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Skydance Animation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Skydance

Character Designer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$2.9K - $4.0K/wk

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 ...

Skydance

Art Director

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$4.0K - $4.6K/wk

Skydance Animation is seeking an Art Director to help shape the visual identity of an upcoming animated feature film. This role is central to defining and executing the overall look and feel of the ...

Virtual Producer

Technical Director - VR

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$225 - $260/hr

Skydance Interactive, a leading virtual‑reality developer, is seeking a Technical Director for ... physics, animation, rendering, engine/system architecture, multi‑platform, network, build ...

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Skydance Animation information

What is Skydance Animation?

Skydance Animation is a division of Skydance Media that focuses on creating animated feature films and television series. Founded in 2017, the studio produces high-quality animation for global audiences, working with top talent in the industry. Skydance Animation has released and developed several major projects, often collaborating with platforms like Apple TV+. They strive to combine compelling storytelling with cutting-edge animation technology.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animation artist at Skydance Animation?

To thrive as an Animation Artist at Skydance Animation, you need strong artistic abilities, proficiency in 2D/3D animation, and a solid understanding of storytelling and character development, often supported by a degree in animation or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as Autodesk Maya, Adobe Creative Suite, and other animation software is typically required. Creativity, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills that set top professionals apart in collaborative studio environments. These skills ensure the creation of high-quality, engaging animations that align with the studio's vision and production deadlines.

What are some common challenges faced when working on animated film projects at Skydance Animation?

At Skydance Animation, team members often navigate tight production schedules and the need for seamless collaboration across various departments such as story, modeling, rigging, and lighting. The creative process demands adaptability, as project goals and artistic direction may evolve based on feedback and production needs. Additionally, ensuring high-quality output while balancing technical constraints can be a rewarding but complex challenge. Working in this fast-paced, innovative environment fosters strong teamwork and continuous learning.

What is the difference between Skydance Animation vs Skydance Visual Effects Artist?

AspectSkydance AnimationSkydance Visual Effects Artist
CredentialsBachelor's in Animation, Art, or related field; strong portfolioBachelor's in Visual Effects, Computer Graphics, or related; proficiency in VFX software
Work EnvironmentAnimation studios, collaborative teams, creative settingsPost-production facilities, VFX studios, digital environments
Industry UsageFilm, TV, animated featuresFilm, commercials, visual effects for media

Skydance Animation focuses on creating animated content and characters, while Skydance Visual Effects Artists specialize in integrating visual effects into live-action or animated projects. Both roles require strong technical skills and work within the entertainment industry, but their core responsibilities differ in focus and tools used.

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

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

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Cities in California with the most Skydance Animation job openings:

Skydance Animation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Skydance Animation job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% Internship, 66% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 74% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution.

Character Designer

Skydance

Santa Monica, CA • On-site

$2.9K - $4.0K/wk

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

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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