Chris Sanders, Stitch — Disney Animals Then and Now

Then:  A talented artist with a distinctive style, Sanders had been working as an animator since the mid 1980s. Also a skilled storyteller, he had the chance to pitch a movie of his own after working on the screenplay for Disney's 'Mulan' -- not to mention voicing her pup  Little Brother. The resulting 'Lilo & Stitch' was modeled after Sanders' smooth and curvy designs aesthetic, and Sanders himself not only provided the voice of its titular alien but also served as writer and director alongside Dean DeBlois.

NOW: Sanders has reprised the role of Stitch in its TV spin-off and various video games, but Sanders main focus remains on making movies. He co-wrote and co-directed the critically heralded 'How to Train Your Dragon,' and his next effort, a caveman comedy called 'The Croods,' will open this spring.