Assistant Director - Disney Television Animaton

About this Role and our Studio 

Disney Television Animation (DTVA) has over forty years of legacy as a top producer of kids & family entertainment. Our work is integral to The Walt Disney Company, bringing Disney-branded characters and stories to families’ homes across the globe.  

DTVA creates both long-form and short-form content spanning traditional 2D, rig-based 2D, CG (preschool), CG (premium), and stop-motion. We create shows in a broad range of unique and innovative styles, and we aim to match the right talent with the right production in terms of skill and artistic style. 

By submitting an application for this Assistant Director job posting, you may be considered for any Assistant Director positions that arise until the expiration date provided.  

Applications submitted to this job posting will remain valid until December 31, 2026. 

What You Will Do    

This is a role that partners with the Executive Producer, Director(s), Line Producer, Production and Creative Executives to execute the creative vision of the show while working within the schedule and budget for the series. In particular, the Assistant Director works closely with the series Directors and the artists on the series to support the Storyboarding, Animatic and Shipping process. As part of the series Creative Leadership, it is expected that the Assistant Director have the ability to manage a team, deal with frequently changing schedules, and tight deadlines.  This role requires collaboration and partnership with a diverse group of people in a fast-paced environment. 

Responsibilities:

• Supervise the SB Artists and/or Revisionists in partnership with the episode Director 

• Storyboard and/or execute Revisions as needed - The Assistant Director should be a seasoned Storyboard Artist that is capable of executing on high complexity episodes, as requested by the Director or EP 

• Cover series Director responsibilities when the Director is unavailable or out of the office 

• Attend Hand-Out meetings for assigned episodes and come prepared with any questions, suggestions, concerns keeping in mind creative goals, complexity, schedule and deadlines 

• Follow up with the episode Director and SB artist(s) after the hand-out to ensure that the team is clear on the direction and what is expected of them;  Consistently check in with the SB artists to ensure they are on the right track 

• Approve Storyboard Artwork when delegated by the Director  

• Communicate creative issues that may impact the schedule and/or budget to the Director and LP in order to work out solutions in a timely manner   

• Work with the Director and Editor on creating the Animatic then with the EP and Editor on finalizing for various stages of production – Board-o-matic, Animatic, Final Lock for Shipping  

• Review and correct materials prior to shipment to the overseas studio:  Work with the Timing Director, Continuity Coordinator and Production to ensure the episode is complete and has been given final approval by the Director prior to shipment 

• Partner with Director to ensure that Executive, Legal and S&P notes are addressed throughout the production process  

• Conform Storyboards as needed 

Required Qualifications & Skills

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in Story or Animation departments 

• Knowledge of Traditional Animation, CG Animation, Visual Effects and/or Video game production 

• Knowledge of software and hardware including Cintiq, Toon Boon Storyboard Pro, Photoshop or other applicable storyboarding software 

• Strong leadership qualities with the ability to partner with Creatives and Executives, collaborate with peers, and manage and mentor artists 

• Ability to oversee multiple projects and solve problems in a fast-paced environment  

• Ability to Storyboard and, when applicable, do Sheet Timing 

• Ability to align with style and sensibility of show 

• Positive attitude with the ability to be flexible  

• Excellent organizational, verbal, written, e-social skills and acumen 

• Ability to travel outside of the country 

Education

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience

Job Location

• This is a fully onsite role based in Glendale, CA.