Timothy William "Tim" Burton (born August 25, 1958) is an American film director, producer, writer and artist. He is famed for his dark and quirky films, such as Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands and The Nightmare Before Christmas, which he co-wrote and produced. He is also famous for being the director of several popular blockbusters including Batman, Batman Returns, Sleepy Hollow, Planet of the Apes, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Since directing his first feature (Pee-wee's Big Adventure) in 1985, he has gone on to direct and produce numerous films, many of which have won Academy Awards. He frequently works with close friend Johnny Depp, musician Danny Elfman and partner Helena Bonham Carter.

Burton's most recent film was 2007's Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, which won the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy. His most recent production is the Shane Acker animated sci-fi fantasy 9, a co-production with Timur Bekmambetov. His next film Alice in Wonderland is due for release March 5, 2010.

Burton grew up in Burbank, California, the son of Jean, a shop manager, and Bill Burton, a parks department sports coordinator and minor league baseball player. Burton attended Burbank High School. After graduating he attended the California Institute of the Arts.