Gwen Wetzler

Gwen Sandiff Wetzler
Born	Erie, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Film and television animation producer, director, and animator.
Years active	1955–present

Gwen Wetzleris an Americanproducer,directorandanimatorand is best known as the first woman to produce and directanimationfor a major network.

Early years

At a young age while growing up inErie, Pennsylvania,Gwen Wetzler found her love of art. During high school Wetzler would paint signs for local businesses because of her artistic ability and steady hand. In the early 1950s Gwen was married and moved fromPennsylvaniato suburbanLos Angeles.In 1955 she started in the animation business atDisneyas anin betweenanimatoron such classics asSleeping BeautyandLady and the Tramp.

Career

In 1977, after 20 years at Disney, Wetzler became the first woman to direct and produce animation at major studios includingMGM,Warner Bros.and theHanna-Barbera Studios.

Wetzler's directorial debut was onFat Albert and the Cosby Kidswhich led to further projects. Other directed titles includeThe Transformers,The New Adventures of Batman,My Little Pony,The New Archie/Sabrina Hour,Flash GordonandSport Billyamong others. Her later directorial work includedHe-Man and the Masters of the Universe,She-Ra,Spawn,Tiny Toon Adventures,andAll Dogs Go to Heaven: The Series.

In the 1980s, Wetzler became the first woman to produce animation for a major studio; she producedThe Transformers,Jem,andThe Legend of Prince Valiant.

Along with directing, producing, and animating series, Wetzler also worked on feature full-length feature films such asMighty Mouse.

Gwen Wetzler retired from the animation industry in the early 2000s, giving her time to focus primarily on her artwork.

Selected filmography

Films

• Animator ofA Snow White Christmas(1982)
• Director ofMighty Mouse in the Great Space Chase(1983)
• Animator ofWe Think the World is Round(1984)
• Director ofThe Secret of the Sword(1985)
• Director - Segment - The Cat and the Spider ofSkeletor's Revenge(1986)
• Animation Director ofMy Little Pony(1986)
• Timing Director ofLittle Nemo: Adventures in Slumberland(1992)
• Timing and Sheet Director ofAn All Dogs Christmas Carol(1998)
• Timing Director ofThe Sissy Duckling(1999)
• Animation Timing Director ofAlvin and the Chipmunks Meet the Wolfman(2000)

Television

• Director ofThe New Adventures of Batman(1978)
• Animation Director ofSuper Witch(1978)
• Director ofBatman and the Super Seven(1981)
• Director ofFlash Gordon: The Greatest Adventure of All(1983)
• Director ofThe New Adventures of Flash Gordon(1983)
• Director ofShe-Ra: Princess of Power(1986)
• Sheet Director ofAll Dogs Go to Heaven(1989)
• Animation Director ofThe Real Adventures of Jonny Quest(Animated Series) (1996)
• Director ofLittle Orphan Annie's Very Animated Christmas(1995)
• G.I. Joe: Extreme(1997)
• Todd McFarlane's Spawn(1999)
• Animator inThe Lionhearts(1999)
• Three Little Pigs: From the Series "Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales For Every Child"(1999)
• Empress's Nightingale: An Animated Special From "The Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales For Every Child"Series (2000)
• Happy Prince: An Animated Special From "The Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales For Every Child"Series (2000)
• Frog Princess: An Animated Special From the "Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales For Every Child"Series (2000)
• Sissy Duckling(2000)
• Robinita Hood: An Animated Special From the "Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales For Every Child"Series(2000)
• Rip Van Winkle: An Animated Special From the "Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales For Every Child"Series (2000)
• Henny Penny: An Animated Special From "The Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales For Every Child"Series (2000)
• Dragon Tales(2002)

External links

• Gwen WetzleratIMDb