Chris Butler

Biography

Chris Butler is an American storyboard artist, writer, and director best known for his work in stop-motion animation with Laika. Celebrated for his imaginative storytelling and distinctive visual style, Butler has played a key role in shaping some of the most acclaimed animated films of the 21st century.

Early Life and Background

Chris Butler was born in the United States and developed an early fascination with drawing, comics, and genre storytelling. Influenced by classic horror films, fantasy adventures, and animated features, he pursued a creative path that led him into animation and story development.

Before moving into feature films, Butler worked in illustration and storyboard design, refining the visual storytelling skills that would define his later projects.

Career at Laika

Butler became closely associated with Laika, the Oregon-based studio known for its innovative stop-motion films. His work there spans writing, storyboarding, and directing.

ParaNorman (2012)

Butler made his directorial debut with ParaNorman, which he co-directed. The film tells the story of a boy who can communicate with ghosts and must save his town from a supernatural curse. Blending humor, horror elements, and heartfelt themes, ParaNorman was praised for its originality and emotional depth. It received an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature.

The film stood out for its inclusive messaging and nuanced exploration of bullying, fear, and acceptance.

Missing Link (2019)

Butler later wrote and directed Missing Link, an adventurous comedy about an explorer who befriends a mythical creature. The film won the Golden Globe Award for Best Animated Feature and showcased Laika’s continued technical innovation in stop-motion animation.

Storyboarding and Writing

In addition to directing, Butler has contributed as a storyboard artist on several Laika productions, including:

Coraline

The Boxtrolls

His background in storyboarding has given him a strong visual sense, enabling him to craft scenes that are both visually inventive and narratively cohesive.