KEANE ADDS 7 YEARS TO MOUSE PACT

Glen Keane, a 23-year veteran of Walt Disney feature animation who has worked on such films as "The Little Mermaid," "Beauty and the Beast," "Aladdin" and "Pocahontas," has extended his exclusive contract with the studio for another seven years.

Keane is currently working at Disney's Paris animation studio, where he is supervising the lead character for the upcoming animated feature "Tarzan."

He will continue to play a key role as a supervising animator.

Keane first came to Disney in 1974 and trained under animators Ollie Johnston, Eric Larson and Frank Thomas. He went on to animate scenes in "The Rescuers" and "Pete's Dragon" before being promoted to directing animator on "The Fox and the Hound," for which he animated the bear-fight finale.

Keane also brought to life Ariel in "The Little Mermaid," the beast in "Beauty and the Beast," Aladdin and Pocahontas.

"I'm thankful to have entered Disney at a moment when Walt's 'Nine Old Men' were passing on the baton, and for their patient teaching, encouragement and passion for animation," said Keane in a statement.

Walt Disney feature animation and theatrical production president Peter Schneider praised Keane, saying, "In addition to being one of the top artists to ever work in our medium, he is also a wonderful actor whose instincts and talents are evident in every one of his drawings."