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Animation Writing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Ember Lab

Senior Gameplay Animator

Orange, CA · On-site

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 ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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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 Jul 13, 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 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 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, and why are they important?

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 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,557 per year, or $30.6 per hour.
Animation Systems Programmer

Animation Systems Programmer

Epic Games

Larkspur, CA • On-site

$167K - $245K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

WHAT MAKES US EPIC?
At the core of Epic's success are talented, passionate people. Epic prides itself on creating a collaborative, welcoming, and creative environment. Whether it's building award-winning games or crafting engine technology that enables others to make visually stunning interactive experiences, we're always innovating.
Being Epic means being a part of a team that continually strives to do right by our community and users. We're constantly innovating to raise the bar of engine and game development.
ENGINEERING - SPECIAL PROJECTS
What We Do
The Special Projects team at Epic is responsible for executing high-impact projects that push the envelope to define the future of real-time graphics and gaming technology (The Matrix Awakens, Lumen in the Land of Nanite). In collaboration with the Unreal Engine team, we strive to put our technology and knowledge into the hands of users, empowering developers and content creators with the most powerful suite of real-time tools in the world.
What You'll Do
Epic Games is looking for an experienced Animation Systems Programmer for our Special Projects team. As a member of our team, you will play a critical role in driving future projects that push boundaries, explore new technology, and help define the future of Unreal Engine. You will be responsible for developing, enhancing, optimizing, and maintaining the core animation systems and will work closely with Animation, Design, and Engineering colleagues to ensure characterful and entertaining animation that is efficient and performant. You will also help identify potential issues and deploy correct solutions, using your technical knowledge to help bridge and facilitate communication between the animation team and other departments.
In this role, you will
  • Architect, implement, and maintain core animation systems used across the Special Projects team
  • Work closely with other engineers, animators, technical animators, product designers, leads and external technology partners across multiple teams and time zones
  • 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 production
What we're looking for
  • Extensive experience writing C++ applications
  • Excellent linear algebra skills and applications of linear algebra in software
  • Experience with rigging systems, animation state machines, low-level animation systems, physics-based, procedural, and/or IK animation systems
  • Experience with multi-threaded programming and system tasks such as graphics, audio, I/O, networking, memory handling, debuggers, etc.
  • Experience with application-level programming, such as script compilers and user-facing tools
  • Strong artistic intuition and an eye for quality animation; as technical tooling becomes more advanced, you prioritize the visual "feel" of the animation to ensure it meets the highest standards
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, self-motivated, and able to work independently
  • Creativity in problem-solving and the ability to think outside of the established solutions
  • Knowledge of ML/AI and its potential applications
  • Someone who is user-focused, passionate, solutions-focused, and innovative. These traits equal success at Epic and influence everything we do
EPIC JOB + EPIC BENEFITS = EPIC LIFE
Our intent is to cover all things that are medically necessary and improve the quality of life. We pay 100% of the premiums for both you and your dependents. Our coverage includes Medical, Dental, a Vision HRA, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance & a 401k with competitive match. We also offer a robust mental well-being program through Modern Health, which provides free therapy and coaching for employees & dependents. Throughout the year we celebrate our employees with events and company-wide paid breaks. We offer unlimited PTO and sick time and recognize individuals for 7 years of employment with a paid sabbatical.
California Base Pay Range
$167,399-$245,519 USD
ABOUT US
Epic Games is a leading interactive entertainment company. For over 30 years we've been making award-winning games and engine technology that empowers others to make visually stunning games and 3D content that bring environments to life like never before. Epic's award-winning Unreal Engine technology not only provides game developers the ability to build high-fidelity, interactive experiences for PC, console, mobile, and VR, it is also a tool being embraced by content creators across a variety of industries such as media and entertainment, automotive, and architectural design. As we continue to build our Engine technology and develop remarkable games, we strive to build teams of world-class talent.
Like what you hear? Come be a part of something Epic!
Epic Games deeply values diverse teams and an inclusive work culture, and we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. Learn more about our Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy here.
Note to Recruitment Agencies: Epic does not accept any unsolicited resumes or approaches from any unauthorized third party (including recruitment or placement agencies) (i.e., a third party with whom we do not have a negotiated and validly executed agreement). We will not pay any fees to any unauthorized third party. Further details on these matters can be found here.

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