Lead Animation Director

Placements24; Durban; Vor Ort; ZAR 900.000 - 1.400.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Competitive salary and benefits

Relocation assistance may be available

Mentorship and professional growth

State-of-the-art studio environment

Zusammenfassung

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Animation Director to guide the creative direction for our Durban studio. You will oversee the animation team, shaping the artistic vision and ensuring outstanding character performance across projects.

The role requires hands-on leadership, a strong portfolio, and deep understanding of animation principles and storytelling. You will mentor talent, set technical standards, and collaborate across departments in a fast-paced production environment.

Qualifikationen

• Significant animation experience with directorial or lead responsibilities.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating high-quality animation and vision.
• Deep understanding of animation principles, storytelling, and cinematography.
• Proficiency in Maya, Blender, or 3ds Max.

Aufgaben

• Direct and guide the animation team to deliver exceptional character performance.
• Establish and maintain the artistic vision and animation style for projects.
• Review sequences and provide constructive feedback for quality and consistency.
• Collaborate with directors and story artists to integrate animation into production.
• Develop animation pipelines and workflows.
• Mentor and inspire animators to grow artistically.
• Ensure animation meets technical and artistic requirements.
• Troubleshoot animation issues and propose creative solutions.
• Contribute to story development from an animation perspective.
• Present concepts and progress to stakeholders.

Kenntnisse

Directing leadership

Team leadership

Animation fundamentals

Cinematography

Storytelling

Mentoring

Creativity

Ausbildung

Bachelor’s degree in Animation or related field

Tools

Maya

Blender

3ds Max

Jobbeschreibung

About the Role

Our client, a premier animation studio renowned for its groundbreaking work in character animation and visual storytelling, is searching for an exceptional Lead Animation Director to guide their creative endeavors in **Durban, KwaZulu-Natal**. This senior leadership position demands a visionary artist with a deep passion for bringing characters and stories to life. You will be responsible for overseeing the animation team, defining the artistic direction, and ensuring the highest quality of animation across all projects. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of animation principles, character performance, and directorial vision. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of animation at a studio that values creativity, innovation, and artistic excellence. You will play a crucial role in mentoring animators, driving artistic quality, and fostering a collaborative and inspiring work atmosphere. The role requires hands-on involvement and a keen ability to inspire and direct.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and guide the animation team to achieve exceptional character performance and visual storytelling.
• Establish and maintain the artistic vision and animation style for projects.
• Review and provide constructive feedback on animation sequences to ensure quality and consistency.
• Collaborate with directors, story artists, and other department leads to integrate animation into the overall production pipeline.
• Develop and implement animation pipelines and workflows.
• Mentor, coach, and inspire animators, fostering their artistic growth and development.
• Ensure animation meets technical and artistic requirements.
• Troubleshoot animation issues and provide creative solutions.
• Contribute to story development and character design from an animation perspective.
• Present animation concepts and progress to stakeholders.

Requirements

• Extensive experience in animation, with a significant portion in a directorial or lead role.
• A strong portfolio demonstrating exceptional animation quality and directorial vision.
• Deep understanding of animation principles, cinematography, and storytelling.
• Proficiency in industry-standard animation software (e.g., Maya, Blender, 3ds Max).
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a team of artists.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with performance capture and rigging is a plus.
• A keen eye for detail and a passion for pushing creative boundaries.
• Bachelor's degree in Animation, Fine Arts, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced studio environment in **Durban**.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to lead creative vision on exciting animation projects.
• Work in a state-of-the studio environment.
• Mentorship and professional development programs.
• Collaborative and artist-driven culture.
• Contribute to the vibrant arts and culture scene in **KwaZulu-Natal**.
• Relocation assistance may be available for exceptional candidates.