Summer Paid Intern - Animation Research Library

This is a Full Time Paid Internship


Have you wondered how your skills and talents could translate into the world of Animation Preservation? Our internship program dives into the craft, technology and operations behind the archiving and conservation of our legacy production materials and art, while developing your skills and connecting you to industry mentors. You'll learn what it means to be a part of a collaborative team and how your unique talents can grow within our organization. Find yourself immersed in hands-on projects and learning guided by our archivists, collection specialists and leaders of the world's largest animation archive.

Walt Disney Animation Studios Summer Internship Program is a 12 week paid experience designed for students studying art, museum studies, animation, computer graphics, and/or film. The 2023 Summer Intern program begins May 2023. Please note, the safety and well-being of our teams is very important to us. This program will be in-person at our Glendale, CA offices, with the possibility of hybrid work if circumstances allow for it.

Be a part of an innovative team and culture …

The Animation Research Library (ARL) is dedicated to the preservation of the artistic heritage of the Walt Disney Animation Studios for enrichment and inspiration. We house a collection of more than 65,000,000 pieces of original artwork, which includes, but is not limited to, conceptual art, storyboards, maquettes, hand drawn production art, 3D models, textures, image files and final rendered images.

The intern will have the opportunity to work on 2 different projects at the Animation Research Library over the 12 week internship.
• The 1st part of the internship will be with the ARL's Collections team, which is tasked with the long term preservation and organization of Disney Animation's production artwork. Work will include updating and cleaning metadata and cataloging original production material.
• The 2nd part of the internship will be working with digitized video assets and cataloging analog production material for historical reference.

A Day in the Life …

Working with the Archives Data Specialist, the intern will be part of our ongoing efforts to create a comprehensive catalog of our collections. As part of the migration to a new collections management system, we are cleaning data, preparing authorities and visualizing a new system. We also continue to catalog original artwork as it is prepared by the collections team. Tasks will include:
• Creating catalog records for animation artwork in a relational database
• Researching titles, characters, and creators to create more comprehensive authority records
• Updating legacy metadata to current standards
• Inventorying physical collections

Working with the Animation Research Library Coordinator, the intern will be part of our ongoing efforts to digitize and catalog analog production material for historical reference. Tasks will include:
• Quality checking video digitization results against analog media source; identifying necessary corrections
• Maintaining organization of digital files and cataloging assets
• Using Adobe Premiere to adjust file sizes of various digitized assets (training will be provided if necessary)

What we are looking for …
• Detail-oriented, with conscientious work habits
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Basic familiarity with library and/or archives processes and standards
• Interest in animation and/or original artwork
• Experience with Google tools (Drive, Calendar, etc.)
• Comfortable working in a highly collaborative environment

Preferred qualifications:
• Cataloging experience
• Experience with authority records and biographical research
• Experience with programs such as Adobe Premiere and Google tools (Drive, Calendar, etc.)

Required Education

• Bachelor's degree or student working toward the degree
• Equivalent experience in animation, fine art, art history, or film is a plus

The pay rate for this internship in California is $21.20 per hour.

Program Eligibility
• At least 18 years of age
• Unrestricted work authorization
• Available full time for 12 weeks from May/June through August/September
• Ability to provide own relocation, housing and transportation. Position is located in Glendale, CA.
• Enrolled in an undergraduate program and taking at least one class in the semester prior to participation in the internship program, or recently graduated within six months at time of application

The Walt Disney Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer.