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Pre Production Animation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Smosh

Production Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

... pre-production, production, accounting, and post-production stages. * Versatility in managing productions across diverse formats, such as commercials, animation, scripted, variety, reality ...

Smosh

Production Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

... pre-production, production, accounting, and post-production stages. * Versatility in managing productions across diverse formats, such as commercials, animation, scripted, variety, reality ...

Bolt Graphics

Screenwriter (Contract)

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$60/hr

Complete a final polished script to act as the backbone for animation production and pre-production * Work with the creative director and storyboard artists to help visualize your story during the ...

M&S Consulting

3D Animator

Pasadena, CA · On-site +1

M&S people simply "care hard", and this reflects in our work products, our interactions, and our ... Create cinematic 3D animations from pre-visualization or animatics through final render * Model ...

Netflix

Production Coordinator- Ink

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$32.69 - $38.46/hr

... fast-paced, experimental animation production process, leveraging both generative AI and ... pre-production through post-production, while supporting the development of new workflows and ...

Netflix

Production Coordinator- Ink

Los Gatos, CA

$32.69 - $38.46/hr

... fast-paced, experimental animation production process, leveraging both generative AI and ... pre-production through post-production, while supporting the development of new workflows and ...

Netflix

Production Coordinator- Ink

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$32.69 - $38.46/hr

... fast-paced, experimental animation production process, leveraging both generative AI and ... pre-production through post-production, while supporting the development of new workflows and ...

Netflix

Production Coordinator- Ink

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$32.69 - $38.46/hr

... fast-paced, experimental animation production process, leveraging both generative AI and ... pre-production through post-production, while supporting the development of new workflows and ...

Netflix

Production Coordinator- Ink

Los Gatos, CA

$32.69 - $38.46/hr

... fast-paced, experimental animation production process, leveraging both generative AI and ... pre-production through post-production, while supporting the development of new workflows and ...

Skydance

Pipeline Technical Director

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$53 - $62.50/hr

Experience supporting animation pre-production departments such as Story, Editorial, and Previs, a plus * Expert in Python * Experience programming with one or more of the following software: Maya ...

Skydance

Pipeline Technical Director

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$53 - $62.50/hr

Experience supporting animation pre-production departments such as Story, Editorial, and Previs, a plus * Expert in Python * Experience programming with one or more of the following software: Maya ...

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Pre Production Animation information

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How much do pre production animation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for pre production animation in California is $18.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $20.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in pre production animation, and why are they important?

To thrive in Pre Production Animation, you need strong artistic abilities, a solid understanding of storytelling and visual development, and a degree in animation or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software like Adobe Creative Suite, Storyboard Pro, and 3D modeling tools is highly valued, and some roles may require formal training or certification in animation. Excellent communication, teamwork, and creative problem-solving skills help you collaborate effectively with directors, writers, and production teams. These skills are vital to ensure that the animation vision is clearly realized and production proceeds smoothly from concept to execution.

What is pre production animation?

A Pre Production Animation job involves the early stages of creating an animated project, focusing on concept development, storyboarding, character design, and visual style. Artists and designers work closely with directors and writers to establish the creative foundation before full production begins. This phase ensures a clear vision, helping streamline the animation process and reducing potential issues later.

What are the typical responsibilities of someone working in pre production animation?

Professionals in Pre Production Animation are responsible for visualizing and designing the initial look and feel of an animated project, which includes developing storyboards, concept art, and character designs. They collaborate closely with directors, writers, and other artists to establish the visual tone and narrative flow before full production begins. Daily tasks often involve sketching, pitching ideas, revising artwork based on feedback, and ensuring that the artistic vision aligns with the project's requirements. This collaborative and creative environment allows artists to have a significant impact on the final product and provides valuable experience for future advancement within the animation industry.

What are popular job titles related to Pre Production Animation jobs in California? For Pre Production Animation jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Pre Production Animation jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Pre Production Animation jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Pre Production Animation jobs? Cities in California with the most Pre Production Animation job openings:
Pre Production Animation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pre Production Animation job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Internship, and 75% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,484 per year, or $19 per hour.

Production Manager

Smosh

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Salary: $75,000-80,000

Position Overview:

Smosh is on the lookout for a seasoned Production Manager to join our incredible Production Team in Burbank, CA. This pivotal role requires a blend of creative acumen and logistical expertise, ensuring our projects align with our artistic vision while adhering to budget and schedule constraints. Ideal candidates will possess a deep understanding of the production lifecycle across various formats and demonstrate a capability to manage complex projects with precision and a proactive mindset.

Core Competencies:

  • Exceptional Organizational Skills and Attention to Detail ensure accuracy across budgets, schedules and pertaining documents
  • Strong Team Collaboration and Relationship-Building Abilities work seamlessly with internal collaborators, cast, crew, and any external teams
  • Positive & Proactive Problem Solving anticipate potential issues and addresses them with a calm, solutions-oriented approach
  • Effective Communication Skills articulate accurate and timely information across teams to keep relevant parties informed and aligned
  • Reliable and Punctual meet deadlines, follow through on commitments, and demonstrate professionalism

Responsibilities:

  • Ensure Creative & Production Alignment Partner closely with the Sr Production Manager to align on creative goals, ensuring efficient scheduling and budgeting that meet project objectives.
  • Oversee Production Documents Facilitate the creation and dissemination of critical production documents, including call sheets and daily schedules, in collaboration with the Sr Production Manager.
  • Supervise Timelines & Budgets Monitor adherence to production and post-production timelines, budgets, and release schedules, proactively identifying and addressing potential variances.
  • Function as Assistant Director on Set Lead scripted shoot days, managing the set effectively, keeping cast and crew informed and organized.
  • Build & Maintain Professional Relationships Foster and grow strong connections with vendors and crew, enhancing production quality and efficiency.
  • Support Payroll Assist the EVP of Production in the payroll management for all project-based staff, ensuring accurate and timely compensation.
  • Maintain Workflows & Communications Keep workflow documents current and accessible, maintaining transparent and effective communication with the production team.
  • Enforce Policies & Standards Uphold company-wide policies, standards, and protocols across all production environments, both on location and in-studio.
  • Drive Process Improvements Continually seek out and implement opportunities for process improvement and efficiency gains within the production cycle.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • A minimum of 4 years of experience in production management
  • Comprehensive knowledge of the production process, including pre-production, production, accounting, and post-production stages.
  • Versatility in managing productions across diverse formats, such as commercials, animation, scripted, variety, reality, documentaries, photoshoots, digital content, social media, music performances, and music videos.
  • The ability to simultaneously manage multiple projects, maintaining a highly organized and detail-oriented approach.
  • A robust work ethic, complemented by a positive, can-do attitude, and strong written and verbal communication skills.