# Chris Miller

> American animator, voice actor, director, screenwriter and storyboard artist

**Wikidata**: [Q283700](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q283700)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Miller_(animator))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/chris-miller-q283700

## Summary
Chris Miller is an American animator, voice actor, director, screenwriter, and storyboard artist known for his work on animated films such as *Puss in Boots* and *Shrek the Third*. Born on January 20, 1968, he has contributed significantly to comedy and family animation, primarily through his roles at DreamWorks Animation and Paramount Animation.

## Biography
- **Born**: January 20, 1968  
- **Nationality**: United States  
- **Education**: California Institute of the Arts  
- **Known for**: Directing *Puss in Boots* (2011) and *Shrek the Third* (2007); voice acting and storyboarding in major animated films  
- **Employer(s)**: DreamWorks Animation, Reel FX Animation, Paramount Animation  
- **Field(s)**: Animation, film direction, voice acting, screenwriting  

## Contributions
- **Directed** *Puss in Boots* (2011), a spin-off of the *Shrek* franchise, which grossed over $554 million worldwide.  
- **Co-directed** *Shrek the Third* (2007), which became the highest-grossing animated film of 2007.  
- **Voice acting** roles in films like *The Lego Movie* (2014) and *Trolls* (2016).  
- **Storyboard artist** for *Shrek 2* (2004) and *Over the Hedge* (2006).  
- **Screenwriting** credits for *Puss in Boots* and *Shrek the Third*.  

## FAQs
**What are Chris Miller’s most notable films?**  
Miller is best known for directing *Puss in Boots* (2011) and co-directing *Shrek the Third* (2007), both critical and commercial successes in the animation industry.  

**Where has Chris Miller worked?**  
He has worked at DreamWorks Animation, Reel FX Animation, and Paramount Animation, contributing to major franchises like *Shrek* and *Trolls*.  

**What roles has Chris Miller held in animation?**  
Miller has worked as a director, voice actor, screenwriter, storyboard artist, and animator, showcasing his versatility in the field.  

**Has Chris Miller won any awards?**  
He won an Annie Award for *Puss in Boots* (2011) and has been nominated for multiple other awards for his contributions to animation.  

## Why They Matter
Chris Miller has shaped modern family and comedy animation through his work on blockbuster franchises like *Shrek* and *Puss in Boots*. His directing and writing have influenced the blend of humor and storytelling in animated films, contributing to the global success of DreamWorks Animation. His collaborations with studios like Paramount Animation have also expanded the reach of animated storytelling, impacting both critical reception and box office performance in the industry.

## Notable For
- **Annie Award winner** for *Puss in Boots* (2011).  
- **Director** of the *Puss in Boots* franchise, which revitalized the *Shrek* universe.  
- **Versatility** in animation roles, from voice acting to screenwriting and storyboarding.  
- **Contributions** to DreamWorks Animation’s flagship films, including *Shrek the Third* and *Trolls*.  
- **Influence** on comedy-driven animation and family-friendly storytelling.  

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Chris Miller was born on January 20, 1968, in the United States. He studied at the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), a renowned institution for animation and arts education, laying the foundation for his career in animation.

### Career
Miller began his career in the late 1980s, working as an animator and storyboard artist. His early work included storyboarding for films like *Shrek 2* (2004) and *Over the Hedge* (2006). He transitioned to directing with *Shrek the Third* (2007), which he co-directed with Raman Hui. The film’s success led to his solo directorial role in *Puss in Boots* (2011), a prequel to the *Shrek* series.  

### Notable Works
- **Shrek the Third** (2007): Co-directed this installment of the *Shrek* franchise, which explored themes of identity and responsibility.  
- **Puss in Boots** (2011): Directed this spin-off, focusing on the titular character voiced by Antonio Banderas. The film received an Annie Award for Best Animated Feature.  
- **The Lego Movie** (2014): Contributed voice acting to this critically acclaimed film, which blended humor and pop culture references.  
- **Trolls** (2016): Provided voice work for this DreamWorks Animation musical comedy.  

### Employers and Affiliations
Miller has been affiliated with several major animation studios:  
- **DreamWorks Animation**: Key contributor to *Shrek* and *Puss in Boots* franchises.  
- **Reel FX Animation**: Collaborated on projects during his early career.  
- **Paramount Animation**: Worked on films distributed through Paramount Pictures.  

### Legacy
Miller’s work has consistently emphasized comedic timing and character-driven storytelling, appealing to both children and adults. His direction of *Puss in Boots* demonstrated the viability of spin-off films in animation, paving the way for similar projects. His Annie Award win underscores his recognition within the industry, solidifying his role as a key figure in 21st-century animation.  

### Artistic Style and Influence
Miller’s films often balance slapstick humor with heartfelt narratives, a style that has influenced subsequent animated comedies. His ability to adapt characters like Puss in Boots into standalone successes has inspired other studios to explore franchise potential in supporting characters.  

### Collaborations
Miller frequently collaborates with voice actors such as Antonio Banderas (*Puss in Boots*) and comedians like Zach Braff (*Shrek the Third*). These partnerships highlight his skill in merging vocal talent with animated storytelling.  

### Impact on Animation
By directing high-grossing films and contributing to beloved franchises, Miller has helped maintain animation’s prominence in global cinema. His work at DreamWorks Animation, particularly in the 2000s and 2010s, contributed to the studio’s reputation as a competitor to Pixar in the family animation market.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. CONOR.SI