Animation Director - Feature Film

Placements24; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an visionary Animation Director to lead the animation team for a new feature film project in Pretoria. You will define and uphold the overall animation style, quality, and performance, guiding animators and ensuring compelling, emotionally resonant performances.

You will collaborate with the Director, Art Director, and department heads to achieve a unified artistic vision and deliver a critically acclaimed cinematic experience.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of feature film animation experience.
• Proven track record in directing or lead roles.
• Strong understanding of animation principles and performance.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and direct all aspects of character and creature animation for the feature film.
• Establish and maintain the animation style, tone, and quality standards for the project.
• Provide clear, constructive feedback and artistic guidance to the animation team.
• Collaborate with the Director and Storyboard team to translate story beats into dynamic animated sequences.
• Conduct animation reviews, troubleshoot creative and technical challenges, and ensure timely delivery of animation shots.
• Mentor and inspire the animation team, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment.

Skills

Leadership

Character animation

Storytelling

Portfolio

Tools

Maya

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious animation studio, is seeking an visionary Animation Director to lead the animation team for a new feature film project in Pretoria . You will be responsible for defining and upholding the overall animation style, quality, and performance of the film. This pivotal role involves guiding animators, providing creative direction, and ensuring that characters and performances are compelling, emotionally resonant, and technically sound. You will collaborate closely with the Director, Art Director, and other department heads to achieve a unified artistic vision and deliver a critically acclaimed cinematic experience. This is a leadership opportunity for an artist with a proven track record in character animation and a deep understanding of visual storytelling.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and direct all aspects of character and creature animation for the feature film.
• Establish and maintain the animation style, tone, and quality standards for the project.
• Provide clear, constructive feedback and artistic guidance to the animation team.
• Collaborate with the Director and Storyboard team to translate story beats into dynamic animated sequences.
• Conduct animation reviews, troubleshoot creative and technical challenges, and ensure timely delivery of animation shots.
• Mentor and inspire the animation team, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment.

Requirements

• Extensive experience (10+ years) in feature film animation, with a significant portion in a directing or lead role.
• A deep understanding of animation principles, cinematography, and performance acting.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate a large team of animators.
• Strong portfolio showcasing exceptional character animation and directorial vision.
• Proficiency with industry-standard animation software (e.g., Maya).
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and interdepartmental collaboration skills.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunity to work on a major feature film with a renowned studio.
• Creative freedom and influence over the project's artistic direction.
• Relocation assistance for qualified candidates.
• Be part of a celebrated creative community in Pretoria.