The Nightmare Before Christmas is a 1993 American stop motion animated gothic musical fantasy film directed by Henry Selick in his feature directorial debut and produced and based on the poem of the same name written by Tim Burton. It tells the story of Jack Skellington, the King of Halloween Town, who stumbles upon Christmas Town and schemes to take over the holiday. Danny Elfman wrote the songs and score and provided the singing voice of Jack. The principal voice cast includes Chris Sarandon, Catherine O'Hara, William Hickey, Ken Page, Paul Reubens, Glenn Shadix and Ed Ivory.