Animator (3 Month Contract)

Framestore Limited; United States; Remote; USD 54,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Framestore in Melbourne is seeking an experienced Animator for a short-term contract to deliver high-quality keyframe animation for our TV/film projects. You will work with Animation Leads to create compelling, story-driven moments that fit our show's style and pace, both independently and within a team.

The ideal candidate has strong Maya knowledge, understands physics of motion, and can adapt to changing directions while meeting deadlines.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as an animator in a professional environment.
• Thorough knowledge of Maya and understanding of rigging set-ups.
• Strong eye for motion, weight, balance, texture and form.
• Reliable timekeeping and ability to meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Animate both primary and secondary characters and elements.
• Collaborate with Production and Leads on schedules and deadlines.
• Work efficiently as part of a team or alone to complete shots.
• Submit shots for review and implement feedback.
• Maintain knowledge of rigs and animation pipelines.
• Be open to direction and adapt to changing requirements.
• Demonstrate organization and interpersonal skills.
• Learn new processes and technical skills as needed.

Skills

Maya

Physical motion

Rigging knowledge

Timekeeping

Communication

Adaptability

Tools

Maya

Job description

The multi-Oscar-winning creative Film & Episodic studio, at Framestore has worked with some of the greatest storytellers in film today. Collaborating with directors and producers across the complete filmmaking process to help design, plan and create beautiful images, we focus on finding innovative creative solutions to support their vision and set new standards for visual effects in cinema.

Framestore combines talent and technology to bring life to everything we create. Driven by creativity and inspired by the future, we set out every day to reframe the possible.

This is a short term 3-month contract commencing January 2027 and ending March 2027. Due to the short term nature of this contract, candidates must have the right to work in Australia.

The Role

As an Animator at Framestore’s Melbourne studio, you will work closely with our Animation Leads and Supervisors to produce high-quality keyframe animation that creates compelling, story-driven, and action-packed moments that fit within the style and pacing of the show.

We're looking for someone who can animate both primary and secondary characters and elements, meet schedules and deadlines, and work efficiently as part of a team or independently to complete assigned shots. You'll need excellent communication and interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the proven ability to work under pressure.

The ideal candidate will have previous experience in a similar role, thorough knowledge of Maya, an understanding of physical motion, weight, balance, texture, and form, and an understanding of typical rigging set-ups, and animation pipelines. They should also be open to direction and be able to embrace change, be reliable, have good timekeeping and have the ability to meet deadlines. At Framestore, we believe in creative collaboration and are looking for someone who is committed to it as well.

Remote contracts may be available if you are within a timezone similar to Melbourne.

What you’ll do

• Animating both primary and secondary characters and elements.
• Ongoing communication with Production and Lead regarding schedules and deadlines.
• Working efficiently as part of a team, or independently, to complete assigned shots.
• Submitting shots for review and follow through with notes and feedback if required.
• Good knowledge of Maya.
• An understanding of physical motion, weight, balance, texture and form.
• An understanding of rigs and typical rigging set-ups, animation pipelines and transferring data between tools.
• Being open to direction and able to embrace change.
• Reliable, with good timekeeping and the ability to meet deadlines.
• Excellent organisation, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Adaptability and the willingness to learn new processes and technical skills.

You might also have

• A knowledge of Modelling, Rigging and Mel/Python scripting.
• A traditional animation and/or art background.
• Knowledge of human and animal anatomy as well as life-drawing skills.

Accessibility Statement

Our Melbourne studio is fully accessible, with step-free entry and quiet spaces available. We are committed to supporting disabled colleagues and providing an inclusive workplace for everyone.

We review all applications manually and do not use artificial intelligence to screen candidates. If you require any adjustments or support during the application process, please let us know—we are happy to accommodate your needs.