Story Lead Senior

About the Role & Team: 

Walt Disney Imagineering is the creative force that imagines, designs, and brings to life all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions, and cruise ships worldwide. Working across a spectrum of disciplines that range from creative and conceptual to scientific and technical, Imagineers blend an innovative mixture of storytelling, art, science, and technology to create immersive experiences, memorable destinations, and innovative entertainment for families around the globe. 

Nearly every project at Walt Disney Imagineering includes a first-of-its-kind. Innovation is in our DNA, and Imagineers constantly push the boundaries of technology and invent new goals as well as the solutions to achieve them. As Imagineers, one of our greatest rewards is knowing that the experiences and environments we create inspire others. The diversity of expertise at Imagineering makes us uniquely capable of influencing positive changes in our communities and around the world. And knowing that we have helped make a difference is incredibly fulfilling and inspiring for all of us. 

The Story Lead Senior role for the Story Development Studio will work in partnership with project teams in the creation of Disney Experiences that bring the magic of Disney stories and franchises to life through theme parks, resorts, cruise ships, unique vacation experiences, products and more around the world. In addition to high caliber creative writing skills, applicants should have knowledge of Disney stories, an overall understanding of the Disney storytelling approach, and the capacity to work well within a collaborative team structure.  

You will report to the Executive of the Story Development Studio. 

All candidates must include a cover letter with their submission. 

What You Will Do:  

• Create or adapt original story concepts and develop them through research and the writing of overviews, outlines, treatments, scripts, and show information guides under the guidance of a senior member of the Story Development team and project teams.  

• Brainstorm within project teams, generate notes from writers’ room sessions in organized and timely fashion and as requested, help develop the story of a ride, environmental or media-based attraction, or related facility.  

• Generate nomenclature, sign copy for supporting show and operational graphics, operational spiels, show dialogue, and cast member training materials.  

• Manage story documentation throughout the life of the project.  

• Interact with leadership of TWDC, stakeholders and consultant talent. Able to receive constructive feedback, implement new direction through collaboration, and pursuit of excellence. 

• In addition to story, the Story Lead Senior casts and directs performer talent (including star talent) and directs and edits media and vocal recording sessions.   

• Work under tight deadlines, while maintaining individual creative integrity; communicate effectively at all levels in all disciplines.  

• Be empowered to make creative choices, with frequent review from senior Story Development team members.  

• Support company-wide communications as needed.  

Required Qualifications:  

• Proven success writing for Entertainment Industry as a Story Editor, Executive Story Editor or Producer. 

• Bilingual with verbal and written fluency in Japanese and English.  

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Japanese and English.  

• Have knowledge and understanding of modern Japanese culture.  

• A solid understanding of story structure with the ability to write strong dialogue, clear and concise copy, and descriptive prose.  

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experiential storytelling in theme parks and other related story development preferred.  

• Degree in Creative Writing, English, Communications, Screenwriting, or a related field, a minimum of 5 years of professional writing experience—preferably within themed entertainment, the entertainment or media industry or other storytelling-driven fields including writing or directing for film, theater, television production, or other equivalent experience. 

Additional Information:  

Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities, and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.