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Development Assistant

Job ID 10136132 Location Burbank, California, United States Business Searchlight Pictures Date posted Nov. 13, 2025
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Job Summary:

The Development Assistant plays a pivotal role in supporting the creative and administrative functions of the development team. This position is ideal for someone passionate about film and storytelling, with strong organizational skills and a proactive mindset. It serves as an entry point into the creative development career path, involving coordination with internal and external stakeholders, and contributing to the creative development process across a dynamic slate of film projects.

Responsibilities:

Creative & Development Support

  • Track submissions (scripts, books, writing samples); compile notes and feedback.

  • Create notes documents and maintain development grids.

  • Conduct research on talent, industry trends, and creative material to support development decisions.

  • Monitor emerging writing and directing talent and maintain up-to-date records of projects.

  • Assist in the creation of presentations, sizzle reels, and visual materials for internal use.

  • Coordinate with departments such as Production, Legal, Marketing, and Business Affairs.

Administrative Support

  • Manage executive calendars, schedule meetings and calls, and coordinate domestic/international travel and logistics.

  • Handle phones, roll calls, take notes, and manage mail and office correspondence.

  • Prepare and submit expense reports; ensure timely payment of corporate card statements.

  • Greet guests and liaise professionally with talent, executives, and assistants.

  • Maintain organizational documents, logs, and binders, including tracking incoming/outgoing submissions.

Experience / Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience

  • 2+ years experience on a Production Company or Studio desk (agency experience preferred)

  • Ability to work independently and proactively to solve problems

  • Ability to work with confidential information

  • Strong people skills, including the ability to work effectively and collaboratively as part of a team

  • Ability to take initiative and work with limited direction

  • Positive attitude with the ability to be resourceful and flexible

  • Detail-oriented with superior organizational skills

  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

  • Enthusiasm for film, particularly specialty/arthouse films

  • Strong computer literacy and proficiency with Microsoft Office

  • Demonstrated ability to prioritize, multitask, meet deadlines, and change course of action quickly


The hiring range for this position in Burbank, CA is $65,600.00 - $84,800.00 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.

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About Searchlight Pictures:

Searchlight Pictures is a specialty film company that both finances and acquires motion pictures. It has its own marketing and distribution operations, and the films are distributed internationally by Twentieth Century Studios.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with Searchlight Pictures, Inc., which is part of a business we call Searchlight Pictures.

Searchlight Pictures, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION FOR EMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS

The Walt Disney Company and its Affiliated Companies are Equal Employment Opportunity employers and welcome all job seekers including individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or apply for a position, visit the Disney candidate disability accommodations FAQs. We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.

Having technical issues? View the FAQs for help.

Hiring Process

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  • Be Part of the Story

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  • The Next Chapter

    Once you've applied, you will receive an email allowing you to access your candidate dashboard. Create your login and make sure to check your dashboard often to see your application progress.

Explore this Location Burbank, CA

Billed as the "Media Capital of the World," Burbank boasts more than 1,000 media and entertainment companies, including the main headquarters for The Walt Disney Company.

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