Hickner's High School English teacher during the seventies was the first person to suggest he go into the animation profession. This inspired him to create an animated film after school, which he has described as "terrible" and moving "crazy fast." At first he desired to become a cartoonist, but later changed to become an animator, with his biggest influences being Walt Disney and the Warner Brothers. After High School he went to the New York University Film school where he studied Film Production B.F.A.
While in school, Hickner contacted, and was hired by a man named dKay Wright. He spent over thirty-five years working at DreamWorks, Disney, Amblimation, Aardman, Hanna-Barbera and Filmation. He has produced the films, An American Tail: Fievel Goes West, We're Back! A Dinosaur's Story and Balto. His directing credits include Bee Movie and The Prince of Egypt. He also contributed to Who Framed Roger Rabbit, The Little Mermaid, The Great Mouse Detective, Madagascar, Shrek Forever After, Mr. Peabody & Sherman and Home. Steve has contributed to location-based entertainment projects in Singapore, Dubai, China, London, and Hollywood. He has been a guest speaker at many colleges and universities, film festivals and animation events. Also, he wrote the books Animation Rules! 52 Ways to Achieve Creative Success and Animating Your Career.

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