Max Howard

Max Howard is a film producer and studio executive recognized for his contributions to the animation industry. Beginning his career as a child actor in London, Howard transitioned from theater to animation, joining the production team for "Who Framed Roger Rabbit." In this role, he established Walt Disney Feature Animation's first international satellite studio in London, managing production logistics, facility setup, staffing, and operational coordination for the film's integration of live-action and animation.

Howard served as senior vice president of administration and planning for Disney Feature Animation, overseeing financial, training, and operational management for studios in Los Angeles, Orlando, Paris, and London. As a studio executive, he played a key role in the production of "The Little Mermaid," "The Rescuers Down Under," "Beauty and the Beast," "Aladdin," "The Lion King," and "Pocahontas," focusing on resource allocation, budgeting, and inter-studio coordination.

Howard later became president of Warner Bros. Feature Animation, where he led the development of the studio's animation pipeline and managed the recruitment of a large creative team. During his tenure, he oversaw the production of "The Iron Giant" and "Space Jam." He also contributed to DreamWorks as co-executive producer for "Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron," and served as executive producer on "Saving Santa," "Igor," "The Hero of Color City," and "Bunyan and Babe."

Howard operates Melwood Pictures and the Max Howard Consulting Group, providing animation consulting and production services. He has collaborated with UNICEF to deliver health and social messages through animation in Africa, the Caribbean, and South America, highlighting the medium's role in addressing social issues. Howard is active as a guest speaker, lecturer, and panelist at art schools, universities, festivals, and industry events, and advises on animation curriculum development for educational institutions. He is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences and the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, and holds an honorary Doctor of Arts degree from Teesside University for his contributions to animation.