Digital Colorist – DreamWorks Feature Animation

Job Overview

• Company Name – DreamWorks Animation (NBCUniversal)
• Position Title – Digital Colorist
• Location: 1000 Flower St, Glendale, California, United States
• Business Segment: Universal Film / DreamWorks Animation
• Position Type: Full-Time (On-Site Required)
• Union Status: Subject to Local 700 Editor Guild eligibility
• Base Salary Range – $164,168 – $195,000 per year
• Employment Type – Full-Time, Permanent

The Opportunity: Become a DreamWorks Digital Colorist

DreamWorks Animation is looking for adventurous dreamers, innovators, and technical maestros to join our feature film team in Glendale.

We are the studio behind unconventional heroes and immersive new worlds, and we are currently seeking a Colorist who understands that color is more than just a technical setting—it is the emotional heartbeat of the story.

As a Colorist at DreamWorks, you will step into a community of artists and technologists who push the boundaries of high-quality, award-winning animation. Reporting to the Supervising Colorist,

the Colorist takes the lead in grading sessions, collaborating directly with Directors, Producers, and VFX Supervisors to polish our films into their final, cinematic form. If you thrive on the “magic hour,” possess a deep love for the science of light, and believe that teamwork makes the dream work, this is your invitation to join us as a Colorist.

What Defines a Digital Colorist at DreamWorks?

DreamWorks Animation is a growth-minded studio that prides itself on being a global leader in animated series and feature films. We believe in transparency, trust, and frequent communication. Our studio is built on the idea that talent comes from many paths, and the Colorist role is essential in merging those diverse artistic paths into a cohesive visual masterpiece.

As a Digital Colorist here, you are part of the Universal Film business segment, meaning your work reaches consumers globally through the most prestigious theatrical and streaming platforms. You are the final gatekeeper of the image, ensuring that every frame resonates with the intended mood and technical perfection that the Digital Colorist is expected to deliver.

Detailed Job Description & Responsibilities

The role of a Colorist in feature animation is a highly specialized craft. Unlike live-action grading, animation color requires a unique approach to mattes, renders, and stylistic consistency. As a Digital Colorist, your duties will include:

1. Final Color Delivery & Master Creation

The Colorist is responsible for delivering the final, filmmaker-approved color-corrected version of the movie. This encompasses all required versions, including:

• Theatrical Digital Cinema Masters: Ensuring the film looks spectacular on the big screen.

• Home Video Masters: Translating the theatrical experience for high-end home theaters.

• SDR & HDR Versions: As a Colorist, you manage the distinct requirements for Standard Dynamic Range and High Dynamic Range (Dolby Vision and HDR10).

2. Session Leadership & Creative Collaboration

The Digital Colorist must be a confident communicator and creative partner. You will:

• Run live grading sessions independently for Directors and Producers as the lead Colorist.

• Partner with the VFX Supervisor to refine the look of complex CG environments and characters.

• Translate abstract emotional notes into precise technical color adjustments using your expertise as a Digital Colorist.

3. Technical Workflow Management

Maintaining a world-class pipeline is essential for every Colorist. You will:

• Manage ACES workflows to ensure color consistency across all departments.

• Perform color correction using embedded DI-matte channels and multi-pass renders.

• Conduct Quality Control (QC) on all final deliverables to ensure zero technical defects, a hallmark of a professional Colorist.

Qualifications: Requirements for the Digital Colorist

We are looking for a Colorist who pairs technical expertise with a sophisticated artistic eye.

Basic Qualifications:

• Experience: 2+ years of professional feature production experience as a Colorist.

• Software Mastery: Proficiency in the Baselight (v6 or later) color grading system is mandatory for the Digital Colorist position.

• Specialization: Proven experience as a Colorist on feature animation titles.

• Workflow Expertise: Deep knowledge of ACES, various color spaces, and advanced shot-matching techniques required of a high-level Colorist.

• Technical Standards: Comprehensive knowledge of HDR formats (Dolby Vision, HDR10) and mastering for theatrical and SDR deliverables.

Desired Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree is preferred, though professional experience as a Digital Colorist is highly valued.

• Knowledge of practical photography and the physics of light to enhance your skills as a Digital Colorist.

Understanding the Compensation for a Digital Colorist

The salary for this Digital Colorist role is competitive, reflecting the high standards of the Glendale/Los Angeles market.

• Salary Range: $164,168 – $195,000. Placement within this range for a Digital Colorist depends on experience, skills, and internal equity.

• Union Eligibility: This position is subject to the eligibility requirements of the Local 700 Editor Guild agreements, ensuring the Digital Colorist receives industry-standard protections.

Diversity and Inclusion in the Digital Colorist Role

DreamWorks and NBCUniversal are equal-opportunity employers. We believe our strength lies in our differences. Our selection process for the Digital Colorist position is designed to find extraordinary talent regardless of race, color, religion, gender, age, or disability.

Statistically, the field of Digital Colorist work and Post-Production has seen a massive shift toward inclusivity. NBCUniversal continues to lead this charge by offering reasonable accommodations for any Digital Colorist with disabilities and fostering a culture of mutual respect.

Conclusion

As a Digital Colorist at DreamWorks, you are not just a technician—you are the final artist to touch the film before it meets the world. You have the power to influence how millions of people feel as they watch our stories unfold. If you are ready to master the Baselight console as our next Digital Colorist, we want to meet you.