Steve Hickner

Hickner was inspired to work in animation by his high school English teacher, who suggested he should find a career in the animation industry. This suggestion encouraged him to create an animated film after school. Hickner described this film as “terrible,” because he lacked knowledge of how to properly animate. At first he desired to become a cartoonist, but later he decided to become an animator. Hickner cited some of his biggest influences as Walt Disney and the Warner Brothers.^[4] After High School he went to the New York University Film school where he studied Film Production B.F.A.^[4]

While in school, Hickner contacted, and was hired by a man named Kay Wright.^[4] He spent over thirty-five years working at DreamWorks, Disney, Amblimation, Aardman, Hanna-Barbera and Filmation. He has produced the films, An American Tail: Fievel Goes West, We're Back! A Dinosaur's Story and Balto. His directing credits include Bee Movie and The Prince of Egypt. Hickner also contributed to Who Framed Roger Rabbit, The Little Mermaid, The Great Mouse Detective, Madagascar, Shrek Forever After, Mr. Peabody & Sherman and Home.^[5] He has contributed to location-based entertainment projects in Singapore, Dubai, China, London, and Hollywood. Hickner has been a guest speaker at many colleges and universities, film festivals and animation events. He has also authored two books: Animation Rules! 52 Ways to Achieve Creative Success and Animating Your Career. ^[5]