(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Tim Burton "had an unconditional love" for his pet pooch as a child.

The Hollywood director is preparing for the release of his new animation comedy Frankenweenie.

Martin Short, Martin Landau and Winona Ryder lend their voices to characters in the quirky film.

Tim looked to his youth for inspiration whilst creating Frankenweenie.

"When I was a child I had an unconditional love for my dog, it was my first love," he told Cover Media at a press conference for the feature.

"And I loved Frankenstein as well, so it was just combining the two loves."

Tim currently resides in London with his partner Helena Bonham Carter and their two children.

He is amazed by the United Kingdom's sogginess.

"It's the first time I have been here, when it's not been raining," he laughed.

"We should have piped in rain, we were talking about doing that!

Actress Winona had her first big break starring as Lydia Deetz in Tim's hit film Beetlejuice,

Tim is elated to have collaborated with her and his other favourite actors on Frankenweenie.

"[I was working with] people I hadn't worked with for a while," he said.

"Like Winona Ryder, who sounds like she's 10-years-old! And Martin Short and Catherine O'Hara are amazing at doing lots of different roles... For me, having these people made it extra special." (C) Cover Media