Mark Kirkland

Mark Kirkland is currently a director with The Simpsons. During his 22 consecutive years with the show, he has directed 70 episodes and has won three Primetime Emmy Awards. At the age of 13, Kirkland began making Super 8 films and working for his father, noted photographer, Douglas Kirkland. Kirkland studied animation at Cal Arts, where he received a BFA degree. Kirkland got his break in the animation industry when hired by Hanna-Barbera Productions as a designer/storyboard/layout artist/crew supervisor. Later in advertising, he worked as a producer/director supervising animation, effects, miniatures and live-action. As an independent filmmaker, Kirkland has made award-winning short films, which have been shown internationally and at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. With nearly 35 years in the television industry, Kirkland cherishes working with his longtime colleagues and living in Burbank with his wife Letty.