Brad Bird, easily. When I was in college, “The Incredibles” came out in theaters, and I connected the dots that he was also responsible for “ The Iron Giant” .

I couldn't believe the same person was responsible for two of my favorite animated films. He made me believe animation could be jaw dropping at telling good stories.

His films set the bar so high, almost no one can reach it. Kind of like how Milt Kahl set the bar so high with his animation, it seemed like only he could reach it.

In my early years, Tom Schroeder was my most supportive mentor. He is a very successful and distinct independent animation filmmaker, and he also taught my first animation class at MCAD.

I freelanced for him on his projects while I was in school, and to this day we remain closely in touch.