Walt Disney Animation Studios Media Tools Intern, Summer 2027

About the role

About the Role & Team:

As a Walt Disney Animation Studios Technology Intern, you will have the unique opportunity to work directly with a Disney mentor while exploring all aspects of technology in relation to filmmaking. This immersive program offers hands-on experience focused on individual craft and multidisciplinary team collaboration.​  Learn more about our filmmaking process here.

The Media-Playback team at Walt Disney Animation Studios builds the tools that artists use to organize and browse the Studio’s vast media library. We also build the technology that manages live review sessions, such as Animation Dailies, where directors give feedback on animators’ shots. Our work spans the full stack from web and desktop application development to backend infrastructure to UI design — and our tools are used every day during production.

What You Will Do:

As a Media Tools Intern, you'll be embedded in a small, focused team and gain exposure to the full development and support cycle of applications designed for Mac, Linux, and iPad. You'll write code that users depend on. The goal of this internship is to help improve our artist’s experience searching for media in our applications by using cutting edge technology. With over 100 years of films in our catalog, artists need robust and accurate search tools to find what they’re looking for. You’ll research use cases and work with your mentor to iterate on solutions.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

Don’t have all the below qualifications? We still want to hear from you! If you meet some of the requirements and are eager to learn, we encourage you to apply:

• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, or similar.
• Experience with database concepts and query languages such as SQL.
• Familiarity with operating systems such as MacOS or Linux.
• Ability to break down complex problems into manageable steps.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
• A passion for technology, animation, and storytelling.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with Code Assists (e.g., GitHub Copilot, Claude Code).
• Basic familiarity with technologies that support AI-based image search, such as VLMs and vector databases.
• Knowledge of DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes), or database management.
• Familiarity with animation workflows, computer graphics, and/or media systems.
• A strong interest in contributing to the development of cutting-edge tools and systems in an animation production environment.

Education:

• Currently enrolled in an accredited college/university with a major in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Machine Learning, Human Computer Interaction, Design, Digital Art, Animation, or a related field.
• At the time of application, must be enrolled in an accredited college/university taking at least one class in the semester/quarter (spring/fall) prior to participation in the internship program AND returning to school the semester/quarter following the internship OR currently participating in a Disney College Program or Disney Internship.

Eligibility Requirements & Program Information:

Candidates for this opportunity MUST meet all of the below requirements: 

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have not completed one year of continual employment on a Disney internship or program 
• Possess unrestricted work authorization
• Location: Burbank, CA
• Program Length: June 7, 2027 - August 27, 2027 (12 weeks)
• Fully available from M-F, PST for the duration of the internship, 40 hours each week
• Able to provide own housing for the duration internship program in the Los Angeles, CA area
• Able to provide/have reliable transportation to/from work

Additional Information: This posting represents an expression of interest for various roles within Walt Disney Animation Studios' technical teams. By applying, you will be considered for multiple opportunities that match your skills and interests. At Walt Disney Animation Studios, we celebrate diversity and inclusion, fostering a culture where all voices are valued. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, including individuals with disabilities and veterans, to apply.

PAY TRANSPARENCY

The pay rate for this role in Burbank, CA is $43.00 per hour. Select benefits may be provided as part of the compensation package, such as medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered. To learn more about our benefits visit: https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.

This position is with Walt Disney Pictures, which is part of a business we call Walt Disney Animation Studios.

To learn more about Disney's guidelines on the use of AI for candidates, click here.

Walt Disney Pictures is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. 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.