Creative Executive

About the Studio

Walt Disney Animation Studios is a filmmaker-led animation studio known for blending artistic storytelling with advanced technology. Based in Burbank, the studio builds on a legacy that stretches from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Zootopia 2, and brings together directors, artists, and technical specialists in a highly creative, collaborative environment.

Role Overview

The Creative Executive supports the early-stage development of animated feature films and Disney streaming projects. In this position, you will work closely with production teams and individual directors, helping them refine and develop their ideas from the earliest concept stages through to story and script development. The role reports to the Director of Creative Development.

What You Will Do

• Guide the creative direction of projects in development, helping filmmakers develop strong stories with a focus on character and structure.
• Contribute feedback during pitches, story meetings, screenings, and notes sessions.
• Help prepare studio leadership for creative presentations by organizing feedback, analyzing data, and identifying audience and theme trends.
• Continuously identify, contact, and assess writers ranging from emerging voices to established professionals.
• Review scripts, interview writers, and support director-to-writer matching based on project needs.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with writers, agents, executives, and broader creative networks to discover diverse talent.
• Support the hiring of story and research consultants for projects in both development and production.
• Maintain an organized writer database that includes samples, meeting notes, credits, representation details, and related records.
• Lead research efforts and bring relevant findings into the story development process.
• Monitor industry trends and communicate useful insights to executive management with clarity and confidence.
• Contribute to the story development of additional related projects.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of experience in a similar environment, including feature film experience.
• Animation feature experience is preferred.
• Strong understanding of screenplay structure, character development, and story analysis.
• Working knowledge of film, television, theatre, and the broader entertainment business, along with a strong interest in animation.
• Established relationships across the industry, including writers, creative talent, agents, managers, and scouts.
• Ability to communicate well and collaborate effectively with people at all levels, including those with different working styles and personalities.
• Comfort handling varied priorities in a fast-moving, high-pressure creative setting with professionalism and flexibility.
• Good independent judgment in areas such as interpersonal communication, project coordination, and upholding creative standards.
• Strong composure, emotional intelligence, and the ability to stay steady under pressure.
• Excellent organization and time-management skills.
• Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new technologies.

Compensation and Benefits

The Burbank, CA hiring range for this position is $89,800 to $116,100 per year, based on a 40-hour work week. Weekly hours may change depending on business needs. The final base salary may differ based on internal equity, location, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other relevant factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be included, along with the full range of medical, financial, and other benefits depending on the level and position offered.