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Animation Writer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Flying Bark Productions

Animation Director

Burbank, CA · On-site

$3.2K - $3.4K/wk

Review animation at various stages of completion and provide timely, constructive feedback through draw-overs, written notes, and other forms of communication as needed to best convey animation notes.

Mattel

Sr Manager, TV Animation

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$112K - $128K/yr

Drive compelling story development in collaboration with writers, producers, studios, showrunners ... Monitor trends in animation, streaming, comedy, digital media, and audience behavior to inform ...

Mattel

Sr Manager, TV Animation

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$112K - $128K/yr

Drive compelling story development in collaboration with writers, producers, studios, showrunners ... Monitor trends in animation, streaming, comedy, digital media, and audience behavior to inform ...

Mattel

Sr Manager, TV Animation

El Segundo, CA

$112K - $128K/yr

Drive compelling story development in collaboration with writers, producers, studios, showrunners ... Monitor trends in animation, streaming, comedy, digital media, and audience behavior to inform ...

Epic Games

Animation Systems Programmer

Larkspur, CA · On-site

$167K - $245K/yr

Write technical documentation and designs * Conduct exploratory research to pioneer and develop innovative animation systems and techniques that push the boundaries of what is possible in real-time ...

TrueShort

Writer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

Writer About TrueShort TrueShort is one of the fastest-growing streaming apps in the United States ... Our team is experimenting at the frontier of AI-powered entertainment production across animation ...

TrueShort

Writer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$60 - $90/hr

Our team is experimenting at the frontier of AI-powered entertainment production across animation ... Writers at TrueShort work closely with Showrunners and other creative team members to develop ...

Rouge Studios

Cinematic Animator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$70K - $110K/yr

Understanding of animation implementation in a game engine, including the ability to troubleshoot issues. * Write high-quality, well-formatted documentation for animators and other technical artists ...

New

Socket.dev

Lead Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$123 - $182/hr

Partner with the Animation Director and leadership to establish the animation vision, evangelize ... A solid communicator with excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to ...

2K

Lead Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Partner with the Animation Director and leadership to establish the animation vision, evangelize ... A solid communicator with excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to ...

2K

Lead Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Partner with the Animation Director and leadership to establish the animation vision, evangelize ... A solid communicator with excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to ...

2K

Lead Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

Partner with the Animation Director and leadership to establish the animation vision, evangelize ... A solid communicator with excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to ...

Ember Lab

Senior Gameplay Animator

Orange, CA

$88K - $120K/yr

Proficient with animation systems in UE5 * Strong verbal and written communication skills * Strong time management skills and ability to meet deadlines * Shipped 1+ title * Unreal Engine 4 or 5 ...

Cloud Chamber

Lead Animator

Novato, CA · Remote

$123K - $182K/yr

Partner with the Animation Director and leadership to establish the animation vision, evangelize ... A solid communicator with excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to ...

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All JobsAnimation Writer JobsAnimation Writer Jobs in California

Animation Writer information

See California salary details

$13

$38

$65

How much do animation writer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for animation writer in California is $38.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.46 and $46.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an animation writer do?

An Animation Writer creates scripts, dialogue, and storylines for animated films, TV shows, or web series. They collaborate with directors, animators, and producers to develop engaging narratives that align with the project's tone and audience. Their job includes writing episode scripts, crafting character arcs, and sometimes contributing to world-building. Strong storytelling skills and an understanding of animation formats are essential for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animation writer?

To thrive as an Animation Writer, you need strong storytelling skills, an understanding of visual narrative, and preferably a background in creative writing or screenwriting. Familiarity with industry-standard scriptwriting software like Final Draft or Celtx, and knowledge of animation production pipelines is highly beneficial. Excellent communication, collaboration, and adaptability help writers work effectively with artists, directors, and other creative professionals. These skills are important to craft engaging scripts that align with the animation's visual style and production requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by animation writers in a collaborative production environment?

Animation Writers often work closely with directors, storyboard artists, and producers, which requires balancing the original script vision with feedback and practical production constraints. Tight deadlines, evolving story needs, and coordinating with multiple team members can present creative and logistical challenges. Flexibility and openness to revision are essential, as scripts often undergo several drafts to match animation timing, character development, and visual storytelling. This collaborative process is rewarding and helps ensure the final product is both narratively compelling and feasible for animation.

What are popular job titles related to Animation Writer jobs in California?

For Animation Writer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animation Writer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Animation Writer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Animation Writer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Animation Writer job openings:

Animation Writer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animation Writer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 63% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 34% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,940 per year, or $38.4 per hour.

Animation Director

Flying Bark Productions

Burbank, CA • On-site

$3.2K - $3.4K/wk

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Flying Bark Productions is a dynamic and innovative animation studio dedicated to pushing the boundaries of character animation and storytelling. We are working on exciting projects such as Avatar: The Last Airbender feature film, Netflix's Ghostbusters animated series, and Stranger Things animated series as well as upcoming feature film, Zac Power.
Flying Bark Productions is seeking an Animation Director to join our Burbank studio's growing team! Reporting to the Supervising Animation Director, the Animation Director will help lead the creative execution of animation throughout production, ensuring that character performance, acting, movement, timing, and staging align with the project's creative vision and established animation direction.
This role works closely with the internal animation leadership team and our external vendor studio to communicate creative intent, provide clear and constructive feedback, and maintain consistency and quality across the project.
This role is located onsite in our Burbank, CA office.
Key Responsibilities
  • Work under the direction of the Supervising Animation Director to support the creative execution of animation throughout production.
  • Translate the project's creative vision and animation direction into clear, actionable guidance for animators.
  • Review animation work and provide detailed notes on performance, acting, posing, timing, spacing, movement, staging, and overall execution.
  • Work closely with our vendor studio's AnimationLeadership to help guide the development of strong character performances and storytelling through animation.
  • Identify creative issues in animation and work with artists to develop effective solutions.
  • Maintain consistency in character performance, movement, and animation style across sequences and episodes.
  • Review animation at various stages of completion and provide timely, constructive feedback through draw-overs, written notes, and other forms of communication as needed to best convey animation notes.
  • Collaborate with the Supervising Animation Director to establish and maintain animation standards and expectations.
  • Work closely with Layout, Story, and other relevant departments to address animation-related creative needs and challenges.
  • Review storyboards and animatics from an animation perspective, identifying potential performance, staging, or technical challenges before they reach animation.
  • Help communicate animation requirements and creative intent to the leadership team working across internal and external teams.
  • Participate in animation reviews, screenings, and production meetings as needed.
  • Support the Supervising Animation Director in maintaining the overall quality and consistency of animation across the production.
  • Stay engaged with the work throughout the animation process and help ensure notes are understood and successfully implemented.
Qualifications
  • 5+ years professional experience on animated series or features.
  • Previous experience as an Animation Director or Lead Animator.
  • Strong understanding of animation principles, character acting, performance, timing, posing, staging, and storytelling.
  • Proficiency with industry-standard animation software and production tools such as Adobe Animate, Toon Boom Harmony, Autodesk Maya, SyncSketch, and ShotGrid.
  • Experience providing animation direction and detailed creative feedback to artists.
  • Strong visual and storytelling instincts with an ability to clearly communicate creative ideas.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with Showrunner, EPs, supervisors, directors, and other creative departments.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to give clear, constructive feedback while maintaining a collaborative and supportive working environment.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make thoughtful creative decisions within established direction.
  • Experience working with outsourced animation teams is a plus.

Why Work with Us?
  • We work on some of the coolest projects in the industry! Check out our website: Flying Bark
  • We have cake days, a dedicated culture club, and regular studio social events!
  • We offer a hybrid working approach, with flexible work-from-home days
  • Career development is a priority for us, and we provide ongoing training and support opportunities
  • Our employees rave about our inclusive and welcoming culture-everyone is celebrated here!

Flying Bark Productions is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Salary Range: $3,250 - $3,400 weekly.

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