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Director Feature Film Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Flying Bark Productions

Executive Assistant

Burbank, CA · On-site

$26.50/hr

The Last Airbender feature film, Netflix's Ghostbusters animated series, and Stranger Things ... Career development is a priority for us, and we provide ongoing training and support opportunities.

Ht Visions

VFX Artist

Houston, TX

$150K - $165K/yr

Collaborate with directors, editors, and post-production teams * Ensure lighting, rendering, and ... Python or scripting knowledge * Experience in feature film or streaming productions

ProAmpac

Product Development Engineer

Rocky Mount, VA · On-site

... blown film operations. In this role, you will bridge the gap between concept and execution ... Operating under the direction of the Sr. Product Development Director, you will drive technical ...

ProAmpac

Product Development Engineer

Rocky Mount, VA · On-site

... blown film operations. In this role, you will bridge the gap between concept and execution ... Operating under the direction of the Sr. Product Development Director, you will drive technical ...

Skydance

Character Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$2.9K - $4.0K/wk

Working closely with directors, art leads, and fellow creatives, the Character Designer will ... Previous experience on a feature animated film is required. This position is based in Los Angeles ...

Skydance

Character Designer

Santa Monica, CA

$2.9K - $4.0K/wk

Working closely with directors, art leads, and fellow creatives, the Character Designer will ... Previous experience on a feature animated film is required. This position is based in Los Angeles ...

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How much do director feature film development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for director feature film development in the United States is $230,997.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $233,000.00 and $244,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director feature film development do?

A Director of Feature Film Development oversees the process of finding, developing, and shaping new film projects for production. They work closely with writers, producers, and executives to evaluate scripts, provide creative feedback, and guide projects from concept through to greenlight. Their responsibilities include identifying promising stories, securing rights, assembling creative teams, and ensuring that projects align with the studio or production company's vision and goals. This role requires strong industry knowledge, creative insight, and excellent communication skills to nurture successful feature films.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director feature film development, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Feature Film Development, you need extensive knowledge of film production, script analysis, and market trends, usually backed by a degree in film, communications, or a related field and substantial industry experience. Familiarity with screenwriting software (like Final Draft), budgeting tools, and project management systems is common in this role. Strong leadership, creative vision, negotiation, and relationship-building skills set exceptional candidates apart. These abilities are crucial for identifying promising projects, guiding creative teams, and ensuring successful film development from concept to greenlight.

What is the difference between Director Feature Film Development vs Producer of a Feature Film?

AspectDirector Feature Film DevelopmentProducer of a Feature Film
Required CredentialsFilm or related degree, industry experienceBusiness, management, or film production background
Work EnvironmentCreative meetings, script development, studio officesProject management, budgeting, overseeing production
Industry UsageInvolved in script, concept, and early developmentHandles financing, logistics, and overall project execution

The main difference is that the Director of Feature Film Development focuses on shaping the creative aspects and script development of a film, while the Producer manages the overall production process, including financing and logistics. Both roles require industry experience but serve different functions in bringing a film to life.

What are the main challenges a director feature film development faces when balancing creative vision with commercial viability?

A Director of Feature Film Development often navigates the complex task of nurturing original and compelling stories while ensuring they meet the commercial objectives of the studio or production company. This requires ongoing collaboration with writers, producers, and executives to align creative concepts with market trends, audience expectations, and budget constraints. Balancing artistic integrity with financial and scheduling considerations is a continual challenge, but it also offers opportunities to innovate and find unique storytelling approaches. Strong communication and negotiation skills are essential for fostering consensus and moving projects forward through development phases.
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Director Feature Film Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Feature Film Development job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $230,997 per year, or $111.1 per hour.

Visual Development Artist

Sony Pictures Animation

Los Angeles, CA

$59.16 - $85/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

The Visual Development Artist works closely with the Production Designer, Art Director, and other creative leadership to visually develop and design all elements of the feature film, including sets, locations, props, characters, visual effects, color schemes, and overall style. This is a union-covered position.

Sony Pictures Animation is a pre-production animation studio based in Los Angeles, California, creating both feature animation and animated series with artists from around the world. We pride ourselves on empowering filmmakers to lead the creative process, and allowing the hand of the artist to be truly felt, with the goal of producing bold and innovative visual storytelling.

Responsibilities:
  • Work under the guidance of the Production Designer and Art Director to generate artwork related to sets, locations, props, characters, visual effects, color schemes, and overall style
  • Generate work across all stages of production, including sketches, rough explorations, refined designs, and final paintings
  • Create artwork that informs the early story and visual development process, as well as the production process
  • Collaborate with creative leadership to translate the vision for the film from concept to finished look
  • When requested, build and present innovative ideas to improve visual concepts and designs
  • Ensure all artwork is accurately backed up, organized and stored appropriately
  • Contribute creative solutions, respond effectively to feedback, and iterate on designs throughout production
  • Proactively communicate questions, issues, or production concerns to supervisors and production staff
  • Meet production schedules and deadlines while maintaining a high level of artistic quality and consistency
Qualifications:
  • Must exhibit proficiency in drawing (including human and animal anatomy), design, perspective, composition, painting, lighting and color theory 
  • Must be comfortable working in a variety of styles - from "cartoony" to highly realistic.  
  • Areas of expertise to include one or more of the following: set/location/props design; character/costume design; special effects design; and/or color styling
  • A solid understanding of 2D to 3D translations and hands-on use of 2D or 3D tools in your design process is helpful
  • Able to solve problems creatively
  • Manage time efficiently
  • The ability to work creatively in a fast-paced production environment under pressure
  • Self-motivated, good communication skills, and an excellent teammate with a phenomenal outlook
  • Working knowledge of software and hardware, including Photoshop and Cintiq

The anticipated base salary for this position is $59.16/hour to $85.00/hour. This role qualifies for benefits pursuant to the collective bargaining agreement.The actual salary offered will depend on a variety of factors.

To apply, please include a resume and a link to your portfolio. Please make sure to include any passwords to your work in your cover letter and/or in your resume.

Sony Pictures Animation is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristics.

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