Job Title:          Director of Development

 

Location:          Los Angeles, CA

 

Reports To:      SVP, Head of Development

 

Overview

Locksmith Animation is seeking an inspired Director of Development to join the team who will be responsible for supporting the Head of Development and Senior Management in the acquisition and development of film and series projects.

 

Responsibilities include, but not limited to:

  • Source and evaluate project submissions, identifying ones that work within the Locksmith vision and have commercial viability
  • Build and maintain an extensive network of relationships with writers, directors, industry reps and distributer counterparts
  • Generate, collate and distribute story/meeting notes
  • Oversee research assignments on a variety of topics
  • Pitch original ideas for potential development
  • Maintain competitive development report and track all competitive projects
  • Potential to oversee the development of their own projects, shadowed by the Head of Development or CCO, skillset dependent

 

Postion Requirements:

  • Minimum 3+ years of experience as a Creative Executive in Animation and/or Live Action
  • Proven ability to successfully source and assess potential creative concepts for development 
  • Significant experience working with writers and directors
  • Has a presence and is known in the industry with their own network to bring to the table
  • Critical thinker with an ability to articulate material and ideas effectively
  • Savvy style relevant to the industry; able to identify new writers, directors and material that is appropriate and on trend
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interface with varied levels of management, talent, and staff 
  • Ability to problem-solve in an efficient and effective manner
  • Mastery of Microsoft Office Suite (with a proven ability to put together presentation materials flawlessly) and Final Draft
  • Highly organized with excellent follow through and attention to detail
  • Must be able to work on site 3-5 days per week

 

Compensation and Benefits:

  • The range for this position, experience dependent, is between $115,000 to $150,000.
  • In addition to salary, full-time employees receive a company funded benefits package including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, paid time off and a 401k plan with employer match. 

 

About Locksmith Animation:

 

Locksmith Animation is a top-tier animation studio that develops and produces high quality features and series from their hubs in the UK and the US. With a proven leadership team that brings depth of experience from the likes of: Pixar, Illumination, Aardman and Blue Sky, the Company is a trusted partner to major distributers in delivering smart, relevant and entertaining stories to audiences around the world. The Company’s first film Ron’s Gone Wrong was released by 20th Century and Disney to critical acclaim in 2021. Their second film That Christmas, written by Richard Curtis, will launch on Netflix in December 2024. Locksmith is currently in production on Bad Fairies as part of their first look deal with Warner Bros.