Creative Executive

Combining masterful artistry and storytelling with groundbreaking technology, Walt Disney Animation Studios is a filmmaker-driven animation studio responsible for creating some of the most beloved films ever made. Located in Burbank, WDAS continues to build on its rich legacy of innovation and creativity; stretching from the first fully-animated feature film, 1937's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, to 2025's Zootopia 2, the biggest animated Hollywood film of all time. At Walt Disney Animation Studios' top filmmakers, artists and technical wizards collaborate to create the magic of animation. Bring your unique talents, passion and ideas to our team and prepare to play in a creative, artist-forward environment.

The Creative Executive (CE) role helps shepherd the early development process for animated feature films and Disney streaming content. As such, the CE works in concert with production personnel as the day-to-day support for individual directors as they work to articulate and develop their film ideas. Duties include offering feedback on story and pitch presentations between major creative milestone meetings; conducting and coordinating inspirational research for the film world & characters; and conducting an on-going, in-depth search for writers who match the sensibility of the projects and the filmmaker-driven, collaborative culture of Disney Animation. The Creative Executive reports to and takes direction from the Director of Creative Development.

Responsibilities:

• Manage the creative strategy on projects in development, helping filmmakers shape stories from concept through script with an emphasis on character and film structure

• Facilitate & provide creative feedback in pitches, story sessions, screenings, notes sessions

• Integral role in preparing leadership to facilitate studio-wide presentations regarding creative feedback, including data analysis to deriving themes and audience trends

• Manage the constant search for and outreach to writers, both emerging and veteran, to match with directors by soliciting & analyzing scripts and interviewing writers

• Build & maintain relationships with writers, agents and industry executives, and other relevant creative communities, to scout emerging & diverse writing talent

• Facilitate hiring of story & research consultants for projects in development and in production

• Accountable for a comprehensive and well-organized writer database covering samples, general meetings, credits, script notes, representation, and other relevant information

• Execute research initiatives and integrate ongoing research into story development

• Responsible for tracking and understanding industry projects trends, then communicating relevant findings to executive management through proficient public speaking skills

• Collaborate on the story development of various ancillary projects

Basic Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience in a relevant, comparable environment with feature film experience as a requirement

• Animation feature experience is a plus

• Excellent sense of screenplay structure, character and analysis

• Knowledge of film/tv/theater and the entertainment industry, and strong interest in animation

• Seasoned industry contacts with writers & creative talent as well as agents, managers and scouts

• Ability to effectively communicate and work collaboratively with all levels of creative talent and management, and with diverse personalities and work styles, is crucial

• Demonstrable flexibility, professionalism, autonomy, and finesse when handling the multiple and diverse demands of a fast-paced and dynamic creative environment. 

• Capable of sound independent judgement as it relates to interpersonal communication, project management, and company creative standards

• Demonstrable poise under pressure and high emotional intelligence

• Strong time management and organizational skills

• Strong ability to learn new technologies

The hiring range for this position in Burbank, CA is $89,800.00 to $116,100.00 per year based on a 40 hour work week. The amount of hours scheduled per week may vary based on business needs. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.