DreamWorks Animation has a long-standing commitment to nurturing emerging talent and fostering a diverse and inclusive environment within the animation industry. Through its comprehensive early career development programs, DreamWorks provides unparalleled opportunities for students and recent graduates to gain hands-on experience and launch their careers in the exciting world of animation. These initiatives, including internships, trainee programs, and the innovative LAUNCH Fellowship, are designed to provide a generalist pathway into the industry, welcoming individuals from varied backgrounds and skill sets who are passionate about storytelling and creativity.
DreamWorks Early Career Development Programs: A Generalist Gateway to Animation
DreamWorks’ early career programs serve as a vital bridge, connecting aspiring talent with real-world animation production experience. Recognizing that the animation industry thrives on diverse perspectives and skill sets, these programs are structured to be broadly accessible, offering entry points for individuals with a range of academic backgrounds and career aspirations. Whether you’re deeply entrenched in animation studies or exploring a career pivot, DreamWorks’ initiatives are crafted to identify and cultivate your potential.
Internship Program: Dive into the Heart of Animation
The DreamWorks Internship Program offers an immersive 10-week experience, available thrice annually in Spring, Summer, and Fall. This paid program is open to students and recent graduates (within six months post-graduation), providing a unique opportunity to collaborate with seasoned artists and storytellers across TV and Feature Animation projects. Interns gain invaluable insights into the 2D & CG pipelines and the dynamics of a vibrant creative studio. The internship format can be remote, hybrid, or on-site depending on the department, offering flexibility and accessibility.
Ideal candidates for the DreamWorks Internship Program embody qualities that are valued across all disciplines within animation:
- Curiosity and a Thirst for Knowledge: A proactive approach to learning and exploring new concepts is essential.
- Passion for Animation: Genuine enthusiasm for the art of animation and storytelling.
- Humility and Openness: The ability to receive feedback constructively and maintain a positive attitude.
- Resourcefulness and Initiative: A proactive nature in problem-solving and seeking solutions.
- Comfort with Feedback: Willingness to learn and grow through constructive criticism.
- Confident Decision-Making: Ability to take ownership and make informed choices.
- Self-Motivation: Intrinsic drive and a strong desire to excel.
- Willingness to Ask Questions: Comfort in seeking clarification and guidance.
- Positive Attitude: A collaborative and optimistic approach to teamwork and challenges.
Important Dates for Summer 2025 Internship Program:
Summer 2025 Applications Open March 3rd, 2025
Applications Close March 9th, 2025
Summer 2025 Internship Program: June 9th – August 15th
Internship opportunities span various departments, reflecting the diverse roles within animation production:
- Business Affairs/Legal
- CFX/FX
- Current/Preschool Series
- Development
- Employee Engagement & Events
- Feature/TV Animation Production
- Human Resources
- Image Finaling
- Marketing
- Music
- Publicity
- Software Engineering
- Story
- Talent Relations & Casting
- Technical Direction
- Visual Development
Trainee Program: Hands-On Production Experience
The DreamWorks Trainee Program offers a deeper dive into animation production, providing 12 weeks of paid, full-time hands-on experience on Television or Feature projects. This program is designed for graduates with less than 5 years of animation industry experience or those transitioning from other fields. Trainees benefit from a comprehensive curriculum taught by industry professionals and mentorship from experienced Directors and Artists. Covered by the Animation Guild, this program offers a structured pathway to develop specialized skills within a production environment.
LAUNCH Fellowship Program: Virtual Immersion in Animation
The LAUNCH Fellowship Program breaks down geographical barriers, offering an 8-week virtual program designed to introduce students to the animation industry from anywhere in the world. This talent development initiative features workshops, courses, and speaker series, all aimed at providing a broad understanding of animation careers. LAUNCH Fellows build professional networks, engage in enriching workshops, and receive mentorship from DreamWorks professionals, all while receiving a stipend upon successful completion. This program is particularly valuable for those seeking a generalist introduction to the industry and exploring different career paths within animation, without requiring relocation.
Applications Close January 20th, 2025
The Animator Apprentice Program, a specialized track within DreamWorks’ early career offerings, focuses on cultivating animation talent specifically. This 12-week intensive program within Feature Animation provides aspiring animators with hands-on experience and mentorship, preparing them for roles within the Cycles Animation Team. Open to graduates with less than 2 years of industry experience, this paid, full-time program, also covered by the Animation Guild, offers a focused pathway for those dedicated to animation as a craft.
Diversity and Inclusion: Core Values at DreamWorks
DreamWorks is deeply committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within the animation industry. Their Early Career Programs & Diversity Outreach team actively works to attract, recruit, and develop talent from underrepresented communities. This commitment extends to outreach programs targeting students from junior high to college levels, aiming to educate and inspire the next generation from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, LGBTQ+ identities, and individuals with disabilities or military veterans.
The DreamWorks Immersion Day event exemplifies this commitment. This annual event offers students from underserved Los Angeles communities a behind-the-scenes look at animation production, providing opportunities to meet artists and executives, and network within the industry. Similarly, the Summer Speaker Series, a week-long virtual event, features diverse voices and topics relevant to representation and inclusivity in animation, reaching a global audience of students and professionals.
Success Stories: Launching Real Careers
The success of DreamWorks’ early career programs is evident in the numerous alumni who have transitioned into full-time roles within the studio. Here are a few inspiring stories:
“Interning at DreamWorks was an integral part of building a future for myself not only at the studio, but as a creative and a person. The early careers team played a pivotal role in preparing me for success and encouraging me to chase my dreams no matter what… My DreamWorks internship not only encouraged me to go after my goals but emboldened me to dream even bigger, reach even higher, and do so much more!”
– Myles, Former TV Development Production Intern, Summer 2022, Current Assistant to the Producer/Director
“Interning at Dreamworks was amazing! The program exceeded my expectations and provided a supportive environment that encouraged me to grow and explore my interests. This opportunity allowed me to network with industry professionals, learn about the industry, and practice valuable skills that directly translated into early career responsibilities.”
– Kendall, Former TV Production Intern, Fall 2021, Current TV Production Assistant
“Through my internship I was tasked with various hands-on responsibilities that luckily already made me feel like I was an integral part of the team. I think getting to take on those responsibilities as an intern made the transition into becoming a full-time Production Assistant smooth… The team I interned with were always willing to answer my questions and walk me through any processes I might’ve had trouble with.”
– Ellie, Former Feature Production Intern, Summer 2022, Current Feature Production Assistant
“I had applied for the program because I was looking for an opportunity to break into the animation industry after leaving my almost 10 year career in banking… I completed my internship in April, 2022 with the Gabby’s Dollhouse Team and was offered a permanent position two weeks before it ended and I was absolutely on cloud nine! After many, many years I was finally working in the industry that I had wanted to be in since I was young. I had made the first part of my dream come true!”
– Mike, Former TV Production Intern, Summer 2022, Current TV Production Assistant
“During the 12 weeks, I had the great opportunity to work on Abominable with an amazingly talented crew while building my portfolio pieces under the mentorship of an art director on TV. Every week, I received invaluable feedback on my production/personal work from my art director and mentor. The program provided me with so many helpful learning resources through virtual workshops and lectures. I got to connect with many professionals through the program as well. It was definitely beyond my expectations!”
– Jiyoung, Former TV Art Trainee, Summer 2022, Current TV Visual Development Artist
“The Trainee Program allowed me to refine my work and the skills I already cultivated in a live production environment. I was encouraged to experiment and fail as often as I could by my mentors, and I was willing to do so knowing I had a safety net woven from their vast experiences to lean on… I’ve just finished up my first year as a full-time Storyboard Revisionist on Dragons: The Nine Realms, and I couldn’t be more thankful for the work I get to do every day.”
– Chad, Former TV Story Trainee, Summer 2021, Current TV Storyboard Revisionist
“DreamWorks has always been a staple of my childhood since I watched Shrek in theaters at a young age. Of course, being accepted to the DreamWorks Internship Program was an absolute dream! Working as an intern was a learning experience that eventually prepared me to understand the ins and outs of the industry… Not only did this program help me prepare myself production-wise, but it eventually landed me a job as a production assistant, to production coordinator, and ultimately as the new Vis Dev Artist for Gabby’s Dollhouse! I am extremely thankful for the journey it took me to where I am now! Thank you, Early Career Team!”
– Eugene, Former Custom Animation Intern, Summer 2020, Current TV Visual Development Artist
Frequently Asked Questions About DreamWorks Early Career Programs
Who is eligible for the Internship Program?
Candidates must be pursuing an Associate, Bachelor, or Graduate degree at a College/University (or equivalent), or be a recent graduate (within six months of graduation date).
Who is eligible for the Trainee Program?
Candidates must be recent graduates or entry-level (up to five years out of school), re-entering the workforce, or pivoting from other industries.
Who is eligible for the LAUNCH Fellowship Program?
Candidates must be pursuing an Associate, Bachelor, or Graduate degree at a College/University (or equivalent), or be recent graduates (within six months of graduation date).
Are international students eligible?
Yes, international students are eligible if they can provide documentation to legally work in the United States for the duration of their U.S.-based program.
What is the duration of each program?
The Internship Program is 10 weeks, offered three times a year. The Trainee Program is 12 weeks, offered annually with potential extensions. The LAUNCH Fellowship Program is 8 weeks.
Where are the programs located?
DreamWorks studio is in Glendale, California. Internship and Trainee programs may be remote, hybrid, or on-site. The LAUNCH Fellowship Program is fully virtual.
Are the programs paid?
Yes, all early career programs are paid. Interns and Trainees receive a competitive hourly rate, and LAUNCH Fellows receive a stipend.
What benefits do the programs offer?
Participants gain exposure to studio leaders, artistic and networking events, and hands-on industry experience.
Is there potential for full-time employment after the program?
While not guaranteed, many interns and trainees have successfully transitioned into full-time roles. LAUNCH Fellows are encouraged to apply for future DreamWorks opportunities.
What majors are welcome?
All majors and academic levels are welcome across the programs.
Are there application deadlines?
Yes, please refer to the Application Deadlines sections for each program.
What is the interview process like?
The interview process varies by role and may include phone screens, work sample requests, and video or in-person interviews. Recruiters guide applicants through each step.
How long does it take to hear back after applying?
Due to application volume, please allow 3-4 weeks after the application window closes for notification.
Is housing or relocation assistance provided?
No, DreamWorks does not offer housing or relocation assistance. However, they can provide suggestions and connect participants with other individuals seeking housing.
What should I include in my resume?
In addition to your portfolio, emphasize work experience, community involvement, and leadership experience. Keep your resume concise (one page), organized, and relevant.
Is a cover letter required?
A cover letter may be beneficial, especially for roles emphasizing writing and communication. Check the job description for specific requirements. Keep cover letters short (one page), simple, and focused, avoiding resume repetition.
What makes a strong visual development portfolio?
A strong portfolio showcases foundational design skills: perspective, composition, painting, lighting, and color theory. Include personal, academic, or professional projects.
What makes a strong story portfolio?
A strong story portfolio includes storyboard samples demonstrating storytelling ability through sketches, character poses, expressions, and designs.
Is relocation required for the LAUNCH Fellowship Program?
No, the LAUNCH Fellowship Program is completely virtual, and relocation is not necessary.
