Lighting Intern – Summer 2026 | DreamWorks Animation

Job Overview

• Company: DreamWorks Animation (a subsidiary of NBCUniversal / Universal Filmed Entertainment Group)
• Job Title: Lighting Intern, Feature Animation
• Job Type: Internship (Full-Time, 40 hours/week)
• Location: 1000 Flower St, Glendale, CA 91201
• Work Model: Hybrid (Minimum 4 days per week in-office as of Jan 2026)
• Seniority Level: Internship / Entry-Level
• Required Experience: Current Student or Recent Graduate (within 6 months)
• Salary Range: USD $17.87 per hour (Fixed)
• Reporting Structure: Reports to CG Supervisor and Lead Lighter
• Industry: Media Production, Motion Pictures, and Feature Animation

Company Overview: The DreamWorks Legacy

DreamWorks Animation is a studio defined by its “adventurous dreamers.” For over 25 years, we have been at the forefront of the global animation industry, crafting stories that resonate across cultures, generations, and borders. From the irreverent humor of Shrek to the epic scales of How to Train Your Dragon and Kung Fu Panda, our mission is to tell stories about unconventional heroes who embark on extraordinary journeys to make their dreams a reality.

As a premier business segment of Universal Film, DreamWorks operates at the intersection of artistic expression and technological innovation. We pride ourselves on being a growth-minded studio where transparency, trust, and frequent communication are the bedrock of our creative process. We are more than just a production house; we are a vibrant community of artists, technologists, and innovators who believe that the best work is born from an inclusive, collaborative culture. We believe in “doing your dreamwork” while enjoying the journey—which often includes our famous studio lunches and a shared passion for the medium of animation.

Role Overview

The Summer 2026 Feature Lighting Internship is a high-impact, immersive program designed for aspiring digital artists who wish to master the craft of cinematic lighting within a world-class production environment. Lighting is the final “paint” on the canvas of an animated film; it establishes mood, directs the viewer’s eye, and breathes life into characters and environments.

As an intern at DreamWorks, you will not be relegated to the sidelines. You will be integrated into the Feature Lighting department, working on active productions under the mentorship of industry veterans. This role is specifically designed for individuals who possess a blend of artistic sensibility and technical curiosity. You will learn how to navigate a complex lighting pipeline, from initial shot launch to final render, ensuring that every frame meets the rigorous aesthetic standards of DreamWorks Animation.

Key Responsibilities and Learning Objectives

Interns are expected to function as junior members of the production team. Your core duties will involve:

I. Technical Execution and Shot Management

• Shot Completion: Work closely with the CG Supervisor and Lead Lighter to execute the visual target for assigned shots. You will be responsible for taking shots from the initial lighting setup through to final completion.

• Visual Consistency: Ensure that all lighting tasks align with the established look-of-the-show, maintaining consistency across sequences.

• Asset Integration: Collaborate with upstream and downstream departments (such as Surfacing, FX, and Compositing) to ensure the timely and seamless integration of all visual elements into your assigned shots.

• Schedule Adherence: Manage your individual shot load effectively, ensuring that all milestones are met according to the rigorous production schedule.

II. Troubleshooting and Innovation

• Problem Solving: Proactively troubleshoot creative and technical issues as they arise within the lighting and rendering software.

• Tool Documentation: As required, assist in the organization and documentation of lighting tools, scripts, or internal processes to improve department efficiency.

• R&D Participation: Participate in the testing of new technologies and software updates, providing feedback on how these tools impact the lighting workflow.

III. Collaboration and Professional Development

• Production Dailies: Attend and participate in daily reviews (dailies), lighting launches, and department-wide meetings. You will learn how to receive, interpret, and apply creative feedback from directors and supervisors.

• Communication: Maintain open lines of communication with the CG Supervisor regarding shot progress, technical hurdles, or resource needs.

• Culture Building: Foster a positive, collaborative working atmosphere, contributing to the “teamwork makes the dream work” philosophy of the studio.

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Required Qualifications (The Essentials)

• Academic Standing: You must be currently pursuing an Associate, Bachelor, or Graduate degree at an accredited College/University (or equivalent), or be a recent graduate within six months of your graduation date.

• Legal Requirements: Must be at least 18 years of age and authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future visa sponsorship.

• Location: Ability to work in person at our Glendale, CA studio. Please note that the intern is responsible for their own relocation, housing, and daily transportation.

• Availability: Must be able to commit to the full duration of the program (June 8 – August 14, 2026) at a full-time capacity (40 hours per week).

Desired Qualifications (The “Plus” Factors)

• Artistic Foundation: A strong portfolio or demo reel demonstrating a foundational understanding of the lighting process, including light behavior, color theory, and composition.

• Technical Familiarity: Preliminary knowledge of rendering engines (e.g., MoonRay, Arnold, or RenderMan) and compositing software (e.g., Nuke).

• Pipeline Awareness: A general understanding of the 3D animation pipeline and how lighting interacts with modeling, surfacing, and FX.

• Soft Skills: A “hungry to learn” attitude, resourcefulness in the face of technical challenges, and a genuine passion for the art of feature animation.

The DreamWorks Internship Experience: Benefits & Perks

The DreamWorks Internship Program is recognized as a “best-in-class” opportunity, offering more than just work experience. We provide a holistic professional development environment:

• Executive Speaker Series: Gain insights from high-level executives and creative leaders within DreamWorks and the broader NBCUniversal portfolio.

• Professional Workshops: Participate in career development sessions covering resume building, portfolio reviews, and interview techniques.

• Artistic Enrichment: Access to internal artistic classes and practice art tests to hone your skills under the guidance of studio professionals.

• Community and Culture: Opportunities for community outreach, exclusive movie screenings, and social events with your fellow intern cohort.

• Hybrid Flexibility: While we value in-person collaboration, our hybrid model (moving to 4 days in-office in January 2026) offers a modern approach to the work-week structure.

Compensation and Employment Policy

Hourly Rate: $17.87 DreamWorks Animation, through NBCUniversal, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, or any other protected status. We are committed to building an inclusive culture and encourage applicants from all backgrounds—including those with non-traditional paths to success—to apply.

We also comply with the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring and the California Fair Chance Act regarding the consideration of applicants with criminal histories.

Application Process and Important Dates

To be considered for the Summer 2026 cohort, please ensure your application is submitted before the deadline.

• Application Deadline: March 16, 2026, at 11:59 pm PT.

• Interview Process: External candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with an NBCUniversal employee at one of our locations.

• Program Start Date: June 8, 2026.

• Program End Date: August 14, 2026.

How to Apply: Please submit your resume and a link to your digital portfolio/demo reel through the NBCUniversal careers portal. Ensure your portfolio highlights your specific contributions to lighting, rendering, and compositing.