Disney Animation - Media Tools Intern, Summer

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.

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.

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.

• Experience with Code Assists (e.g., Git Hub Copilot, Claude Code).
• Basic familiarity with technologies that support AI‑based image search, such as VLMs and vector databases.
• Knowledge of Dev Ops 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.

• 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.

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