Job Posting Title:
Lead Editor
Req ID: 10141936
Job Description:
At Walt Disney Animation Studios, our Lead Editors play an essential role in shaping the heart, humor, and emotional resonance of our stories. As a creative partner to directors, story artists, and production teams, the Lead Editor helps craft the narrative through inspired editorial choices, collaborative problem-solving, and a deep understanding of animation timing and storytelling. This role is pivotal in bringing our films to life - guiding editorial strategy from early story reels through final delivery - and ensuring that every frame reflects the artistry, innovation, and storytelling excellence that define Disney Animation.
Daily Duties:
Scope: Top production, artistic and technical leader on a film Accountable to the Director(s) and CCO for the final edited version of the animated long form production title Partners with the Story team and Directors to develop the story and characters of a feature film while offering suggestions and solutions through the editing process Makes decisions regarding pacing, acting, dialogue, sound effects that determine the quality and delivery of the final animated long form feature film Makes decisions with the Supervising Music editor on choice of temp music and timing of the music during production Directs the editing and fine tuning of component parts of the production including conveying a story with the rhythm, emotional beats and overall pacing that reflect and enhance the Director's vision Oversees correct presentation of editorial-related materials related to the feature, including story reel and internal production screenings Ensures a consistent look and sound to the feature project Considers and determines the balance and trade-offs of the production's final quality with schedule, costs and workflows Partners with the Associate Editor and Production Supervisor to lead a successful operation of the department Responsible with VP Post Production for the casting and career growth opportunities off their staff Sets objectives for direct reports and ensures their ongoing development. Oversees with the VP of Post Production the development and deployment of staff and participates in performance reviews Screening and Mix Duties:
Supervises temp mix sessions making sure sound quality is at the highest quality for all screenings Oversees incorporation of changes resulting from a production screening Attends and participates in the note sessions with Directors and brain trust committee Post Production Duties:
Responsible for feeding the Production and Post Production operations and allow timely processes Supervises final mixes Required Qualifications:
Is a proven leader in setting a solid creative direction for a feature all the way through its successful final delivery, and for inspiring and motivating production staff 15+ years of experience on a Feature production in a Lead Editorial capacity Advances technical knowledge of AVID Media Composer and other Editorial production tools Masters the knowledge of Animation pre-production, production and post production processes Education Requirements:
Bachelor's Degree in Film, Digital Media, related field or equivalent work experience
This is an IATSE Local 700 position covered by a collective bargaining agreement Direct Consideration Link
Job Posting Segment: WDAS Bur Prod
Job Posting Primary Business: WDAS Bur Prod
Primary Job Posting Category: Film Editing
Employment Type: Full time
Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code: Burbank, CA, USA
Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:
Date Posted: 2026-02-03
Req ID: 10141936
Job Description:
At Walt Disney Animation Studios, our Lead Editors play an essential role in shaping the heart, humor, and emotional resonance of our stories. As a creative partner to directors, story artists, and production teams, the Lead Editor helps craft the narrative through inspired editorial choices, collaborative problem-solving, and a deep understanding of animation timing and storytelling. This role is pivotal in bringing our films to life - guiding editorial strategy from early story reels through final delivery - and ensuring that every frame reflects the artistry, innovation, and storytelling excellence that define Disney Animation.
Daily Duties:
Scope: Top production, artistic and technical leader on a film Accountable to the Director(s) and CCO for the final edited version of the animated long form production title Partners with the Story team and Directors to develop the story and characters of a feature film while offering suggestions and solutions through the editing process Makes decisions regarding pacing, acting, dialogue, sound effects that determine the quality and delivery of the final animated long form feature film Makes decisions with the Supervising Music editor on choice of temp music and timing of the music during production Directs the editing and fine tuning of component parts of the production including conveying a story with the rhythm, emotional beats and overall pacing that reflect and enhance the Director's vision Oversees correct presentation of editorial-related materials related to the feature, including story reel and internal production screenings Ensures a consistent look and sound to the feature project Considers and determines the balance and trade-offs of the production's final quality with schedule, costs and workflows Partners with the Associate Editor and Production Supervisor to lead a successful operation of the department Responsible with VP Post Production for the casting and career growth opportunities off their staff Sets objectives for direct reports and ensures their ongoing development. Oversees with the VP of Post Production the development and deployment of staff and participates in performance reviews Screening and Mix Duties:
Supervises temp mix sessions making sure sound quality is at the highest quality for all screenings Oversees incorporation of changes resulting from a production screening Attends and participates in the note sessions with Directors and brain trust committee Post Production Duties:
Responsible for feeding the Production and Post Production operations and allow timely processes Supervises final mixes Required Qualifications:
Is a proven leader in setting a solid creative direction for a feature all the way through its successful final delivery, and for inspiring and motivating production staff 15+ years of experience on a Feature production in a Lead Editorial capacity Advances technical knowledge of AVID Media Composer and other Editorial production tools Masters the knowledge of Animation pre-production, production and post production processes Education Requirements:
Bachelor's Degree in Film, Digital Media, related field or equivalent work experience
This is an IATSE Local 700 position covered by a collective bargaining agreement Direct Consideration Link
Job Posting Segment: WDAS Bur Prod
Job Posting Primary Business: WDAS Bur Prod
Primary Job Posting Category: Film Editing
Employment Type: Full time
Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code: Burbank, CA, USA
Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:
Date Posted: 2026-02-03