The Michael’s Daughter Foundation (MDF) empowers youth in under-resourced communities through arts education and storytelling, supporting creativity, skill development, and self-expression.

Through our flagship Dream Forward program, offered in Title I schools and juvenile facilities across Los Angeles, professional teaching artists guide youth through filmmaking, animation, and screenwriting. Students develop original stories that reflect their imagination, strengths, and creative voices. Each residency culminates in a screening that celebrates their work.

Founded in 2013 by actress and educator Ciera Payton, MDF grew from her personal experience growing up with an incarcerated parent. Our programs help young people explore new possibilities through storytelling, collaboration, and creative skill-building.

Position Overview

MDF is seeking an AI Animator / AI Filmmaker to bring student-created stories to life through polished animated short films.

Working closely with our teaching artists and programming team, you will translate scripts, character concepts, artwork, and voice recordings into cohesive films using AI production tools, animation techniques, and professional editing.

The ideal candidate combines technical proficiency with strong filmmaking judgment. They can create expressive characters, intentional camera movement, clear action, and compelling visual storytelling while maintaining consistency across scenes.

This role requires someone who can manage production from concept through final delivery, respond to creative feedback, and work within agreed timelines and budgets. Experience developing recurring characters and episodic storytelling is especially valuable.

Responsibilities

• Translate student-created scripts and artwork into visual concepts, storyboards, and shot lists.
• Develop character and environment references that establish a consistent visual style.
• Produce animated sequences using AI image and video tools, supported by editing, compositing, and manual cleanup.
• Maintain consistency across character appearance, clothing, locations, lighting, and movement.
• Create expressive performances and intentional framing, camera movement, pacing, and transitions.
• Integrate student voice recordings, dialogue synchronization where needed, music, and sound effects.
• Resolve generation artifacts, continuity errors, and unwanted visual changes.
• Incorporate feedback while preserving students’ creative choices and MDF’s program goals.
• Deliver complete films with final sound, titles, credits, and exports for screenings and digital platforms.
• Estimate production hours, software costs, and revision needs before beginning each project.
• Communicate progress, production challenges, and material needs to MDF staff.
• Maintain organized project files, references, prompts, and editable production assets.
• Participate in project planning and regular production check-ins.
• Mindfulness & Boundaries: Understanding the Program and Your Role

MDF’s programs focus on imagination, creative expression, and practical skills in filmmaking and storytelling.

The animator will support this mission by treating student-created materials with care, preserving their creative intent, and collaborating respectfully with teaching artists and staff.

Stories should remain aligned with MDF’s focus on imaginative storytelling and skill development. Projects should not introduce legal case details or turn student work into trauma-focused narratives.

Student information, artwork, and voice recordings must be handled according to MDF’s confidentiality and consent requirements. Use of these materials in AI platforms requires MDF approval.

Qualifications

• A portfolio of completed AI-assisted animation or narrative films.
• Experience using AI image-generation tools such as Midjourney, Nano Banana, Seedream, Flux, or comparable platforms.
• Experience using AI video-generation tools such as Kling, Seedance, Runway, Adobe Firefly, or comparable platforms.
• Proficiency in Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or an equivalent video editor.
• Working knowledge of Photoshop, After Effects, or comparable tools for compositing and visual cleanup.
• Strong understanding of animation, cinematography, composition, pacing, and visual continuity.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain consistent characters and environments across multiple shots.
• Experience working from scripts, storyboards, and shot lists.
• Ability to make targeted revisions and explain production decisions clearly.
• Strong communication, organization, and follow-through.
• Applicants do not need experience with every listed platform. They must demonstrate a reliable combination of tools and a repeatable process for delivering finished films.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience creating short-form series featuring recurring characters.
• Traditional 2D or 3D animation, character design, or storyboarding experience.
• Experience adapting original drawings and recorded dialogue into animated scenes.
• Experience collaborating with teaching artists, youth programs, or nonprofit organizations.
• Interest in arts education and youth development.
• Bilingual English and Spanish.
• Compensation & Schedule
• $50 per hour.
• Project schedules and estimated hours will be established during planning.
• Availability for production meetings and agreed delivery deadlines is required.
• Software subscriptions and generation costs must be identified in advance and approved by MDF.

How to Apply

Please read this posting in its entirety before applying. We seek an artist who combines strong visual storytelling with a demonstrated ability to produce consistent, finished animation.

Please submit:

• Your resume or CV highlighting relevant experience.
• Include two to three completed AI animation or narrative video samples. At least one sample should show the same character across multiple shots.
• A brief explanation of your contribution to each sample and the tools you used.
• A short overview of your workflow, from script and character references through animation, cleanup, sound, and final editing.
• Approximate production hours and software or generation costs for one sample.
• A brief statement explaining your interest in working with MDF.
• Finalists will be invited to walk through a project and share available character references, storyboards, work-in-progress material, or editing timelines.

Relevant video samples are required for consideration. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Pay: $40.00 - $50.00 per hour

Application Question(s):

In a fast-paced or unpredictable environment, how do you stay focused and ensure tasks are completed on time? Give a specific example.

Please link two to three completed AI animation or narrative video samples. At least one sample should show the same character across multiple shots.

Experience:

AI Animation: 2 years (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Newhall, CA 91321

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