Henry Selick Says Tim Burton Name Added to Nightmare Before Christmas Title Late

Director Henry Selick feels it's unfair that Tim Burton gets all the credit for The Nightmare Before Christmas, as Burton's name was only added to the title three weeks before the film came out.
By Newsroom | Film, Animation |

Twenty-five years after its release, the film The Nightmare Before Christmas continues to spark discussion, particularly regarding the division of creative credit between its director, Henry Selick, and its story creator, Tim Burton. While the film is widely marketed under Tim Burton's name, Selick has voiced that this attribution does not fully reflect his significant role in bringing the movie to the screen. The differing perspectives on credit raise questions about how directorial and creative contributions are understood and communicated to the public, especially in collaborative artistic endeavors.

Background of The Nightmare Before Christmas

The Nightmare Before Christmas was released in 1993. The film's story was conceived by Tim Burton, who also served as a producer. However, the directorial duties were undertaken by Henry Selick, marking his feature film directorial debut. Despite Burton's involvement primarily with the story and production, the film was eventually titled Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas, a change that occurred close to its release. This naming convention has led to a common public perception that Burton also directed the film.

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During the production of The Nightmare Before Christmas, Tim Burton was reportedly engaged in other film projects in Los Angeles, while Selick managed the day-to-day direction of the stop-motion animation.

Selick's Perspective on Creative Credit

Henry Selick has expressed that he feels the attribution of the film solely to Tim Burton is unfair. He believes that while Burton's original story was the foundation, his own direction was crucial to the film's realization and its distinctive visual style.

"That was a little unfair because it wasn’t called Tim Burton’s Nightmare until three weeks before the film came out," Selick stated in an interview.

He has also indicated that the title change was likely a marketing strategy to leverage Burton's established name.

Key points from Selick's statements

  • Selick directed the film, while Burton created the original story.

  • The film's title was changed to include Burton's name shortly before release.

  • Selick suggests the title was a marketing decision.

  • He feels the current credit does not fully acknowledge his directorial efforts.

Public Perception and Film Title

The film's official title, Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas, has been a primary driver of the public's association of the film with Burton as the director. This has led to a widespread misconception among audiences, with many believing Burton helmed the project.

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"For most audiences, the film is commonly associated with Tim Burton, the legendary director behind Beetlejuice and Edward Scissorhands."

  • Common Misconception: Many fans mistakenly believe Tim Burton directed the film.

  • Impact of Title: The inclusion of Burton's name in the title has significantly shaped audience perception.

  • Selick's Acknowledgment: Selick has stated that he has "made peace with the misconception" over time.

The Stop-Motion Craftsmanship

Henry Selick is a renowned director in the art of stop-motion animation. His work is characterized by its detailed and often intricate visual style. Before The Nightmare Before Christmas, Selick had already established himself with other notable stop-motion projects, and he has continued to work in this medium.

"I think good stop-motion has a very, very long shelf life."

  • Selick's Expertise: Selick is recognized as a leading figure in stop-motion animation.

  • Artistic Style: His films are noted for their distinctive visual artistry.

  • Longevity of Medium: Selick believes in the enduring quality of stop-motion animation.

Other Works and Future Projects

Beyond The Nightmare Before Christmas, Henry Selick has directed other critically acclaimed stop-motion films, including Coraline and James and the Giant Peach. He has also worked on upcoming projects, such as Wendell & Wild, a collaboration with Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele.

Potential for a Sequel

Selick has indicated an openness to revisiting The Nightmare Before Christmas universe if a suitable script for a stop-motion sequel were to emerge. This suggests a continued engagement with the characters and world he helped shape.

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Conclusion

The discourse surrounding The Nightmare Before Christmas highlights a recurring issue in collaborative filmmaking: the allocation and perception of creative credit. Henry Selick's persistent commentary on the matter indicates a desire for a more complete recognition of his directorial efforts on the film. While Tim Burton's original story and concept were pivotal, Selick's direction is an equally important element in the film's success and lasting appeal. The distinction between story credit and directorial credit, especially when amplified by marketing titles, remains a subject of debate among filmmakers and audiences alike.

Sources Used

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does Henry Selick feel he deserves more credit for The Nightmare Before Christmas?
Henry Selick directed the film, but Tim Burton created the story. Selick feels the credit given doesn't fully show his important role in making the movie.
Q: When was Tim Burton's name added to The Nightmare Before Christmas title?
Tim Burton's name was added to the film's title, making it 'Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas,' only three weeks before it was released in 1993.
Q: Did Tim Burton direct The Nightmare Before Christmas?
No, Henry Selick directed the film. Tim Burton created the story and was a producer, but he was working on other projects during filming.
Q: Why is The Nightmare Before Christmas often thought to be directed by Tim Burton?
The film's title was changed to include Tim Burton's name close to its release. This marketing choice has led many people to believe he was the director.
Q: What is Henry Selick's main work besides The Nightmare Before Christmas?
Henry Selick is known for directing other stop-motion films like Coraline and James and the Giant Peach. He also directed Wendell & Wild.