Overview

Kickstart Entertainment is a growing animation and production studio with locations in Vancouver, Los Angeles, and Hong Kong. We believe in the power of collaboration! It shows in the way we work and the fun environment we create where innovation and creativity thrive.

Our team is built of talented people with diverse skill-sets, so no two Teamies (what we call Kickstart employees) are the same! Together, we handpick a team for each project, based on experience, enthusiasm, alignment to our core values and the individual goals of our team members. Our approach allows individuals to experience variety in their workload and develop more than one skill set.

Our studio is located in the heart of Strathcona in Vancouver. During these difficult times of living in a pandemic, our interview process will be conducted via Google Meets and we have enabled most of our Teamies to work from home as we navigate what a Hybrid Studio will look like at Kickstart. As we transition to what Hybrid will look like at Kickstart, we are starting to give to certain roles the opportunity to work from the studio, we are happy to consider working from home as an option into the future for many positions. We are excited to create an experience that keeps everyone connected regardless of if you are working from home or in the studio!

This role is responsible for set-up and execution of the visual storytelling of the project. Strong communication with the Director, Production and Design Team will be key to the success of this role.

This role is open to candidates across North America.

Job Duties:

  • Collaborate with Director to ensure strong execution of visuals for the project
  • Oversee the creation of a style guide/design bible using materials from the development stage of the project.
  • Ensure the guide is ready when the design team starts.
  • Review references and interpret to suit the vision of this show
  • Lead a project kickoff with the design team (Director and production will attend) to set the tone for the project – how they should work, key creative info, team building.
  • Review scripts with the Director before they are launched into production.
  • Incorporate client direction and director input into asset kickoff notes for the design team
  • Work closely with the design coordinator to delegate assignments and kick designers off on their work.
  • Attend dailies/review artist work and provide clear notes and draw-overs where applicable
  • Actively participate in colour key planning – generate colour keys when necessary and provide leadership to artist(s)
  • Supervise design team – be accessible for guidance and questions
  • Come up with creative solutions to production issues
  • Ensure consistency with design packages including info and direction on texturing, shading, lighting, colour, topographic views, references
  • Work with design coordinator to ensure naming conventions, file structure in archiving, software guidelines are followed by the design team
  • Lead weekly design meetings and brainstorm sessions with designers to provide general feedback and updates about the project
  • Qualify client notes and seek clarification on any questions
  • Supporting Kickstart’s Culture by aligning and engaging with the Core Values of Kickstart.
  • Cultivate strong client communication and care
  • And such other duties as Kickstart may assign from time to time

Requirements:

  • 3+ Years’ Service work experience in a leadership role
  • 2+ Years as an Art Director on a CG series
  • Photoshop experience
  • Proven ability to provide clear and kind feedback to their design team

Assets:

  • After Effects
  • Illustrator
  • Maya
  • Shotgrid experience

At Kickstart we understand that experience can come in many forms, you may not meet all the requirements and that is ok! We pride ourselves in adding new perspectives to the team, so if your experience is close to the requirements, we encourage you to apply.

Why Kickstart?

Having the experience and skills is one part of being considered for joining the Kickstart. We are looking for people who are aligned with and will grow our Core Values and are just as passionate about and dedicated to creating a workplace that values inclusion, personal growth and community as much as profit. We are globally recognized as the go-to, fiercely talented team that creates outstanding content that captivates people and positively moves the world forward. That being said, at Kickstart, we passionately promise:
– To be flexible
– To be massively resourceful
– To always over deliver

Kickstart Entertainment strives towards creating safe spaces in every aspect of the employee journey at Kickstart, including the recruitment process. We provide an atmosphere where inclusion, equity and diversity is at the heart of how we operate. Allowing everyone to bring their whole authentic selves to work. One way we demonstrate our commitment to this is by providing a supportive work environment and a culture that welcomes and encourages equal opportunities for all employees. Kickstart also accommodates people with disabilities throughout the selection process. Should you require accommodation, please let us know your requirements when contacted.