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Animation Writer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Ember Lab

Senior Gameplay Animator

Orange, CA · On-site

$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

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

Create gameplay, AI, and scripted animation that matches the visual style of the game, using both ... A solid communicator with excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

Create gameplay, AI, and scripted animation that matches the visual style of the game, using both ... A solid communicator with excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA

$124K - $142K/yr

What You'll Do Create gameplay, AI, and scripted animation that matches the visual style of the ... A solid communicator with excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to ...

Canyons School District

$89.24/hr

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Qualifications and Minimum Requirements ... Animation or the equivalent . Please note: * Professional experience includes both work ...

mxdwn

Movie News Writer / Researcher

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Writers will be responsible tracking, researching, and writing informative, personable news stories ... things Disney animation). You're familiar with things like Wordpress, Google Drive, and Slack.

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Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 21, 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 78% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,940 per year, or $38.4 per hour.

Senior Gameplay Animator

Ember Lab

Orange, CA • On-site

$88K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

At Ember Lab, our goal is to create powerful, transformative experiences that impact people for a lifetime. Having released our debut game, Kena: Bridge of Spirits, in 2021 this journey is just beginning. We're looking for collaborative team members who share our passion for storytelling and are eager to help us shape the future of Ember Lab.
We believe a strong, collaborative environment is critical to creating memorable experiences. As a Senior Gameplay Animator, you will conceptualize, design, develop and execute 3D animations. You will collaborate across teams to bring these animations and Ember Lab work to life!
Description
  • Create, test, and iterate on gameplay animations related to combat and interactive events
  • Integrate animations into game project and relevant animation systems
  • Collaborate with the design and engineering teams to ensure animations align with gameplay mechanics and technical constraints.
  • Iterate and refine animations based on feedback from team members and playtesting.
  • Attend to bugs related to tasks and maintain relevant animation features
  • Contribute to the development of animation workflows and tools to streamline the animation process.
  • Stay up-to-date with industry trends and techniques to continually improve the quality of animations.

Requirements
  • 5+ years of gameplay animation experience
  • Strong skills in animating body mechanics and action
  • Excellent Maya animation skills
  • 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 experience

Location
  • In Office

To Apply
  • Please include a portfolio

Compensation Range
The standard annual base salary range for this role in the U.S. is $88,000 - $120,000 USD. Actual pay will vary depending on experience, qualifications, performance and location. The base salary range for locations outside of the U.S. will be adjusted according to location.
At Ember Lab, we like to keep things professional and straightforward when it comes to hiring. All of our recruitment happens through official channels like an Ember Lab email, our recruitment platform BambooHR, or LinkedIn.
If you ever get a message from someone claiming to be us through an unexpected or suspicious platform, it's probably not legit-feel free to ignore it or give us a heads-up at contact@emberlab.com.
We've got your back when it comes to keeping the process safe and secure!

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