Browse
Register
Learning Paths

Learning Paths

Curated collections of Workshops organized by subject matter, such as Environment Art, Character Design or Effects Animation.

View All
Log in
By Category
By Instructor
Learning PathsBrowse

Chris Kirshbaum

Animation Director at DNEG

Chris Kirshbaum is an animator, educator, and public speaker with a diverse career spanning feature films, shorts, DVD extras, and holiday TV specials. He has worked in 2D animation as a special effects artist and in 3D as a character animator, lead animator, supervisor, and Art Director, demonstrating versatility across multiple animation disciplines.


Chris has been teaching and mentoring since 2007, sharing his expertise with emerging artists while also performing as a musician in studio, on stage, and on television. His recent film credits include Hitpig, Under the Boardwalk, Nimona, Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank, and The Addams Family 2, highlighting his broad impact on contemporary animation.

  • Chris has a wealth of knowledge in both traditional and CG effects and Character Animation. It is rare for someone to bridge that gap so seamlessly and speaks to Chris’s immense talent and feel for the medium. As Animation Director at DNEG Animation, he combines his immense skill with natural leadership, offering guidance to animators. His knowledge, experience, and passion make learning from him an absolute joy for students, who will no doubt be inspired and have a blast too.

    - Ted Ty
    Global Head of Character Animation, Feature Animation at DNEG

  • I can’t say enough good things about Chris. Even during the most stressful points of production, his positive attitude, professionalism, and sense of humor made animation reviews fun. Combine that with his talent and you have someone who was instrumental in helping us carry Nimona over the finish line! The way he guided and inspired his team, is everything you could ask for in an Animation Supervisor: his influence helped his team improve from shot to shot.

    - Troy Quane
    Fim Director for Nimona and Spies In Disquise

  • I’ve had the privilege of working with Chris on several occasions. He was a terrific animator on Turbo, regularly making challenging shots look easy. Recently, Chris joined our team as an Animation Director on Under the Boardwalk where he managed a team of animators at DNEG. His experience, knowledge of the craft, instincts, and positive attitude kept spirits high and the quality of animation high despite a demanding schedule. I would jump at the chance to learn from him.

    - David Soren
    Director at Spin Master

  • I have worked with Chris professionally at DreamWorks Animation and have known him personally for many years, and am thrilled he is presenting instruction for aspiring animators. He definitely knows his stuff and his professionalism blends beautifully with his raw creative talent. Chris is an asset to the industry and anyone wanting to learn the art of animation.

    - Conrad Vernon
    Director / Consultant at Straight-Up Productions

  • Chris has that rare and terrific blend of both technical know-how and creative ingenuity essential to any first-class animator. I’ve seen him take on very challenging shots, always seeking to push himself outside his comfort zone. Chris always found a fresh approach to the material and was able to bring subtlety, clarity, and genuine spontaneity to his actors’ performances.

    - Mark Osborne
    Director of Kung Fu Panda and The Little Prince / Freelance Senior Colorist

Visit the Gnomon School in Hollywood