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Freelance Feature Film Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Story Artist

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$2.3K - $4.2K/wk

... feature film productions. In this role, you will play a critical part in bringing stories to life ... early development through production. Working closely with Director(s), the Head of Story, the ...

Freelance: Nuke - Chicago

Chicago, IL · On-site

$64.75 - $73/hr

... film projects * A solid reel showing a wide range of shots and a creative eye * Excellent ... Eagerness to learn and self-motivated in pursuit of own professional development * Proven ability ...

... this feature in the LA Times about how we're the freelance platform everyone wants to be part of ... Here are some of the most popular: * Web Development (WordPress, Full Stack, PHP, Shopify ...

... this feature in the LA Times about how we're the freelance platform everyone wants to be part of ... Here are some of the most popular: * Web Development (WordPress, Full Stack, PHP, Shopify ...

... this feature in the LA Times about how we're the freelance platform everyone wants to be part of ... Here are some of the most popular: * Web Development (WordPress, Full Stack, PHP, Shopify ...

The Last Airbender feature film, Netflix's Ghostbusters animated series and Stranger Things ... Career development is important to us so we offer training and support opportunities whenever ...

The Last Airbender feature film, Netflix's Ghostbusters animated series and Stranger Things ... Career development is important to us so we offer training and support opportunities whenever ...

... film projects * A solid reel showing a wide range of shots and a creative eye * Excellent ... Eagerness to learn and self-motivated in pursuit of own professional development * Proven ability ...

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Freelance Feature Film Development information

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How much do freelance feature film development jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance feature film development in the United States is $22.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Freelance Feature Film Development vs Freelance Film Producer?

AspectFreelance Feature Film DevelopmentFreelance Film Producer
Primary RoleConcept creation, script development, securing rightsOverseeing production, managing budgets, coordinating teams
Required SkillsCreative development, industry knowledge, networkingProject management, budgeting, negotiation
Work EnvironmentCollaborative with writers, directors, studiosOn-set and administrative, liaising with stakeholders
Industry UsageEarly-stage development, pre-productionProduction and post-production phases

While Freelance Feature Film Development focuses on creating and refining film concepts, Freelance Film Producers handle the execution, managing resources and overseeing the entire production process. Both roles require industry knowledge but differ in responsibilities and project involvement stages.

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What cities are hiring for Freelance Feature Film Development jobs? Cities with the most Freelance 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:
What states have the most Freelance Feature Film Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Feature Film Development jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Feature Film Development jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Feature Film Development jobs are:
Infographic showing various Freelance Feature Film Development job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,772 per year, or $23 per hour.
Visual Development Artist

Visual Development Artist

Sony Pictures Animation

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$59.16 - $85/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 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.