Michael Peraza Jr.

Born and raised in New Orleans, on Jefferson Parish just off Canal Street. Grew up enjoying gumbo and Disney animation. Attended California Institute of the Arts in 1973 when the paint was two years old. Left when he ran out of funds but not before getting to know wonderful people at Disney Studio. William Lund was the acting President of Cal Arts and set up trips to visit the Feature Department at Disney. There he met Milt Kahl, Ollie Johnston, Frank Thomas and Don Bluth among others. All were gracious with their time and encouragement. After returning home, was contacted by Jack Hannah, Dean of the new Character Animation School at Cal Arts. He didn't know anything about financial aid so he worked 2 years to save up tuition. Mike attended during the second year of the program until again running out of money at the end of the first semester. Jack found out and contacted Eric Larson at Disney and they offered him a full scholarship, TA job and expense account. At the end of his third year I was seeking a summer job and returned after a long day to find a note on my locker to report to Disney Animation the following Monday. That was the beginning.