Stop Motion Animation Intern at LAIKA Studios

Job Overview

• Company: LAIKA Studios
• Job Title: Stop Motion Animation Intern
• Job Type: Internship (Temporary)
• Location: Hillsboro, OR, USA
• Work Model: 100% On-Site
• Seniority Level: Internship / Entry-Level
• Required Experience: Current Junior/Senior or Recent Graduate (within 12 months)
• Salary Range: $20.00 per hour (Set rate, non-negotiable)
• Reporting Structure: Reports to Animation Supervisor
• Industry: Motion Pictures / Feature Film Animation
• Application Deadline: Friday, March 27, 2026, by 6:00 PM PDT

Company Overview: The Art and Science of LAIKA

LAIKA Studios is not merely an animation studio; it is a world-class community of creators, innovators, and boundary-pushers located in Hillsboro, Oregon. For nearly two decades, LAIKA has redefined the medium of stop motion by seamlessly blending the hand-drawn, the handcrafted, and the high-tech. From the Academy Award-nominated Coraline and Kubo and the Two Strings to our most recent ambitious features, LAIKA is committed to telling stories that are as visually stunning as they are emotionally profound.

At LAIKA Studios, every frame is an intentional act of artistry. LAIKA Studios is a place where traditional puppet-making meets 3D printing, and where physical sets coexist with digital world-building. We believe that “Impossible” is just a starting point. By joining LAIKA as an intern, you are entering an environment that values curiosity, meticulous precision, and the courage to take creative risks. You will be part of a workforce that respects every thumbprint on a character’s face as a testament to the human soul behind the craft.

Role Overview

The Stop Motion Animation Intern position at LAIKA Studios is a premier opportunity for emerging artists to gain hands-on production experience within a high-stakes, professional feature film environment. This is not a passive observation role; it is an active immersion into the rigors of stop motion performance.

Under the guidance of LAIKA Studios’s renowned animation team, you will be supported and challenged to breathe life into inanimate puppets. You will learn the delicate balance between technical physics—such as weight, momentum, and resistance—and the nuanced acting required to define a character’s personality and emotion. This internship is designed for individuals who possess a deep-seated passion for the tactile nature of stop motion and a relentless drive for perfection in every frame.

Key Responsibilities

I. Performance Development & Animation Exercises

• Staging & Tests: Work on dedicated test stages to execute specific animated performances. These exercises focus on the “bread and butter” of animation: walk cycles, weight shifts, and the interaction between puppets and physical objects.

• Emotional Nuance: Learn to translate abstract emotions into physical gestures. You will assist in defining how a character “thinks” and “feels” through subtle micro-movements of the eyes, hands, and posture.

• Frame-by-Frame Execution: Master the capture software and physical manipulation techniques required to maintain a consistent, high-fidelity performance throughout a sequence.

II. Technical Precision & Production Support

• Repetitive Excellence: Perform finely detailed animation tasks with unwavering precision for extended periods. Stop motion requires a high degree of mental and physical stamina; you will be expected to maintain focus over long shoot days.

• Stage Maintenance: Assist in the general organization and upkeep of work areas and animation stages. This includes ensuring that sets are clean, tools are accounted for, and puppets are handled with extreme care.

• Problem Solving: Identify mechanical issues with rigs or puppets during a shoot and work collaboratively with the puppet hospital or rigging teams to find swift solutions.

III. Collaboration & Professional Growth

• Mentorship Engagement: Actively participate in reviews and dailies. You must be able to take constructive criticism from Animation Supervisors and apply technical and creative notes immediately.

• Team Synergy: Work effectively alongside other animators, set dressers, and camera technicians to ensure the overall production workflow remains efficient.

• Prioritization: Manage multiple tasks and deadlines, demonstrating an ability to work both independently and as part of a larger unit.

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Academic & Eligibility Requirements

• Academic Standing: Currently enrolled as a Junior or Senior in a college or university program, or a recent graduate who has completed their degree within the last 12 months.

• Focus of Study: A strong emphasis in Animation, Fine Arts, Illustration, or a related creative field that demonstrates an understanding of movement and composition.

• Legal Authorization: Must be able to work on-site in Hillsboro, OR.

Core Artistic & Technical Skills

• Artistic Eye: A strong creative background with high aesthetic sensibilities. You should understand the principles of animation (squash and stretch, anticipation, timing) and how they apply to a physical 3D space.

• Attention to Detail: The ability to spot a 1mm deviation in a puppet’s position that could cause a “pop” in the final animation.

• Manual Dexterity: Excellent fine motor skills are required to manipulate delicate armatures and face plates without damaging the asset.

• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential for collaborating within LAIKA’s multi-departmental ecosystem.

Physical Demands

• Stamina & Focus: Capability to stand or sit in constrained positions for several hours while manipulating sets and puppets.

• Visual Acuity: Ability to handle close-range vision tasks, distance vision, and frequent focus adjustments.

• Lifting: Ability to lift and/or move production equipment up to 15 pounds.

Technical Tools & Software

While the role is centered on physical performance, familiarity with the following tools is highly beneficial:

• Dragonframe: The industry standard for stop motion capture.

• Photography & Lighting: A foundational understanding of DSLR cameras and how light interacts with physical textures.

• Sculpting/Fabrication: A background in traditional sculpture or model-making to better understand the internal mechanics of a puppet.

The LAIKA Internship Experience

Interns at LAIKA Studios are not just “helpers”; they are valued members of the creative process.

• Renowned Expertise: You will benefit from the mentorship of artists who have won Emmy, Annie, and Academy Awards.

• Tactile Innovation: Access to a studio that is constantly innovating at the intersection of handmade art and digital technology.

• Fixed Compensation: A transparent, non-negotiable hourly rate of $20.00, providing a professional wage for your contributions to our production.

Application Process & Portfolio Requirements

Important Note: Applications without relevant samples/portfolios/reels will not be considered. LAIKA looks for candidates who can demonstrate a clear understanding of character performance and physical weight.

Submission Checklist:

1. Professional Resume: Clearly state your graduation date or current academic year.

2. Portfolio/Demo Reel: High-quality video samples of stop motion animation. We prioritize reels that show character acting, walk cycles, and a strong sense of gravity.

3. Cover Letter: (Optional but encouraged) Tell us why stop motion is your chosen medium and how your unique background aligns with the LAIKA spirit.

Submission Deadline:

Friday, March 27, 2026, by 6:00 PM PDT.

LAIKA Studios is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.