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Internship Traditional Animation Jobs in California

$15 - $20/hr

This is not a traditional internship. This is a hands-on, execution-focused role centered on ... Animation / Motion Short-form content, storytelling, and character animation for Adventure Ted Core ...

$16.25 - $21.75/hr

This is not a traditional internship. This is a hands-on, execution-focused role centered on ... Animation / Motion Short-form content, storytelling, and character animation for Adventure Ted Core ...

$16 - $21.25/hr

This is not a traditional internship. This is a hands-on, execution-focused role centered on ... Animation / Motion Short-form content, storytelling, and character animation for Adventure Ted Core ...

$16.25 - $21.50/hr

This is not a traditional internship. This is a hands-on, execution-focused role centered on ... Animation / Motion Short-form content, storytelling, and character animation for Adventure Ted Core ...

$15.75 - $21/hr

This is not a traditional internship. This is a hands-on, execution-focused role centered on ... Animation / Motion Short-form content, storytelling, and character animation for Adventure Ted Core ...

$16 - $21.50/hr

This is not a traditional internship. This is a hands-on, execution-focused role centered on ... Animation / Motion Short-form content, storytelling, and character animation for Adventure Ted Core ...

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

This is not a traditional internship. This is a hands-on, execution-focused role centered on ... Animation / Motion Short-form content, storytelling, and character animation for Adventure Ted Core ...

$15.25 - $20.25/hr

This is not a traditional internship. This is a hands-on, execution-focused role centered on ... Animation / Motion Short-form content, storytelling, and character animation for Adventure Ted Core ...

$15 - $19.75/hr

This is not a traditional internship. This is a hands-on, execution-focused role centered on ... Animation / Motion Short-form content, storytelling, and character animation for Adventure Ted Core ...

$16 - $21.25/hr

This is not a traditional internship. This is a hands-on, execution-focused role centered on ... Animation / Motion Short-form content, storytelling, and character animation for Adventure Ted Core ...

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Internship Traditional Animation information

What is an internship in traditional animation?

An internship in traditional animation is a temporary position where students or aspiring animators work with professionals to learn and assist in the process of creating hand-drawn or 2D animations. Interns often participate in tasks such as sketching, in-betweening, coloring, and storyboarding while gaining practical experience in animation pipelines and industry-standard tools. This hands-on opportunity helps build a foundational skill set, expand portfolios, and network with industry professionals, which can be valuable for future career prospects.

What are some common challenges interns face in traditional animation roles, and how can they overcome them?

Interns in traditional animation often encounter challenges such as adapting to fast-paced production schedules, mastering industry-standard software, and refining their hand-drawn techniques to meet studio quality. To overcome these hurdles, it's important to actively seek feedback from senior animators, practice drawing consistently, and become comfortable using tools like Toon Boom Harmony or Adobe Animate. Collaboration and open communication with team members will also help interns integrate smoothly into the workflow and learn effective time management strategies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an internship in traditional animation, and why are they important?

To thrive as an intern in traditional animation, you need a solid understanding of drawing fundamentals, animation principles, and a portfolio showcasing your artistic skills, often supported by enrollment in or completion of a relevant degree program. Familiarity with animation software like Toon Boom Harmony, Adobe Animate, or TVPaint is typically expected. Creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to accept feedback are crucial soft skills for growth in this collaborative field. These skills and qualities are essential for producing high-quality animation, adapting to studio workflows, and contributing effectively to production teams.

What is the difference between Internship Traditional Animation vs Internship 3D Animation?

AspectInternship Traditional AnimationInternship 3D Animation
Required SkillsDrawing, storytelling, frame-by-frame animationModeling, rigging, rendering, digital sculpting
Work Environment2D animation studios, art departments3D animation studios, visual effects companies
Tools & SoftwareAdobe Animate, TVPaint, PhotoshopMaya, Blender, 3ds Max
Industry UsageCartoons, traditional media, printVideo games, films, virtual reality

Internship Traditional Animation focuses on 2D, hand-drawn techniques, emphasizing drawing skills and storytelling. In contrast, Internship 3D Animation involves digital modeling and rendering, requiring knowledge of 3D software. Both internships are valuable entry points in animation, but they target different technical skills and industry applications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Traditional Animation jobs in California?

The most popular types of Traditional Animation jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Internship Traditional Animation jobs in California?

For Internship Traditional Animation jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Internship Traditional Animation jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Internship Traditional Animation jobs in California are:

WDI Figure Programming Intern, Spring 2027

The Walt Disney Company

Glendale, CA

$26.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Assist in creating, debugging, and coordinating Audio-Animatronic figures' digital assets.

  • Work closely with other Show Programmers to operate and maintain Animation & Show Programming systems.

  • Provide technical support for computer graphic animation programs and assist in developing or maintaining show programming tools.


Walt Disney Company rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 130 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 52 rated entertainment


Job description

Job Posting Title:

WDI Figure Programming Intern, Spring 2027

Req ID:

10159712

Job Description:

About the Role & Program

Be a part of an innovative team and culture...

Walt Disney Imagineering is the creative force that imagines, designs and brings to life all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions and cruise ships worldwide. Working across a spectrum of disciplines that range from creative and conceptual to scientific and technical, Imagineers blend an innovative mixture of storytelling, art, science and technology to create immersive experiences, memorable destinations, and innovative entertainment for families around the globe.

The approximate dates of this internship is January 2027 to June 2027 and will be located in Orlando, FL or Glendale, CA.

What You Will Do

As an intern, you will work within WDI Animation which is a one-stop shop for prototypical design, engineering, manufacturing, assembly, figure finishing, installation, show programming and animation. This is the group that "creates the illusion of life" within our attractions to tell amazing stories. This department includes managers, technical specialists and engineers who provide delivery of high-quality audio-animatronics to Disney theme parks that are safe, meet creative intent, and are easily maintainable.

  • Work closely with other Show Programmers to operate and maintain Animation & Show Programming system's highly specialized hardware and software tools

  • Assist in creating, debugging, and coordinating Audio-Animatronic figures' digital assets (character sheets, animation data, rigs, ride paths, shots, and/or models)

  • Build and review digital animation rigs

  • Provide pipeline and animation process support and asset integration to the Show Animators for the programming of Audio-Animatronics figures

  • Partner with the creative team and overall show programming team to program special effects, audio, animated props and show action equipment

  • Organize, secure and maintain show data created by the Animators and Show Programmers

  • Provide technical support for computer graphic animation programs (such as Maya and MotionBuilder)

  • Assist in developing or maintaining show programming tools

  • Learn proprietary software packages

Required Qualifications & Skills

  • Familiarity with creating and maintaining rigs for CG character animation

  • Ability to function in a dynamic work environment, managing multiple project tasks

  • Basic Knowledge of robotic animation, control systems, and mechanical systems

  • Ability to provide basic technical support for computer graphic animation applications

  • Ability to work with limited supervision but be able to integrate inputs from many individuals and work as a team member

  • High tolerance for change and changing requirements

Preferred Qualifications

  • Desired software knowledge/familiarity among several of the following: Maya, MotionBuilder, Z-Brush, MS Excel, Adobe Photoshop, Final Cut Pro, Premier, After Effects (or similar video editing software), Solid Works, Tait Navigator, Shotgun, Rhino, Unreal/Unity

  • Desired scripting knowledge: Python, Mel, C, C++

  • Experience with Game Engines

Materials Required

  • A portfolio review is required for this position. For full consideration, please include a link to your portfolio on your resume. Applications without a portfolio link on the resume will not be considered a completed application packet and may not be fully considered for the position. Please visit our support site for additional information.

Education

  • Currently enrolled as a Junior or higher attending an accredited college/university earning a degree majoring in traditional animation, computer animation, industrial automation control programming or related field.

Eligibility Requirements & Program Information

Candidates for this opportunity MUST meet all of the below requirements:

  • Be enrolled in an accredited college/university pursuing a degree taking at least one class at time of application posting OR currently participating in a Disney College Program or Disney Internship

  • Be at least 18 years of age

  • Possess unrestricted work authorization

  • Have not completed one year of continual employment on a Disney internship or program.

Additional Information

  • Able to provide reliable transportation to/from work

  • Must be fully available for the duration of the internship

  • Able to provide own housing for the duration of the internship in Glendale, CA

  • We provide limited housing opportunities for Florida-Based Professional Interns through American Campus Communities, for more information click here

The pay rate for this role in Glendale, CA or Orlando, FL is $26.50 per hour for undergraduate students and $27.50 per hour for graduate level students. Select benefits may be provided as part of the compensation package, such as medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered. To learn more about our benefits visit: https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.

Job Posting Segment:

WDI Creative Development

Job Posting Primary Business:

Show Systems (WDI)

Primary Job Posting Category:

Other

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Glendale, CA, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

USA - FL - 1120 Celebration Blvd

Date Posted:

2026-08-31

What Walt Disney Company employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Walt Disney logo

About Walt Disney

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Disney, we're storytellers. We make the impossible, possible. We do this through utilizing and developing cutting-edge technology and pushing the envelope to bring stories to life through our movies, products, interactive games, parks and resorts, and media networks. Now is your chance to join our talented team that delivers unparalleled creative content to audiences around the world. "We create happiness." That's our motto at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. And it permeates everything we do. At Disney, you'll help inspire that magic by enabling our teams to push the limits of entertainment and create the never-before-seen!

Industry

Amusement, gambling, and recreation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Burbank, CA, US

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