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Feature Film Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Character Designer

Santa Monica, CA ยท On-site

$2.90K - $4K/wk

... to the development of unique character styles, produce high-quality design assets, and help ... Previous experience on a feature animated film is required. This position is based in Los Angeles ...

... to the development of unique character styles, produce high-quality design assets, and help ... Previous experience on a feature animated film is required. This position is based in Los Angeles ...

... script on a new feature film. They will attend scratch and production dialogue records and ... Central hub and point-person for master production script; act as "guardian" of development and ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Austin, TX ยท Hybrid

$160K - $185K/yr

Experience architecting and implementing development frameworks to support feature development in ... The Company brings to life stories of immersive worlds across its feature film, television ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Santa Monica, CA ยท Hybrid

$160K - $185K/yr

Experience architecting and implementing development frameworks to support feature development in ... The Company brings to life stories of immersive worlds across its feature film, television ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Seattle, WA ยท Hybrid

$160K - $185K/yr

Experience architecting and implementing development frameworks to support feature development in ... The Company brings to life stories of immersive worlds across its feature film, television ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Seattle, WA ยท Hybrid

$160K - $185K/yr

Experience architecting and implementing development frameworks to support feature development in ... The Company brings to life stories of immersive worlds across its feature film, television ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Austin, TX ยท Hybrid

$160K - $185K/yr

Experience architecting and implementing development frameworks to support feature development in ... The Company brings to life stories of immersive worlds across its feature film, television ...

... feature film packaging, personal appearance, syndication (radio, television and digital ... development, and serve as the operational hub of the agency.Floaters are responsible for covering ...

... feature film packaging, personal appearance, syndication (radio, television and digital ... development, and serve as the operational hub of the agency. Floaters are responsible for covering ...

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Feature Film Development information

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$42.5K

$127K

$144.5K

How much do feature film development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for feature film development in the United States is $126,987.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,500.00 and $143,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Feature Film Development job?

A Feature Film Development job involves identifying, evaluating, and shaping potential film projects from initial concepts to fully developed scripts. Professionals in this role work closely with writers, directors, and producers to refine story ideas, provide script notes, and oversee creative direction. They also assess market trends, manage relationships with studios or financiers, and help secure funding. The goal is to develop compelling, commercially or artistically viable films that can move into production.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Feature Film Development position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Feature Film Development, you need a strong understanding of storytelling, script analysis, market trends, and project management, often backed by a degree in film, screenwriting, or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as Final Draft, script coverage platforms, and budgeting tools is essential. Excellent interpersonal skills, creativity, and the ability to collaborate effectively across departments make a candidate stand out. These competencies are crucial for identifying viable film projects, guiding scripts from concept to production, and aligning the final product with both creative vision and commercial viability.

What are some typical responsibilities of someone working in Feature Film Development?

Professionals in Feature Film Development are primarily responsible for sourcing new scripts or story ideas, evaluating their commercial and artistic potential, and working closely with writers to provide creative feedback. They coordinate with producers, directors, and other stakeholders to shepherd projects through various development stages, including script revision, budgeting, and assembling key creative teams. The role also involves conducting market research and trend analysis to inform project selection and positioning. Day-to-day, you can expect a mix of script reading, meetings, creative brainstorming sessions, and strategic planning, with opportunities to influence the direction of future films. This position is both collaborative and dynamic, offering significant impact on a project's ultimate success.

What job pays 400,000 a year without a degree?

In the field of feature film development, high-level executive roles such as film studio executives or producers can earn salaries around $400,000 annually without requiring a college degree, though extensive industry experience, networking, and proven success are typically necessary. These roles often involve overseeing projects, managing budgets, and making strategic decisions in a fast-paced environment.
What cities are hiring for Feature Film Development jobs? Cities with the most Feature Film Development job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Feature Film Development jobs? The most popular types of Feature Film Development jobs are:
Character Designer

Character Designer

Skydance

Santa Monica, CA โ€ข On-site

$2.90K - $4K/wk

Full-time

Posted yesterday


Job description

Skydance Animation is seeking an experienced Character Designer to join our team on an upcoming feature film. In this role, you will play a pivotal part in bringing stories to life by shaping the look, personality, and visual identity of our characters. From early concept exploration to final design execution, you will craft compelling, expressive designs that resonate with both the narrative and audience.
Working closely with directors, art leads, and fellow creatives, the Character Designer will contribute to the development of unique character styles, produce high-quality design assets, and help maintain a cohesive visual language throughout the film. The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in drawing, a keen sense of storytelling through design, and the versatility to explore a wide range of shapes, styles, and emotional expression.
Previous experience on a feature animated film is required.
This position is based in Los Angeles, California, and requires the selected candidate to work in an on-site hybrid capacity.
Responsibilities
  • Develop original artwork for project concepts and characters, including exploratory designs, refined assets, and surface details
  • Produce a wide range of visual development work from quick sketches and rough ideation to fully realized, production-ready character designs
  • Create clear and expressive character turnarounds, pose sheets, and supplementary drawings in 2D and/or CG visual development formats
  • Conduct visual and thematic research to inform design choices, ensuring authenticity, originality, and alignment with the story and world
  • Design and assemble compelling presentation materials that effectively communicate creative ideas to internal teams and leadership
  • Collaborate in brainstorming sessions to generate inventive concepts that enhance storytelling, bringing depth, humor, emotion, and personality to each character
  • Apply a strong understanding of human and/or animal anatomy to create believable, dynamic, and appealing character designs
  • Contribute creative problem-solving solutions, respond thoughtfully to feedback, and iterate efficiently on designs throughout the production process
  • Manage time effectively to meet production schedules and deadlines while maintaining a high level of quality
  • Maintain organized, production-ready files in accordance with the show's naming conventions and versioning systems
  • Communicate proactively with supervisors and production partners regarding progress, questions, and any potential challenges
  • Revise and update designs as needed based on feedback, ensuring all work meets the creative vision before final approval
  • Partner closely with the Production Designer, Art Director, Lead Character Designer, and production staff to provide status updates and address any issues that arise

Requirements
  • 8+ years of character design experience on animated feature films
  • Strong visual storytelling skills, with the ability to design characters that support narrative and performance
  • Advanced proficiency in Adobe Photoshop
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to present work and respond effectively to feedback
  • Solid understanding of human and/or animal anatomy
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as collaboratively within a team
  • Adaptable and responsive to evolving creative direction and production needs
  • Working knowledge of Autodesk Maya, Blender, or ZBrush is a plus
  • Must be, or be willing to become, a member of The Animation Guild Local 839
  • >

The compensation range for this non-exempt position in Los Angeles, CA is $2,900-4,000/week. The rate offered may vary based on the candidate's location, qualifications, experience and relevant expertise, among other factors. The range indicated is for base salary only and does not reflect the total compensation package, including bonus, benefits, etc.
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