director Gary Trousdale, he was responsible for helming the celebrated "Beauty and the Beast" (1991), the first animated feature to be nominated for a Best Picture Oscar. Wise began laying the groundwork for his adult successes as a youngster, earning his first paycheck for drawing at age seven after his mother submitted his sketch of a garbage man and his truck to the SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE's "Junior Art Champion" Contest. Winning praise, a check and a
Grew up in and around the San Francisco Bay Area, principally in Palo Alto, CA
Earned first paycheck for drawing at age seven when his mother submitted his sketch of a garbage truck and garbage man to the SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE's "Junior Art Champion" Contest [see Notes]
In fifth grade, took a community center course in animation; made his first super-8 films using cut-outs and clay figures
Made films throughout junior high school and high school
1986
First Disney feature credit, served as assistant animator on "The Great Mouse Detective"
