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2026 Talent Development Program - Effects Apprenticeship

Job ID 10134916 Location Burbank, California, United States Business Walt Disney Animation Studios Date posted Nov. 14, 2025
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Job Summary:

Disney Effects Artists create stunning visuals through collaboration with artists from all parts of the animation pipeline. Whether supporting production design through stylization or hyperrealism, they push the boundaries of what is possible. They are challenged to create the unexpected and to invoke an emotional impact in support of the creative vision.  Learn more about our filmmaking process here.

The Effects Apprenticeship Program begins in March 2026 at our Burbank studio location. The deadline for applications is November 30th, 2025, 11:59 PM PST.
 

The initial four months of the Effects Apprenticeship Program are designed to immerse you in the art of Effects animation, our studio culture, and production environment. During this period, you will learn the skills and philosophies of our Effects department while receiving personalized mentorship from a Disney artist. A four-month review will provide you with real-time feedback and determine future assignments and promotional opportunities that would bring your skills into real-time production environments.


Key Qualifications:

  • Emerging artists with less than 5 years of animation industry experience OR

  • Recent graduates with a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

  • 18 years or older 

Application Requirements:

To apply for this position you must upload a resume and a single reel no longer than 2 minutes.

Reels/Demonstrated Skills Should Include:

  • Technical proficiency inspired by art

  • Strong communication skills with the ability to brainstorm and collaborate in a team setting to reimagine, prototype, or even fake an effect

  • A strong understanding of animation fundamentals, design, and composition

  • An understanding of how structural elements, physical dynamics, and natural forces inform effects animation

  • Experience using commercial graphics packages including Houdini and/or Maya

  • A working knowledge of Houdini and Linux is required

  • A working knowledge of Maya is a plus

  • Exposure to current techniques in rendering, shading, lighting, and compositing

  • Exposure to scripting 

To apply for this position, select “Login” to update your profile and apply. If you do not have a profile with us, select “Register” to create a new profile and apply with a resume, reel and shot breakdown (if applicable). The deadline for applications is November 30, 2025, 11:59 PM PST. 

The Walt Disney Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer


The pay rate for this role in Burbank, California is $30.77 per hour. Select benefits may be provided as part of the compensation package, such as medical, financial, and/or other benefits. To learn more about our benefits visit: https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.

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About Walt Disney Animation Studios:

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. Disney Animation continues to build on its rich legacy of innovation and creativity, from the first fully-animated feature film, 1937's “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” to the upcoming fall 2024 feature, “Moana 2.” Among the studio's timeless creations are “Pinocchio,” “Sleeping Beauty,” “The Jungle Book,” “The Little Mermaid,” “The Lion King,” “Frozen,” “Zootopia,” and “Encanto.”

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with The Secret Lab, which is part of a business we call Walt Disney Animation Studios.

The Secret Lab is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION FOR EMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS

The Walt Disney Company and its Affiliated Companies are Equal Employment Opportunity employers and welcome all job seekers including individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or apply for a position, visit the Disney candidate disability accommodations FAQs. We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.

Having technical issues? View the FAQs for help.

Hiring Process

  • Where Does Your Story Begin?

    Explore Disney Careers and the Life at Disney blog to learn about all the amazing opportunities waiting to be discovered at The Walt Disney Company.

  • Be Part of the Story

    There are many different brands and businesses to explore. Once you've found the opportunity that is right for you, take the next step by completing your application.

  • The Next Chapter

    Once you've applied, you will receive an email allowing you to access your candidate dashboard. Create your login and make sure to check your dashboard often to see your application progress.

Explore this Location Burbank, CA

Billed as the "Media Capital of the World," Burbank boasts more than 1,000 media and entertainment companies, including the main headquarters for The Walt Disney Company.

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