Latest Internships in USA-UK-Canada & Across Worldwide 2025
A lot of students with a love for animation and storytelling grow up dreaming about working in big-name studios where movie magic happens. For many of them, opportunities like the DreamWorks Internship feel like the goal of their lives. And the idea of landing a placement there goes way beyond coffee runs or simple admin work. It’s the kind of opportunity where you’re surrounded by professionals who bring animated worlds to life, and you’re actually part of the creative process.
More and more students today are looking for internships that allow them to create, grow, and be mentored by industry professionals. It’s not just about getting credit or ticking a box. They want a space where their portfolio can grow, their voice can be heard, and their skills can get studio-level polish. DreamWorks is one of those studios that opens its doors to new talent through flexible options like remote, hybrid, and in-person roles that support both students and early-career creatives looking to step into the animation world.
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DreamWorks Internship | Introduction to the Animation Field
About DreamWorks
DreamWorks is one of the most recognised names in the animation industry, known for creating films that blend heart, humour, and visual excellence. With a strong connection to Universal Pictures, the studio has built a global reputation for storytelling that appeals to audiences of all ages. It’s been behind some of the most iconic animated movies in recent history, spanning everything from family comedies to action-packed adventures. The studio combines traditional creative values with cutting-edge technology to bring their stories to life.
Inside the company, there’s a strong focus on collaboration and innovation. From storyboarding to rendering, every step of the process is handled with care by teams that know the industry inside out. DreamWorks runs its operations across various departments, including animation, design, production technology, and development. Each area plays a role in shaping the content that reaches global audiences, whether that’s for theatrical release or streaming platforms. With this kind of setup, it makes sense why so many creatives aim to become associated with them.
Summer Internship Program Overview
The DreamWorks Summer Internship Program is designed to give students a real look at how a top-level animation studio operates. Interns are placed in departments that match their strengths and interests, like animation, storyboarding, rigging, design, production coordination, and technical direction. Each intern is assigned mentors and is encouraged to ask questions, participate in meetings, and work on tasks that reflect studio priorities. This kind of summer experience gives interns a genuine understanding of how the studio functions day-to-day. It’s a space where interns are treated as part of the studio, not just temporary help. That’s what makes it stand out from the usual internship experience.
Summer internships at DreamWorks are among the most popular because they’re often the most immersive. Over several weeks, interns get the full studio experience with onboarding, team meetings, project assignments, feedback sessions, and networking opportunities. The structured programme includes social events, Q&As with industry veterans, and access to internal presentations that offer insights into how animated films are made. The company makes sure interns walk away with tangible improvements to their portfolio or demo reel. There’s also a strong focus on mentorship, with one-on-one check-ins and team support. Many summer interns end up applying again for full-time roles or graduate programmes, and they come out of the internship with real projects on their resumes.
Types of Internships
DreamWorks offers internship opportunities across different departments that allow students and recent grads to build real experience in a professional studio environment. The variety also means that applicants with different skill sets, whether artistic, organisational, or technical, can find a place to grow and contribute.
Animation Internship
This internship is about bringing characters to life. Interns in the animation department work alongside professionals who’ve helped create some of the most memorable animated performances on film. The role focuses on performance, timing, movement, and how to make characters feel believable. Interns may be given scenes to animate under guidance, where they’re expected to take part in feedback sessions, revise shots, and practice applying animation principles in a fast-paced production setting. The tools commonly used include Maya and proprietary software specific to the studio’s pipeline, and interns often get to attend dailies and learn how their shots connect to the overall story.
Story & Visual Development Internship
The story and visual development track focuses on early-stage storytelling and concept creation. Interns help build the visual language of a film, working on storyboards, environment designs, and character concepts. This is where many of the creative decisions are made, and interns play a role in brainstorming ideas, sketching roughs, and pitching story beats. Storyboard interns use tools like Photoshop and Storyboard Pro to create sequences that communicate emotion, timing, and camera angles. Visual development interns assist with colour keys, character sheets, or environment explorations, depending on the project’s needs.
Production Management Internship
In production management, the internship focuses on how things run behind the scenes. Interns help organise teams, track assets, manage schedules, and keep communication flowing between departments. It’s not just about spreadsheets but about understanding the creative pipeline and making sure the team has everything they need to stay on track. Interns may be asked to take meeting notes, update databases, and support producers in prepping for reviews or deadlines. They often use tools like ShotGrid, Excel, and scheduling software that help manage day-to-day operations.
Technical Direction or Pipeline Internship
For those more tech-inclined, this internship dives into the technical systems that keep the animation process running smoothly. Interns in this area support tools development, automation, and troubleshooting within the studio pipeline. They might assist with script writing in Python, help with asset management systems, or work on plug-ins that improve workflow efficiency. These roles often involve working alongside engineers and artists to solve issues related to rendering, rigging, or data flow.
Art, Design, and Rigging Internship
This internship focuses on the structural side of characters and environments. Rigging interns work on the systems that allow characters to move, while design interns support the look and feel of props, sets, and background elements. Interns may help develop control systems for characters, paint turnarounds, or create 2D and 3D designs that guide the final modelling process. Rigging roles often involve scripting knowledge in Python, while design roles rely heavily on digital painting tools like Photoshop or Illustrator.
Trainee Program (Post-Grad Entry Route)
The trainee programme is aimed at students who’ve already graduated and are ready to take the next step into the professional world. It’s longer than a traditional internship and focuses on developing artists or coordinators who can eventually take on full-time roles. Trainees get in-depth mentorship and take on more responsibility in their assigned departments. They may work closely with teams on active productions and are expected to manage their own time and deliverables while still receiving support.
Internship Acceptance Rate
It’s no surprise that internships here are competitive. DreamWorks receives applications from students all over the world, which makes the process selective by nature. That doesn’t mean only the best artists make it in because selection is based on how well your portfolio, reel, or experience aligns with what the team is looking for. Every department has different needs, and the more relevant your application is, the stronger your chances. A well-tailored submission that shows clarity, effort, and your creative thinking can often speak louder than a long resume.
Eligibility Criteria
DreamWorks internships are open to a broad group of applicants, including college students, recent grads, and those completing animation-specific training. The studio is focused on creativity, dedication, and potential, not just test scores or fancy degrees. Whether you’re studying animation, computer science, production, or visual arts, what matters most is your passion and the quality of the work you present.
- Must be enrolled in or recently graduated from a college or a relevant program
- Strong interest in animation, storytelling, or technical art
- A portfolio, demo reel, or project link is required for most creative roles
- Must be legally authorised to work in the USA
- Available to commit to the full internship duration
- Communication and collaboration skills
- Passion for animation and DreamWorks films
How To Apply for a DreamWorks Internship?
Applying for a DreamWorks internship starts with knowing where to look and how to stand out. The company posts opportunities on its official careers page and occasionally on platforms like LinkedIn. Follow the steps below to submit an application.
- Visit the official “DreamWorks Early Careers” page by using the “Apply Here” icon.
- Search for open roles that match your skillset.
- Prepare a focused portfolio or reel, depending on the position.
- Submit your application through the portal.
- Expect a portfolio review or skills assessment.
- Attend interviews (video or in person) with recruiters and team members.
- Track your status via email or your application portal.
Summary
An internship at DreamWorks is more than just a temporary studio gig. It’s a step into the world of professional animation, where creativity is nurtured, skills are sharpened, and new talent is taken seriously. Whether you’re applying for animation, story, design, or tech, the programme is built to help you grow while contributing to real projects. From the moment you apply to the end of your internship, everything is designed to give you the tools, feedback, and confidence you need to move forward in your career.
