About the role
Job Summary
Join us for an opportunity to experience the art of animation and be a part of Walt Disney Animation Studios. The Talent Development Apprenticeship Program is an immersive experience available for emerging artists. Under the guidance of a Disney mentor, the Talent Development Apprenticeship Program offers a unique opportunity to hone and understand skills, refine and strengthen key disciplines, and engage in a real-time production environment with mentorship support.
The Lighting Apprenticeship
Lighters are an integral part of the storytelling process, using their keen eye to manipulate color and light to emphasize shifts of mood, both subtle and dynamic. They assemble the elements of a shot into a final composite and compose the digital lighting of the scene.
The Lighting Apprenticeship Program begins in February 2027 at our Vancouver studio location. The deadline for applications is November 20th, 2026, 11:59 PM PST.
The initial four-month period of the Lighting Apprenticeship Program is designed to introduce you to the art and technical aspects of our Lighting process, our studio culture, and our production environment. During this time, you will learn the skills and philosophies of our Effects department while receiving personalized mentorship from Disney artists. A four-month review will provide you with real-time feedback and determine future assignments and promotional opportunities that would bring your skills into real-time production environments.
Key Qualifications
- Emerging artists with less than 5 years of animation industry experience OR Recent graduates with a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
- 18 years or older
- Eligible to work in Canada
Application Requirements
To apply for this position you must upload a resume and a single reel no longer than 2 minutes.
Reels/Demonstrated Skills Should Include:
- Ability to work in a collaborative environment, taking direction from artistic and technical leadership
- An understanding of color, contrast, and lighting design, along with a solid understanding of 3D lighting in a CG scene
- A strong visual sense and the ability to distinguish subtle differences that affect the matching of elements created in multiple mediums
- Experience with Houdini and node-based compositing programs such as Nuke
- Exposure to Global Illumination and experience manipulating lights and materials to achieve a specific art direction
- Ability to interpret and execute key aesthetic elements from visual development artwork into a shot
- Strong problem solving skills
Compensation and Benefits
- Pay Rate: C$30 per hour in British Columbia
- Benefits: Select benefits may be provided as part of the compensation package, such as medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.
Company Culture
- Global Reach & Storytelling: The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise dedicated to creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family.
- Commitment to Inclusion: At Disney, we want everyone to belong and thrive. Creating a welcoming and respectful environment for our employees and guests is core to our company culture and our business. We strive to build supportive work environments that drive innovation and reinforce a culture in which all employees feel welcome, respected, and valued.
- Military Appreciation: Heroes Work Here reflects the long history of respect and appreciation Disney has for the U.S. Armed Services, recognizing the commitment, leadership skills, and sense of purpose of military personnel and spouses.