SCALIS is hiring: Creative Director - Storyteller in Burbank

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At

Nova Sky Stories

, we empower artists and producers to bring awe and wonder to live audiences around the world. As the global leader in

drone entertainment

, we’ve been redefining live shows for over a decade—merging cutting‑edge drone technology with imaginative artistry.

With a veteran team of engineers and creatives, we design and operate lightweight, small, precise, and safe drones that perform in the most demanding environments—urban centers, extreme temperatures, and high winds. The result? Sky Stories that inspire, captivate, and transform the sky into a canvas of imagination.

Headquartered in the U.S. with teams across Europe and the UAE, Nova Sky Stories works with the world’s leading brands, venues, and events. Follow us: @NovaSkyStories

About the job
About this role:

We are seeking an experienced, collaborative Creative Director to help advance an emerging medium for storytelling within the Sky Story industry. In this role, you will work closely with clients and partners to develop innovative, inspiring story concepts, and collaborate with our world‑class Nova Design Studio to bring those ideas to life.

Our work spans a range of industries, including theme parks, music, and fine art, but we are particularly interested in those with experience in cultural storytelling, such as tourism, heritage sites, and place‑based narratives. You will play a key role in uniting Nova’s cross‑functional teams, including engineering, operations, and finance, to push creative and technical boundaries.

The Sky Story industry is still young and growing, and so there is no one‑size‑fits‑all approach. We are open minded to finding the right individuals who can continue to grow this industry.

As a Creative Director, you will be responsible for:

Develop creative proposals for long‑term shows, installations, and residencies

Partner directly with clients to understand objectives and translate them into compelling story‑driven concepts

Collaborate with the Nova Design Studio to develop and refine creative ideas

Lead projects from initial concept through execution and delivery

Align cross‑functional teams to ensure creative vision, feasibility, and business goals are met

Contribute to sales and business development efforts through pitches, decks, and creative presentations

You’ll need to have:

10+ years of experience in storytelling, creative entertainment, cultural preservation, or a related field

Strong background in cultural storytelling, ideally with an anthropology, historical, or heritage‑based focus

Proven ability to lead projects from concept through completion

Experience creating sales collateral, including pitch materials and presentations

Open‑minded, collaborative approach with a strong sense of humility and continuous learning

What defines you:

You’re deeply curious and energized by the creative potential of drones and emerging technologies

You communicate ideas clearly and persuasively, whether presenting concepts or giving feedback

You’re highly collaborative and thrive in team‑driven creative environments

You bring a proactive, solutions‑oriented mindset and take ownership of outcomes

You’re adaptable and comfortable navigating ambiguity as creative projects evolve

You value high creative standards and welcome constructive feedback as part of the process

How to be successful in this role:

Translate ideas into structured, executable creative workflows that move projects forward efficiently

Manage multiple projects and deadlines without sacrificing creative quality

Continuously push for new ideas, experimentation, and innovation in how we use the medium

Collaborate cross‑functionally with internal teams, clients, and external partners to bring concepts to life

Balance speed and quality in a fast‑paced, evolving environment

Actively contribute to a feedback‑driven culture — both giving and incorporating input to elevate the work

Stay flexible and adjust creative direction as needed based on project needs, constraints, and opportunities

Salary Range:

$190,000 - $225,000 USD

At Nova Sky Stories, we’re building something that has never existed before—and we want our team members to share in that journey. In addition to competitive compensation, we offer:

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) with company matching

Flexible PTO and paid sick leave

Paid parental leave

Company‑paid holidays

Equity opportunities for eligible employees

Compensation will be determined based on factors such as experience, skills, qualifications, and geographic location.

Health Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) Matching

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Paid Holidays

If you're ready to play a key role in supporting the operational backbone of a company redefining storytelling in the sky, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now to help keep Nova Sky Stories flying high.

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