Brad Bird Speaking Fee: $50,000 to $75,000

Brad Bird is an American filmmaker renowned for his contributions to both animated and live-action cinema. Born on September 24, 1957, in Kalispell, Montana, he was the youngest of four children. From an early age, Bird exhibited a passion for storytelling and animation. At 11, he began working on a 15-minute animated short, which he later sent to Walt Disney Productions. This initiative led to mentorship under Disney animator Milt Kahl, one of Disney's legendary Nine Old Men. Bird pursued formal education in animation at the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), where he crossed paths with future industry leaders like John Lasseter and Tim Burton. After graduating, he joined Walt Disney Productions in 1979, contributing to various projects. In the mid-1980s, Bird collaborated with Steven Spielberg's Amblin Entertainment, working on the anthology series "Amazing Stories" and co-writing the episode "The Main Attraction." He also developed "Family Dog," an animated segment that later became a standalone series. In 1999, Bird directed "The Iron Giant," a film that, despite its initial box office challenges, has since gained recognition as a cult classic. His next projects, "The Incredibles" (2004) and "Ratatouille" (2007), both garnered Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature. These successes solidified his status in the industry and showcased his ability to blend compelling narratives with innovative animation techniques. Transitioning to live-action, Bird directed "Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol" in 2011, bringing a fresh perspective to the franchise. He continued with "Tomorrowland" in 2015, demonstrating his versatility as a filmmaker. Bird returned to animation with "Incredibles 2" in 2018, which became Pixar's highest-grossing film until 2024. Throughout his career, Bird has been celebrated for his meticulous attention to detail and his advocacy for animation as a legitimate art form. He has received numerous accolades, including multiple Annie Awards and a BAFTA Award. His work continues to inspire audiences and creators, reflecting his enduring commitment to storytelling and innovation in cinema.