The Walt Disney Animation Research Library (ARL) houses and conserves artwork created for the production of Disney’s animated feature-length and short films from the 1920s until the present day. The collection comprises more than 65,000,000 pieces of original artwork, which includes, but is not limited to, conceptual art, storyboards, maquettes, production art, 3D models, textures, image files and final rendered images

The ARL’s Digitization Pipeline, of which the Image Capture Specialists is a key contributor, is an integral part of the overall operation of the ARL.  Embedded into the day-to-day operation of the ARL, the Image Capture team provides our clients with high-quality, digital files of art from our collection that are needed to successfully execute a wide variety of projects.

This is a 6-month project hire.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Skillfully handle art collection items throughout the digitization process to prevent damage.

• Set up and maintain imaging workstations, including calibrating monitors, installing software, troubleshooting issues, and testing imaging equipment for color management and quality control.

• Produce high-quality digital surrogates from an extensive and diverse art collection of materials for access, display, and preservation purposes using high-end digital equipment and lighting following color management standards and workflows.

• Utilize target validation tools to ensure archival and preservation-grade digital images.

• Perform high-end post-processing tasks including, but not limited to, file preparation, color correction, masking, layering, and cropping.

• Quality control files are created to ensure they conform to industry standards.

• Prepare and organize digital files for ingest into digital repositories or delivery to other destinations utilizing file naming and tracking protocols.

• Manage photography deadlines effectively.

• Work on a range of projects, including routine digitization, special requests, and complex imaging projects.

• Comfortable working with Mac platforms and skilled in file management systems.

• Collaborate with colleagues to improve efficiency while maintaining high-quality standards.

• In addition to the tasks and responsibilities listed, other duties may be assigned by management.

REQUIREMENTS

• 2+ years of experience in photography, imaging, or related field

• BFA in photography, imaging, or related field, or equivalent related work experience.

• Experience with cultural heritage materials including, but not limited to, bound and unbound manuscripts, photographic prints, fine and decorative art, 3D object artifacts, and still film positive and negative items.

• Demonstrate expertise with Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Camera Raw, Adobe Bridge, and Capture One Pro within a production environment.

• Knowledge of Mac and Windows operating systems and associated software and hardware.

• Highly organized, and self-motivated with the ability to work both supervised and unsupervised.

• Great communication skills with the ability to work well with others.

• Physically able to lift, push, pull, or physically maneuver a minimum of 35 lbs. of materials/supplies and climb a ladder.

• Willing and able to stand for long periods of time.

• Comfortable performing repetitive motion tasks.

• Strong multitasking abilities with meticulous attention to detail.

• High level of professionalism and integrity with the capacity to maintain confidentiality.

• The role is full-time, on-site in Glendale, CA, with 4 days in the office.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with the following:

  • Phase One and Canon camera systems

  • Profoto lights and modifiers

  • Google Workspace

  • Color management software

  • Custom color profiles

  • Camera calibration targets

• Comfortable running command line scripts

• Understands the importance of end-to-end color management for capture, display, and print devices department-wide.

• Knowledge of non-destructive editing, current imaging, and heritage technologies, standards, and best practices (FADGI and/or Metamorfoze guidelines).

• Familiarity with proper art and paper-handling techniques is preferable.

• Knowledge of Disney animation history, an understanding of the animation process, and appreciation of, and interest in, art history and photography.

The hiring range for this position in Glendale, CA is $52,300.00 to $67,600.00 per year. 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.