Visual Development Intern, DreamWorks Animation, Spring 2027

SmartRecruiters, Inc.; Glendale, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

DreamWorks Animation is seeking a Visual Development Intern for Spring 2027 in Glendale, CA. The internship runs January 25 to April 1, 2027, 24 hours per week, in-person Tue–Thu, with hybrid work requirements.

Applicants should be pursuing an Associate, Bachelor or Graduate degree (or be a recent graduate), be 18+, and have strong Photoshop skills. Knowledge of Maya/Blender/ZBrush is a plus and relocation/ housing support may be considered.

Qualifications

• Pursuing an Associate, Bachelor or Graduate degree at a College/University (or equivalent), or be a recent graduate (within six months of graduation date)
• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Must be willing to work in Glendale, California
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without visa sponsorship

Responsibilities

• For feature animated films and TV animated projects, Visual Development artists imagine and propose ideas for what the animated world should look like based on the story, characters, and action.
• They use reference, illustration, drawing, design skills and animation and 3D tools like Maya to build visuals that convey ideas about how they envision the look of the world.
• The goal of the internship is to experience visual development in a production environment over the span of 10 weeks.
• The intern will be partnered with a production over the span of 10 weeks working closely with Production Designers and mentors.

Skills

Photoshop

Teamwork

Education

Associate/Bachelor/Graduate degree pursuit

Tools

Maya

Blender

ZBrush

Job description

Visual Development Intern, DreamWorks Animation, Spring 2027

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

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 TV and 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, 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!

Spring 2027 Visual Development Internship:

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

Program Dates: January 25 - April 1, 2027

Time Commitment: Part-Time (24 hours per week required)

Format: In Person (Tuesday - Thursday)

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

For feature animated films and TV animated projects, Visual Development artists imagine and propose ideas for what the animated world should look like based on the story, characters, and action. They use reference, illustration, drawing, design skills and animation and 3D tools like Maya to build visuals that convey ideas about how they envision the look of the world.

The goal of the internship is to experience visual development in a production environment over the span of 10 weeks.

The intern will be partnered with a production over the span of 10 weeks working closely with Production Designers and mentors.

This intern will work through concept designs to final designs by pulling reference, crafting mood boards and designing sets, props, color keys, and more.

Ask questions, clarify notes, and ensure designs are completed per the feedback provided.

Ensure deadlines are consistently met and communicate progress of work to supervisors and to appropriate production staff.

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

Strong skills in Photoshop

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

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?”

Experience with 3D tools (Maya, Blender, ZBrush) preferred.

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.

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].