Lead Editor

The Walt Disney Company • Burbank, CA

7d

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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
• Bachelor’s Degree in Film, Digital Media, related field or equivalent work experience

Responsibilities

• 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
• 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
• Responsible for feeding the Production and Post Production operations and allow timely processes
• Supervises final mixes

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level