Overview

The Senior Animator is responsible for delivering high quality animation in a quick and efficient manner. They will act as an example to and mentor junior artists and will deliver all tasks within the required timeframe. They will be responsible for taking on the lion share of the difficult shots and will assist junior artists complete their work should the level of difficulty require it. Senior Animators will be able to apply briefing notes with minimal direction from team Leads or Supervisors. They will quality check all of their work and occasionally will assist the Leads to quality check the work of junior artists should the Lead need assistance.

In addition, the Senior Animator will help the Leads and Animation Supervisor to flag issues. They will potentially assist in the Lead role on a short term basis in the event of an absence or if production needs require it. They will participate in team meetings when necessary. They will maintain a positive attitude in times of high stress and will maintain motivation levels in the event of multiple iterations.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work primarily with Animation Supervisor/Leads to create convincing performances and motion of character/non-character assets

• Animate character/non-character assets from simple to difficult with a minimum of supervision

• Work with production and supervisor team to understand and manage schedules and shot deadlines

• Work with animation team to maintain continuity and consistent performance within a show

• Communicate successes and challenges faced by the team to the Animation Supervisor

• Manage time and resources to meet weekly targets

• Complete all quality control for animation submitted for review for artistic problems (e.g. bad poses, character being off model, crashing, etc.) prior to Animation Supervisor’s review

• Provide input regarding tools and interfaces to improve throughput

• Animate dynamic, believable and appealing characters/non-character assets

• Attend dailies, reviews, and team meetings as required

• Accurately address critique and comments from supervisors, and ensure that revisions are completed in a timely manner

• Mentor junior animators

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• 5+ years’ of experience animating character and non-character assets for VFX/feature films

• Demonstrated expert knowledge of traditional animation principles, acting, film production and compositional design

• Ability to animate multiple types of character/non-character assets from simple to complex with a minimum of supervision

• Strong visual storyteller and well-versed in cinematography: camera angles, composition and continuity

• Excellent attention to detail when finalizing, approving or quality controlling work

• Ability to balance quick turnaround while achieving a high degree of aesthetic quality

 

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Technical skills

• Expert level knowledge of Maya

• A working knowledge of Motion Capture and/or Rigging is a plus

 

Core skills

• Ability to troubleshoot and deal with competing priorities and projects

• Ability to take direction positively, work well within a diverse group, and thrive under the pressure of tight production deadlines

• Ability to adapt quickly to new technologies and applications

• Excellent time management and communication skills