Skip to main content

Development Assistant

Job ID 10143841 Location Burbank, California, United States Business Searchlight Pictures Date posted Mar. 04, 2026
Apply Now

Job Summary:

Job Summary:

This role directly supports the SVP, Production and VP, Production of Searchlight Pictures.

The Development Assistant plays a pivotal role in supporting the creative and administrative functions of the development team. This position is ideal for someone passionate about film and storytelling, with strong organizational skills and a proactive mindset. It serves as an entry point into the creative development career path, involving coordination with internal and external stakeholders, and contributing to the creative development process across a dynamic slate of film projects.

Responsibilities:

Creative & Development Support

  • Track submissions (scripts, books, writing samples); compile notes and feedback and disseminate this information with the appropriate internal departments.

  • Develop and maintain a thorough familiarity with all projects occurring within the company

  • Conduct research on talent, industry trends, and creative material to support development decisions.

  • Monitor emerging writing and directing talent and maintain up-to-date records of projects.

  • Assist in the creation of presentations and materials for internal use.

  • Liaise closely with the Co-Head’s assistants, as well as with executives, talent, and other assistants, both internally and externally.

  • Administrative Support

  • Manage executive calendars, schedule meetings and calls, and coordinate domestic/international travel and logistics.

  • Manage phones, update phone sheet, roll calls, take notes, and manage mail and office correspondence.

  • Prepare and submit expense reports; ensure timely payment of corporate card statements.

  • Greet guests and liaise professionally with talent, executives, and assistants.

  • Maintain organizational documents, logs, grids and databases, and prepare agendas and memos for high-level leadership meetings

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.

  • 1+ years of experience in a studio, production company, literary or talent agency.

  • Strong editorial judgment and passion for storytelling.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

  • Highly organized with strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects.

  • Proficient in Microsoft Office, Apple tools (Outlook, Keynote, PowerPoint), and Adobe Acrobat.

  • Enthusiasm for film, particularly specialty/arthouse films

  • Fast and efficient reader with the ability to synthesize creative material.

  • Professional, calm, and empathetic demeanor; discretion in handling confidential information.

  • Proactive, resourceful, and flexible approach to problem-solving.

  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively.


The hiring range for this position in Burbank, CA is $65,600.00 to $84,800.00 per year. 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.

Apply Now

About Searchlight Pictures:

Searchlight Pictures is a specialty film company that both finances and acquires motion pictures. It has its own marketing and distribution operations, and the films are distributed internationally by Twentieth Century Studios.

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 Searchlight Pictures, Inc., which is part of a business we call Searchlight Pictures.

Searchlight Pictures, Inc. 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.

Related Jobs

No jobs were found.

View All of Our Available Opportunities

OUR CULTURE

Related Content

  • Executive Leadership

    Our senior executives bring tremendous experience, visionary thinking and a shared commitment to excellence, creativity and innovation to the day to day operation of the company.

    Learn more 

  • Social Responsibility

    Explore our commitments and our work to create a better world through our stories, experiences, operations, and philanthropy.

    Learn more 

  • Inclusion

    At Disney, we want everyone to belong and thrive. Creating a welcoming and respectful environment for our employees and guests is core to our company culture and our business. We strive to build supportive work environments that drive innovation and reinforce a culture in which all employees feel welcome, respected, and valued.

    Learn more 

  • Heroes Work Here

    Heroes Work Here reflects the long history of respect and appreciation Disney has for the U.S. Armed Services. We recognize the commitment and dedication it takes to serve your country, both as military personnel and military spouses, and value the leadership skills and sense of purpose it has instilled in you.

    Learn more 

Sign Up for Job Alerts

Get the latest job opportunities as they become available.

Watch Our Jobs

An asterisk indicates a required field.

Interested InSelect a job category from the list of options. Select a location from the list of options. Finally, click “Add” to create your job alert.

By clicking "Submit", you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge that you have read our Privacy Policy.

By clicking "Submit", you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge that you have read our Privacy Policy. If I have elected to receive marketing messages or newsletters, I may withdraw my consent for these marketing messages at any time.

By clicking "Submit", you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge that you have read our Privacy Policy, Cookies Policy and EU Privacy Rights.

How we use your personal information and your rights:

  1. Your personal information is controlled by The Walt Disney Company Limited of 3 Queen Caroline Street, London, W6 9PE, United Kingdom.
  2. When you visit or shop with Disney or use any Disney product, service or mobile application, other members of The Walt Disney Company Family of Companies may also use your information to provide you these services, personalise your experience and send you service related updates and communications.
  3. You have a number of rights including the right to request access to, change, or remove your personal information, or to change your marketing preferences (including withdrawing your consent at any time.) Please see our Privacy Policy to learn more about managing your marketing preferences or deleting your account.
  4. Our Data Protection Officer can be contacted by emailing: dataprotection@disney.co.uk.
  5. You have a right to lodge a complaint with the UK Information Commissioner's Office: https://ico.org.uk/.
  6. For more information about Disney's data collection and use practices please read Disney's Privacy Policy.

By clicking "Submit", you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge that you have read our Privacy Policy and Collection Statement.

For more information about our general data collection, use, and practices, including how to manage your preferences, please read our Privacy Policy. I have read and agree to the Terms of Use.