John Stevenson, a renowned British filmmaker and skilled puppeteer, has dedicated more than four decades to perfecting his craft within the realm of animation, amassing an impressive wealth of knowledge and expertise throughout his illustrious career.
His remarkable journey began with his work as a story artist on a series of notable feature films, including the beloved classic The Great Muppet Caper, the visually stunning The Dark Crystal, the imaginative and fantastical Labyrinth, and the quirky and charming Little Shop of Horrors.
Stevenson's extensive and distinguished career in the entertainment industry is marked by his impressive contributions as a character designer and story artist on a wide range of notable shows and films. His impressive portfolio includes his work on The Dreamstone, a beloved children's television series, as well as Count Duckula, a classic animated program that has captivated audiences for generations. Additionally, Stevenson's talents were showcased in his role as a character designer and story artist on Back to the Future: The Animated Series, a critically acclaimed animated series that brought the beloved characters from the popular film franchise to life. Furthermore, he lent his expertise to The Twisted Tales of Felix the Cat, a fascinating and imaginative animated series that reimagines the classic cartoon character in new and exciting ways. His work on Fox Tales specials, a series of animated shorts featuring the beloved cartoon characters, is also a testament to his versatility and skill as a designer and artist. Moreover, Stevenson's impressive resume includes his work on FernGully 2: The Magical Rescue, a charming and imaginative animated film that continues the adventures of the beloved characters from the original FernGully film.
In the year 1991, a pivotal moment in his career unfolded as Stevenson made the significant decision to relocate to the United States, a country that would soon become his professional home.
It wasn't until 1998, however, that Stevenson's talents were recognized and he was appointed to the esteemed position of Head of Story at the renowned DreamWorks Animation.
During his tenure at DreamWorks, Stevenson was entrusted with the responsibility of working on a multitude of films, each one a testament to his exceptional skill and creativity.
Some of the most notable films he contributed to include the beloved Shrek, its equally successful sequel Shrek 2, the critically acclaimed Madagascar, and the action-packed Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas.
In addition to his work on these films, Stevenson also demonstrated his versatility by directing episodes of the animated primetime show Father of the Pride.
Furthermore, his influence on the development of Kung Fu Panda, a film that would go on to achieve widespread acclaim, cannot be overstated.
As a result of his tireless efforts and unwavering dedication, Stevenson left an indelible mark on the world of animation, cementing his status as a true pioneer in the industry.
Stevenson's remarkable career milestones were marked by a prestigious Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature, specifically for his outstanding work on the highly acclaimed film Kung Fu Panda. This esteemed recognition was further solidified by his Annie Award win for Directing in a Feature Production, a testament to his exceptional skill and artistry, shared with the talented Mark Osborne.
In addition to his feature film accomplishments, Stevenson's creative endeavors also extended to the realm of short-form animation. Between 2011 and 2012, he brought his unique vision to life by directing a six-minute animated short film, The Polar Bears, for The Coca-Cola Company. This captivating project showcased Stevenson's ability to craft engaging stories and memorable characters within a condensed narrative framework.
Notably, since the year 2012, David Stevenson has been assuming the role of director for the esteemed production company, Rocket Pictures. His extensive repertoire includes the sequel to the beloved animated film, Gnomeo & Juliet, which was rebranded as Sherlock Gnomes and ultimately released in the year 2018 to a mixed response from critics and audiences alike.
In addition to his work on Sherlock Gnomes, Stevenson has been attached to a plethora of exciting projects, each boasting its own unique charm and appeal. Among these forthcoming endeavors are a film adaptation of the iconic character, He-Man, and the Masters of the Universe, as well as The Minotaur Takes a Cigarette Break, We3, Alien Rock Band, and Rotten Island.
Notable filmmaker, Daniel Stevenson, made a significant career announcement in August 2014, revealing that he would be taking the helm as director for a computer-generated animated feature film, tentatively titled "The Ark and the Aardvark", which drew inspiration from the biblical tale of Noah's Ark.
The project, produced by Unified Pictures, marked a significant milestone in Stevenson's professional journey, as he embarked on a new creative endeavor that combined his passion for storytelling with cutting-edge animation technology.
