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Animation Writing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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How much do animation writing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for animation writing in the United States is $30.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $37.26 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.

More about Animation Writing jobs
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Animation Writing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animation Writing job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, 29% As Needed, 40% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 11% Nights. Highlights an 70% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 27% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,401 per year, or $31 per hour.
Animator [Contract] (Retro Studios)

Animator [Contract] (Retro Studios)

Nintendo of America Inc.

Austin, TX • On-site

Other

Re-posted 6 days ago

Nintendo rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 209 rated software companies

Job description

RETRO STUDIOS:

Founded in 1998, Retro Studios is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nintendo Co., Ltd., and a powerhouse in game development. Working hand-in-hand with Nintendo, we craft award-winning titles for the company's cutting-edge platforms, blending innovation, artistry, and gameplay excellence.

Our home base is Austin, Texas, a vibrant city known for its creative energy, live music, stunning natural scenery, and forward-thinking culture. With year-round sunshine and endless options for outdoor adventures, Austin offers the perfect backdrop for world-class developers to stay inspired, balanced, and at the top of their game.

Retro Studios is looking for an Animator!

We are looking for someone who is passionate about quality and takes pride in their work. An animator who wants to be part of a creative and collaborative team. Someone who will be thrilled to work on Nintendo's awesome IPs!

We expect our animators to exhibit leadership qualities and encourage involvement and responsibility across wider aspects of the project.

DESCRIPTIONS OF DUTIES:

  • You will implement and maintain animations for a wide range of characters, creatures, bosses, cinematics and pretty much anything that moves.
  • You will be responsible for collaborating and sharing your ideas on animation as well as other aspects of our projects such as gameplay and story.
  • We will count on you to help us identify needs and propose solutions that will improve our production pipeline. We all use "Band-Aid solutions" from time to time, but we love forward thinkers, people who think long term.
  • Your feedback will be greatly appreciated, and you will get plenty of critique from others to help you grow your own skills.
  • You feel comfortable on the technical side of animation deployment. You don't have to be an expert rigger or scripter, but you know how to set up simple characters and are familiar with using a variety of tools to speed up your work process.
  • You are part of a creative team, the process of game making is dynamic, so it is important that you maintain familiarity with the game, the latest changes and updates.
  • You enjoy collaborating with other development disciplines, contributing your expertise and taking advantage of the expertise of others to achieve more together.
  • Did we mention how excited we are that you are considering this position?

*This job description outlines primary duties and requirements and is not intended to identify all tasks that may be performed; individuals occupying the position may be required to perform other duties. The company may modify job duties from time to time, either in practice or in writing.

SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS:

  • Minimum 5 years' experience with in-game and/or cinematic video game animation, including at least 2 full video game production cycles.
  • A robust portfolio that demonstrates a wide range of animation experience.
  • Considerable experience animating in Maya.
  • Undergraduate degree in art related subject or completion of an intensive art training program preferred. Specific experience can be substituted for formal education.
  • Effective written, verbal and interpersonal skills.

Retro Studios is an equal opportunity employer. We offer a welcoming and inclusive environment in service to one another, our products, the diverse consumers we represent, and the communities we call home. We do all of this with kindness, empathy, and respect for each

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