As is the case with most directors of animated films, the name of Richard Rich may not be well known to the typical moviegoer. But most people who have children, or have themselves been children, are familiar with his films. Rich was the director of two of Disneys animated features, The Fox and the Hound 1981 and The Black Cauldron 1985. Through his own animation studio he has directed other nationally distributed feature films, including The Swan Princess, The King and I, and The Trumpet of the Swan. In addition to his feature film work, he has directed over fifty 30minute videos about stories from scriptures and world history. Richard Rich is one of the few animation directors who has never participated as an animator. Rich joined Disney in 1972 in an entry level position in the mail room. He garnered attention at the studio by making presentations to the music department and by giving piano lessons during his lunch hour.Beginning with Winnie the Pooh and Tigger Too, Rich served as Assistant Animation Director. His other assistant director credits include The Rescuers, Petes Dragon and The Small One for which he also composed the song A Friendly Face.

Website: http://www.ldsfilm.com/directors/Rich.html