Margaret J. Winkler

Margaret Winkler Mintz, known professionally as Margaret J. Winkler or M.J. Winkler, was an American film producer and distributor. A major figure in American animation history, Winkler is best known for founding the animation studio and distribution company Screen Gems, distributing the early silent animated short films of Max and Dave Fleischer, Pat Sullivan and Otto Messmer, as well as producing Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks' Alice Comedies. playing a crucial role in each of their histories. She was the first woman to distribute animated films, and to produce them as well. After marrying fellow film executive Charles Mintz and starting a family, Winkler retired from the film industry.