Join the company behind The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Despicable Me, The Secret Life of Pets, and Sing. As an intern at Illumination, you will take part in cross company learning, partner with innovative leaders and teams, and have a seat at the table in our latest endeavors.
Illumination is seeking a Development Intern for Summer 2026 to work closely with our Development team. If you are somebody who has their finger on the pulse of up-and-coming comedic talent, is passionate about all types of content, enjoys reading and writing, and wants to learn about the creative business of filmmaking then this is the internship for you!
Learning and Responsibilities:
Read and do coverage for scripts, books, and other incoming materials.Identify and research IP: books, graphic novels, mobile apps, movie remakes, video games, etc. Curate and distribute a weekly newsletter of findings.Assist in scouting for comedic and visual talent.Research on projects and talent.Update and organize department databases.Participate in select development meetings, including a daily competitive round-up for development and special projects departments.Contribute to targeted writer lists.Administrative help including desk coverage, note taking, deck creation, etc.
Qualifications:
Availability to work 40 hours per week for 8 weeks.Currently enrolled in a College or University.Proficiency in Microsoft Suite.Preferred majors: Film, Writing, or English.Must have a passion for the animation industry.Interest in development.Must be authorized to work in the United States without visa sponsorship by the company.
Requirements:
Must have the ability to work in the Santa Monica studio 4 days a week (Mon-Thurs) without relocation assistance from the company and 1 day WFH (Fri).
The salary for this position is $17.81/hour.
About Illumination
Illumination, founded by Chris Meledandri in 2007, is one of the entertainment industry’s leading producers of event-animated films, including Despicable Me—the most successful animated franchise in cinematic history—as well as Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax, Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch and The Secret Life of Pets and Sing films. The 2023 release of Illumination's The Super Mario Bros. Movie has joined the studio library, now comprising three of the top 10 animated films of all time. Illumination’s iconic, beloved franchises—infused with memorable and distinct characters, global appeal and cultural relevance—have grossed more than $9 billion worldwide. Illumination has an exclusive financing and distribution partnership with Universal Pictures.
Illumination is based in Santa Monica, CA and its studio, Illumination Studios Paris, is located in the center of Paris, France.
Illumination's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law. Illumination will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with relevant legal requirements, including the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative For Hiring Ordinance, where applicable.