INFLUENCES; A “hero” can find many influences in their lifetime that help shape them to who they are today, from it being their parents, childhood teachers, professors, events in their life, etc. Burton found his influences in many different people. One of his influences was the school science fair, which played a part in his creation of Frankenweenie. "I recall being one of those kids where every day was a science fair, you know what I mean? It's like well, 'here, let's mix this up and see if it blows up.