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Animation Writing 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

$150 - $210/hr

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 ...

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 ...

Big Shot Pictures

Technical Animator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Experience building animation or rigging tools in DCC packages. * Ability to write and maintain tools using Python. Nice to Have: * Experience working with motion capture systems and performance ...

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 ...

Cloud Chamber

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 ...

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 ...

2K

Lead Animator

Novato, CA

$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 · 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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All JobsAnimation Writing JobsAnimation Writing Jobs in California

Animation Writing information

See California salary details

$5

$30

$74

How much do animation writing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for animation writing in California is $30.56, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $36.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is animation writing?

Animation writing is the process of crafting scripts, dialogue, and storylines specifically for animated films, TV shows, web series, or shorts. Animation writers collaborate closely with directors, animators, and producers to develop engaging narratives, memorable characters, and visual humor that fit the unique possibilities of animation. Unlike live-action scripts, animation writing often requires more detailed scene descriptions and visual cues, since animators rely heavily on the script to bring the story to life. Effective animation writers must blend creativity, storytelling skills, and an understanding of animation production.

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

To thrive as an Animation Writer, you need strong storytelling abilities, a solid grasp of script formatting, and often a background in creative writing, film, or animation. Familiarity with screenwriting software like Final Draft, Celtx, or Adobe Story, as well as knowledge of animation production pipelines, is typically required. Creativity, adaptability, and strong collaboration skills help you excel when working with animators, directors, and producers. These skills ensure that scripts are engaging, feasible for animation, and effectively support the visual storytelling process.

What are some common challenges animation writers face when working on collaborative projects?

Animation writers often work closely with directors, storyboard artists, and other writers, which can lead to challenges such as balancing creative visions and adapting scripts to fit visual storytelling needs. Changes in animation production timelines or feedback from multiple stakeholders may require quick script revisions. Successfully navigating these dynamics requires strong communication skills, flexibility, and the ability to incorporate feedback while maintaining narrative consistency.

What is the difference between Animation Writing vs Scriptwriting?

AspectAnimation WritingScriptwriting
CredentialsWriting skills, storytelling, animation industry knowledgeWriting skills, storytelling, film/TV industry knowledge
Work EnvironmentAnimation studios, media companiesFilm, TV, digital media productions
Industry UsagePrimarily in animated series, movies, web contentIn live-action and animated productions

Animation Writing focuses on creating scripts specifically for animated content, often requiring knowledge of animation processes. Scriptwriting is broader, covering scripts for live-action or animated media. While both roles involve storytelling and script development, Animation Writing is specialized for animation projects, making it distinct in industry applications and skill requirements.

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Animation Writing jobs?

Cities in California with the most Animation Writing job openings:

Animation Writing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animation Writing job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, and 26% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $63,557 per year, or $30.6 per hour.

Animation Director

Flying Bark Productions

Burbank, CA • On-site

$3.2K - $3.4K/wk

Full-time

Posted 4 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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