DreamWorks Animation reviews

Extremely political. Bonus is based on company operating income, not individual achievements (reviews are not tied to compensation). Career advancement tends to be slow with an emphasis on seniority instead of performance or ability. Several PhD computer scientists are in technology leadership positions and have never worked anywhere else. That lack of outside/industry perspective and experience leads to naive or outdated technology decisions. Occasional work from home is not permitted. That is understandable for artists but unusual in the technology industry. Very top-heavy organizational structure. Very difficult to get anyone interested in fundamental improvements or to act on suggestions.

DreamWorks has a toxic work environment with a clearly defined cast system. Some positions within the company are treated with kid gloved while others are ignored and there is no sign of this ever changing. The "haves" are given excellent salaries, thrown parties on a sometimes weekly basis, arrived late, leave early and can take long lunches. The "have nots" are barely paid enough to survive, work long hours for no recognition and are treated with little to no respect, a treatment often encouraged by upper management. There is very little mobility within the company and it is hard to get promoted. Reviews are very rarely given so if a person wants to ask for a raise or a promotion they have little hard evidence to back themselves up. The only way to improve your career is to leave the company.