Auteur Theory
Tim Burton http://www.timburtoncollective.com/

The roots of his creative genius lie in the obvious: the work of stop-motion animation pioneer Ray Harryhausen and the Hammer Horror films starring such cinematic legends as Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee, to schlock-y matinee escapades featuring Vincent Price, and the not so obvious: from the early works of Walt Disney to the films of cinematic auteur Federico Fellini. Unlike some filmmakers who merely to steal from the greats, Burton uses his inspirations more as a canvas onto which he creates his incredible sights for all to behold.
Much like Walt Disney, Burton respects both the adult and child audience that goes to his pictures by telling a story that can be enjoyed by anyone of any age. He gives us something old, something familiar, and something completely unexpected.

A few of his trademarks: - Frequently uses the name Edward
- Visual style and themes heavily influenced by Gothic horror films of the twenties and thirties, especially those of James Whale and F.W. Murnau, along with the films of German Expressionism. The illustrations of Edward Gorey are another major influence.
- Frequently shows dead dogs, clowns, sheep, twisted trees, jack-o'-lanterns, scarecrows, butterflies, and redheads in his films.
- His films frequently have dinner table scenes.
- His films often have gothic subtexts.
- Personalizes the production logo in the beginning of his films.
- Opening credits usually utilize a tracking shot. They also tend to go either on, through, or into something.
- His long standing collaboration with Danny Elfman, who scored all his films since Pee-wee's Big Adventure,
- He often uses an uplifting ending theme for his theatrical trailers by Danny Elfman but is never used for the films.
- His artwork, and lots of his films are notoriously influenced by the artist Edward Gorey, and his pen and ink drawings.
- Often uses shadows for a scary, ominous effect.
- His main characters tend to be outsiders, and are usually shy, with a pale complexion and unruly black hair, similar to his own.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Burton

Repeated actors: Johnny Depp
Jeffrey Jones
Michael Keaton
Martin Landau
Lisa Marie
Jack Nicholson
Christopher Walken
Newest additions: Lisa Marie and Glenn Shadix

Films: BELIEVE IT OR NOT (postponed)
SWEENEY TODD (2008)
CORPSE BRIDE (2005)
CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY (2005)
BIG FISH (2003)PLANET OF THE APES (2001)
SLEEPY HOLLOW (1999)
MARS ATTACKS! (1996)
ED WOOD (1994)
THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS (1993)
BATMAN RETURNS (1992)
EDWARD SCISSORHANDS (1990)
BATMAN (1989)
BEETLEJUICE (1988)
PEE-WEE's BIG ADVENTURE (1985)