It’s the magic of immersing yourself in a motion picture masterpiece, or a new track from your favorite band, or the spectacle of a live Broadway show. It’s hard to define and even harder to create, but that’s what we do at The Walt Disney Studios. Ours is a culture of innovation, collaboration and creativity. We raise the bar, then step over it, blazing trails through the production and distribution of world-class entertainment around the globe. If you want to help tell compelling, enduring stories through movies, music or stage plays, then we want to hear from you.

The Walt Disney Studios encompasses the creation, production, promotion, sales, acquisition and domestic and international distribution of live-action and animated motion pictures, home entertainment releases, live stage plays, and music and soundtrack recordings.

The Collections Specialist will be responsible for all aspects of the receiving, cataloguing, archiving and care of the animation artwork at the Animation Research Library (ARL). The ARL houses a collection of more than 65,000,000 pieces of original artwork, which includes, but is not limited to, conceptual art, storyboards, maquettes, hand drawn production art, 3D models, textures, image files and final rendered images. This role is an integral member of the team of Collection, Research, Design and Image Capture Specialists who make-up the ARL, and will work closely with these groups in their effort to physically care for and organize this large and valuable collection of animation art.

This position will report to the Manager of the Collections team, and will be expected to participate in a wide range of Collections based projects including, but not limited to, on going archiving and re-housing projects.

Responsibilities

• Identifying and pulling original artwork from the vaults and independently rehousing the artwork. This involves reading and interpreting the x-sheets to determine the placement and order of each animation drawing, reading story board Photostats and reconstructing storyline order, identifying fragile mediums (i.e. pastels) and placing in appropriate new storage (i.e. pastel trays, interleafing glassine etc.). Requires knowledge of art mediums and understanding the mediums in relation to archival materials for safe and appropriate long term storage. Working with all elements of artwork in our collection, including art slated for the ARL’s Digitization project, as well as priority artwork as agreed upon by management.

• Through the above method, identifying when artwork is not in its correct location and determining the correct production, element, order and proper method of storing. Locating the correct scene/sequence and integrating the artwork into the correct location and archival housing.

• Identifying damaged and/or inappropriately housed/high risk artwork and bringing it to the attention of supervisor when necessary for repair assessment and potential conservation remediation.

• Identify and implement appropriate storage options based on specific art medium and procure materials as needed.

• With other collections specialists, proactively manage existing space for physical asset storage and research new methodologies as needed

• Will be actively involved in the ongoing Rehousing Project; this may include preparing artwork for the Rehousing Project and ordering necessary archival materials; reading and interpreting x-sheets, assisting other Collections team members in the proper procedure for rehousing.

• Will support the estimating and ordering of necessary supplies for the Rehousing project, and other Collections projects as needed, which includes insuring an adequate supply is on hand (off-site and on-site) for the slated projects.

• Removing staples, paperclips and similar materials from the artwork according to ARL approved methods.

• Participate as a Team Lead for the Archiving Project; includes reading and interpreting x-sheets, overseeing an archiving team (made up of non-Collection Team, ARL staff members) physically archiving the artwork and instructing them on proper procedure and answering questions.

• Assisting on any other Collections related projects as deemed needed based on the business unit’s priorities

Basic Qualifications
Minimum 3-5 years of hands-on experience handling artwork and/or artifacts
Ability to identify different art mediums, (i.e., charcoal, pastel, graphite, acrylic, etc.)
Must be able to identify when artwork is damaged and determine the type(s) of damage (i.e., flaking paint, mold, etc.) in order to establish the need for conservation
Experience handling small sculptures and some experience cavity packing is preferable
Demonstrated ability to problem solve for storage solutions
Experience with a variety of storage solutions for collections, especially works on paper
Knowledge of current archival materials for storage of artwork, including interleafing materials
Ability to identify appropriate vendors to provide art handling and conservation supplies and work with vendors to order specialty supplies
Experience working with databases (i.e., FileMaker Pro) and spreadsheet software (i.e., Excel)
Ability to embrace change and adapt to new processes and procedures as needed
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and strong attention to details
Ability to work independently to prioritize multiple tasks and to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Appreciation of, and interest in, animation, art history and/or photography.
Knowledge of Disney Animated Films – character names, artists and animation elements, is preferable
Requires the physical ability to lift, push, pull or physically maneuver a minimum of 35 lbs of materials and/or supplies
Required Education
Bachelors degree in Library Science, Museum Studies, Art History, Fine Arts or related field