Lead Crowds Artist for Feature Animation

Netflix Animation Studios; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 188,000 - 228,000; Full time

Job summary

Netflix Animation Studios seeks a Crowds Supervisor to lead the crowds team on a forthcoming feature. You will oversee character crowds simulations, background performances, and large-scale crowds moments to support story scale, tone and visual style.

Based in Vancouver with a hybrid work model (minimum 3 days in the office), you will collaborate across departments to define standards, tools, and workflows for robust crowd work that integrates into shots and supports hero action.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in crowds or character effects for feature animation, VFX, or high-end series, including time in Lead or Supervisory roles.
• Strong reel demonstrating high-quality crowds systems and their integration into complex sequences.
• Proficiency with crowds and simulation tools such as Houdini (and/or proprietary systems), with familiarity in Maya, Golaem or Massive a plus.
• Strong understanding of how crowd work interacts with Animation, Layout, Environments, FX, CFX, Lighting, and Compositing in a production pipeline.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of crowds artists and TDs, assigning work and giving clear feedback in dailies and reviews.
• Collaborate with VFX Supervisor and show leadership to interpret briefs and set standards for crowds across the show.
• Supervise crowds work on shots and sequences to support storytelling, performance, and cinematic composition.
• Create or refine crowd setups, cycles, and shots, especially for hero or reference work to set quality and approach.
• Coordinate with Animation to determine crowds cycle needs and maintain standards.
• Ensure crowds integrate seamlessly with Assets, Layout, Environments, FX, CFX, Lighting, and Compositing.

Skills

Crowds leadership

Crowds systems

Houdini

Maya

Golaem

Massive

Communication

Problem solving

Tools

Houdini

Maya

Golaem

Massive

Job description

Netflix Animation Studios seeks a Crowds Supervisor to lead the crowds team on a forthcoming feature. You will oversee character crowds simulations, background performances, and large-scale crowds moments to support story scale, tone and visual style.

Based in Vancouver with a hybrid work model (minimum 3 days in the office), you will collaborate across departments to define standards, tools, and workflows for robust crowd work that integrates into shots and supports hero action.