Dan Scanlon is an American filmmaker and animator known for his work at Pixar Animation Studios. He was born on June 21, 1976, and has directed several popular animated films. His notable works include Monsters University and Onward, both of which received critical acclaim and showcased his storytelling abilities. Scanlon began his career at Pixar as a storyboard artist and later transitioned to directing. He has a background in animation and has contributed to various projects within the studio, helping to shape the future of animated storytelling. His films often explore themes of family and friendship.