Senior Production Designer - Specialty Design

About the Role & Team

Walt Disney Imagineering is the creative force that imagines, designs, and brings to life all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions, and cruise ships worldwide. Working across a spectrum of disciplines that range from creative and conceptual to scientific and technical, Imagineers blend an innovative mixture of storytelling, art, science, and technology to create immersive experiences, memorable destinations, and innovative entertainment for families around the globe.

Nearly every project at Walt Disney Imagineering includes a first-of-its-kind. Innovation is in our DNA, and Imagineers constantly push the boundaries of technology and invent new goals as well as the solutions to achieve them. As Imagineers, one of our greatest rewards is knowing that the experiences and environments we create inspire others. The diversity of expertise at Imagineering makes us uniquely capable of influencing positive change in our communities and around the world. And knowing that we have helped make a difference is incredibly fulfilling and inspiring for all of us!

The Production Designer, Senior is a Specialty Design position, using the specific talents of a specialist in the areas of Audio Animatronic figure finishing and Character Paint. Their primary goal is to ensure that the content and integrity of the concept is maintained throughout the design, production and installation process. They ensure that the integrity of the story is maintained through an in-depth understanding of the creative intent and the ability for realizing it through the effective execution of the theatrical design process.

You will report to the Manager, Illusion Integration.

This is a Full-Time role.  

What You Will Do: 

• Be directly responsible for maintaining the highest quality of show for figure finishing and character paint at the Walt Disneyland Resort.

• Conduct show reviews of audio animatronics on 3rd shift and document discrepancies noted for skins, costumes, paint, and cosmetology.

• Provide daily art direction to show finishers, artist preparators, and costumers at the resort.

• Perform a quality review and buy off on all figure finishing performed at Disneyland Central Shops.

• Train show finishers and artist preparators on accurate figure finishing techniques as needed.

• Research new/existing materials relative to current standards and applicability to project goals.

• Apply intuitive approach to resolving differences and providing direction.

• Provide leadership specific to scope of work related to figure finishing and color design for vendors.

• During design, provide guidance to respective teams up to 50% of time.

• During production/installation, provide guidance to vendors for figure finishing, cosmetology, and costuming over 50% of the time.

• Provide oversight and art direction for the annual skin tooling repair and replacement program.

• Partner with the other Show Quality Standards (SQS) team disciplines to perform hands on refurbishment of audio animatronic figures as part of the IFP program.

• Perform paint mixing and black light paint training when needed.

• Partners with Disneyland FAM to develop figure refurbishment program within IFP.

• Support WDI capital projects for figure finishing when needed.

• Provides show reviews and training for international parks when requested.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• Minimum 5 years in figure finishing, themed paint design, production and installation or related entertainment field.

• Subject matter expert for Disney Audio animatronic figure finishing to include skins, butyrate, paint mixing and application, costuming, and cosmetology. Must also understand mechanical adjustments necessary to support proper installation of butyrate and skins.

• Proven experience in the field on Disney audio animatronic restoration projects.

• Knowledge of the tooling process from sculpting to tooling fabrication.

• Knowledge of themed painting techniques and materials.

• Ability to travel Domestically and/or Internationally.

Education:

• Degree in theater, fine arts or environmental design or equivalent professional experience preferred.

Additional Information:

• Benefits and Perks: Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities, and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at  https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.

The hiring range for this position in Anaheim, CA is $91,900 to $ 149,200 per year based on a 40 hour work week. The amount of hours scheduled per week may vary based on business needs. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.