3D Animation Lead

KEYTALES; À distance; EUR 40 000 - 60 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

An independent animation studio in Nantes is looking for a Lead Animator for the feature film Wildheart. This role involves grounding animation in realism and human emotion, guiding other animators while maintaining consistency, and interpreting directorial intent. Ideal candidates will have strong experience in human character animation, a sense of acting and timing, and sensitivity to cultural nuances. Freelance or contract work is available with rates based on experience. Please attach an animation reel.

Qualifications

• Solid experience in grounded human character animation.
• Strong sense of acting, body language, weight, and timing.
• Able to interpret and relay directorial intent clearly.

Responsabilités

• Animate realistic character performances for the film Wildheart.
• Guide and mentor other animators for consistency.
• Work from live-action references to enhance animation.

Connaissances

Grounded human character animation

Strong sense of acting and body language

Experience guiding animators

Sensitivity to cultural nuance

Familiarity with Japanese cinema

Description du poste

Applicants must be residents in France or Belgium

Company Description

Keytales is an independent, auteur-driven animation studio based in France, developing original feature films at the crossroads of Eastern and Western cultures, with a strong focus on storytelling, character, and cinematic language.

We’re looking for a Lead Animator to join the feature animated film Wildheart.

https : // www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLN3xgzrHCY

About the film

Wildheart is a character-driven feature set in 1960s Japan, grounded in realism and human emotion. The animation aims for cinematic, restrained, performance-led acting inspired by live‑action film language and period Japanese cinema.

The animation style leans more realistic and performance‑driven, closer to live‑action cinema than stylized or comedic animation.

What we’re looking for

• Solid experience in grounded‑leaning human character animation
• Strong sense of acting, body language, weight, and timing
• Comfortable working from live‑action reference
• Experience guiding other animators and maintaining consistency
• Able to interpret and relay directorial intent clearly
• Familiarity with Japanese cinema is a strong plus
• Sensitivity to cultural nuance and performance detail

Timeline

Starting April 2026 until April 2027

Freelance or contract, rates discussed based on profile and experience

Please attach animation reel