Creative Executive

About the Role

Walt Disney Animation Studios is a filmmaker-led animation studio known for pairing inventive storytelling with advanced technology. Based in Burbank, the studio has a long history of creative milestones, from early animated classics to major upcoming feature releases. In this environment, artists, filmmakers, and technical teams work closely together in a highly collaborative, idea-driven setting.

The Creative Executive helps guide the early development of animated feature films and Disney streaming projects. This position partners with production teams and supports individual directors as they develop and refine their ideas. The role includes giving input on story and pitch reviews, organizing research that informs worlds and characters, and continually identifying writers whose style and perspective fit the studio’s collaborative approach. The position reports to the Director of Creative Development.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the creative direction of projects in development and help filmmakers turn concepts into well-structured scripts with strong characters and story flow.
• Offer thoughtful creative input during pitches, story meetings, screenings, and feedback sessions.
• Help prepare studio leadership for broader creative presentations by reviewing data and identifying audience themes and trends.
• Maintain an active search for writers at different career stages, including reading scripts, evaluating samples, and speaking with candidates.
• Develop and sustain relationships with writers, agents, executives, and other industry contacts to identify promising and diverse talent.
• Support the process of bringing on story and research consultants for projects in development or production.
• Keep an organized and detailed writer database with materials such as samples, meetings, credits, notes, representation, and related records.
• Coordinate research efforts and apply findings to story development work.
• Monitor industry trends and communicate useful insights to senior management with clear and confident presentations.
• Contribute to the development of additional supporting projects.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of experience in a comparable professional setting, with feature film experience required.
• Background in animation features is an added advantage.
• Strong understanding of screenplay structure, character development, and story analysis.
• Working knowledge of film, television, theater, and the wider entertainment business, along with a strong interest in animation.
• Well-established network of contacts among writers, creative talent, agents, managers, and scouts.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work well with creative teams and leadership at all levels, including people with different working styles and personalities.
• Adaptable, professional, self-directed, and composed while managing multiple priorities in a fast-moving creative environment.
• Sound judgment in areas such as interpersonal communication, project coordination, and maintaining creative standards.
• Strong presence under pressure and a high level of emotional awareness.
• Excellent organizational and time-management abilities.
• Comfort and capability in learning new technologies.

Compensation and Benefits

The hiring range for this role in Burbank, CA is $89,800 to $116,100 per year, based on a 40-hour work week. Weekly hours may change depending on business needs. Final pay may differ based on internal equity, geographic location, job-related skills, knowledge, and experience. The package may also include a bonus and/or long-term incentive units, along with the full range of medical, financial, and other benefits depending on the level and position offered.

Additional Information

This role is based in Burbank, CA and is a full-time onsite position.