Feature Lighting Intern, DreamWorks Animation, Spring 2027

SmartRecruiters, Inc.; Glendale, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

DreamWorks Animation in Glendale, California, is offering a Lighting Intern position for current students or recent grads. The role is full-time, in-person with a hybrid schedule requiring office presence three days per week (rising to four days after January 2026).

You will work with CG Supervisor and Lead Lighter to achieve lighting targets, take shots to completion, and collaborate with multiple departments to integrate elements on schedule.

Qualifications

• Passion for working as part of a lighting team in feature animation.
• Desire to learn all aspects of the lighting pipeline.
• Curiosity and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Works closely with CG Supervisor and Lead Lighter to achieve lighting targets for assigned shots.
• Responsible for taking shots to completion.
• Collaborates with other departments for timely integration of elements into shots.
• Manages shot load based on the schedule to meet timelines.
• Attends dailies and lighting launches and other team meetings.

Skills

Passion for lighting

Teamwork

Curiosity

Education

Associate/Bachelor/Graduate degree

Job description

• Intern
• Business Segment: Universal Film
• Compensation: up to USD 18.47 - hourly

Company Description

DreamWorks Animation is looking for more adventurous dreamers who shoot for the moon. We tell stories about the journeys our unconventional heroes take to make dreams come true. As a growth-minded studio, we pride ourselves on being one of the world’s leading producers of high-quality, award-winning, animated films and series, reaching consumers around the globe. We push to feel more, laugh more, and build immersive new worlds.

DreamWorks creates a diverse array of original content in a variety of formats, delivering compelling stories with unique characters. We place tremendous value on the experiences our talent brings to the table from their own non-traditional paths to success. We believe in frequent communication and that transparency and trust yield the best work. We are a community of artists, technologists, innovators, and creators, who are passionate about animation and also happen to love eating lunch together.

In the DreamWorks Internship Program, interns work in an engaging and exciting environment alongside creative leaders and artists who are committed to building an inclusive and collaborative culture. Interns are immersed into Feature animated productions while gaining hands-on experience at our studio. Open to students and recent grads, we love those who are driven and hungry to learn, are curious and resourceful, and most importantly, are passionate about animation.

The Internship Program also showcases best-in-class opportunities by offering executive speaker series, professional/career development workshops, artistic classes, practice art tests, community outreach opportunities, movie screenings, and much more!

If you are part of the fandom and believe teamwork makes the dream work, join us in #livingthedream and #doingyourdreamwork!

Job Description

Applications close: October 19, 2026 at 11:59pm PT

Program Dates: January 25 - April 2, 2027

Time Commitment: Full-Time (40 hours per week required)

Format: In Person

Responsibilities: “What would you say you do here?”

Works closely with CG Supervisor and Lead Lighter to achieve the visual target for assigned shots or lighting tasks and address all lighting notes.

Responsible for taking shots to completion.

Works well with others and fosters a good working atmosphere.

Troubleshoots creative and technical issues as they arise.

As needed, organizes and documents any lighting tools, scripts, or processes.

Collaborates with other departments for timely integration of elements into assigned shots.

Manages individual shot load based on the schedule to meet timelines.

Attends dailies, lighting launches and any other team or department meetings as required.

Responsible for informing CG Supervisor of any shot issues.

Participates in the testing of new technologies as required.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications: “What do I need to have in order to do this job?”

Pursuing an Associate, Bachelor or Graduate degree at a College/University (or equivalent), or being a recent graduate (within six months of graduation date).

Passion for working as part of a lighting team in feature animation.

Desire to learn all aspects of the lighting pipeline.

Curiosity and teamwork.

Must be 18 years of age or older.

Must be willing to work in Glendale, California.

Ability to provide own relocation, housing and transportation.

Must be authorized to work in the United States without visa sponsorship.

Desired Qualifications: “What can I offer?”

Some understanding of the lighting process, including rendering and compositing as well as the tools and skills required to be a lighting artist.

Hourly Rate: $18.47

Hybrid: This position has been designated as hybrid, which currently requires contributing from the office a minimum of three days per week. Beginning January 5, 2026, hybrid employees will be required to work from the office a minimum of four days per week. The Company reserves the right to change in-office requirements at any time.

Additional Information

As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with an NBCUniversal employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. NBCUniversal's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

NBCUniversal will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories, or arrest or conviction records, in a manner consistent with relevant legal requirements, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative For Hiring Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the California Fair Chance Act, where applicable.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to [e-mail].

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