Frank E. Abney III is a writer, director, and animator that has worked at all three of the major animation studios – Disney, DreamWorks, and Pixar – animating blockbuster hits and award-winning films including Frozen, Big Hero 6, Kung Fu Panda 3, The Boss Baby, Coco, Incredibles 2, Toy Story 4, and Soul where he was also part of the cultural trust. Most recently, Abney served as Executive Producer on the 2020 Academy Award-winning short Hair Love with Issa Rae for Sony Pictures Animation. 

Abney recently wrote and directed Netflix's Canvas, which was recently honored with the first NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Animated Short. He is currently directing a new animated feature for Netflix. Beyond his tremendous artistic talent, Abney is also a genuine leader in the animation industry as co-founder of the non-profit organization Rise Up Animation, which connects burgeoning BIPOC animators with established industry talent, fostering mentorships to empower emerging creators.