2026 Talent Development Program - Effects Apprenticeship

The Effects Apprenticeship Program

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.