Lead Animator

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Presencial; ZAR 420.000 - 600.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Animator for their Bloemfontein studio. You will guide a team of animators, shape the animation style, and ensure emotional, believable character movement for upcoming projects.

The role calls for a masterful grasp of animation principles, an outstanding portfolio, and leadership ability. You will collaborate with directors, art directors, and riggers to push quality and efficiency, while staying aligned with project timelines in a dynamic creative environment.

Formación

• Minimum 5 years in a Lead or Senior animator role within animation or gaming.
• Strong portfolio showing character animation and leadership experience.
• Mastery of 3D software (Maya, 3ds Max, Blender) and animation principles.
• Excellent communication and ability to mentor a team.

Responsabilidades

• Lead and mentor the animation team on character performance, style, and execution.
• Oversee the animation pipeline, ensuring timely delivery of shots.
• Collaborate with directors and rigging artists to align aesthetics and tech.
• Review dailies and provide actionable feedback.
• Maintain high animation quality and consistent character motion.

Conocimientos

Team leadership

Character animation

Animation pipeline

Maya

3ds Max

Blender

Educación

Bachelor's degree in Animation

Herramientas

Maya

3ds Max

Blender

Descripción del empleo

About the Role

Our client, a celebrated animation studio known for its visually stunning and character-driven narratives, is looking for a Lead Animator to join their creative hub in Bloemfontein. This key position involves guiding a team of animators to achieve exceptional quality and consistency in character performance and animation for upcoming projects. The ideal candidate will possess a masterful understanding of animation principles, exceptional artistic talent, and strong leadership skills to inspire and direct the animation department. You will play a crucial role in defining the style and quality of animation, ensuring characters are brought to life with compelling emotion and believable movement. Become a vital part of Bloemfontein's growing creative industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the animation team, providing clear direction on character performance, style, and technical execution.
• Oversee the animation pipeline, ensuring efficient workflows and timely delivery of shots.
• Collaborate closely with directors, art directors, and rigging artists to achieve the desired character aesthetics and technical requirements.
• Review animation dailies, providing constructive and actionable feedback to animators.
• Set and maintain the highest standards of animation quality and consistency across all projects.
• Develop and refine animation techniques and tools to enhance efficiency and artistic output.
• Troubleshoot animation issues and provide solutions to technical challenges faced by the team.
• Contribute to character development and performance decisions.
• Participate in the recruitment and training of new animation talent.
• Stay updated on the latest trends and technologies in animation production.

Requirements

• Extensive experience as an Animator, with a minimum of 5 years in a Lead or Senior role within the animation or gaming industry.
• A strong portfolio showcasing exceptional character animation skills and leadership experience.
• Mastery of 3D animation software such as Maya, 3ds Max, or Blender.
• Deep understanding of animation principles, including timing, spacing, weight, and acting.
• Proven ability to lead and inspire a team of animators, fostering a collaborative and productive environment.
• Excellent eye for detail, anatomy, and character performance.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to evolving project needs.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to clearly articulate creative and technical feedback.
• Experience with motion capture cleanup and integration is a plus.
• Familiarity with the Bloemfontein creative scene or willingness to relocate is expected.
• Degree in Animation, Fine Arts, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, retirement planning assistance, and opportunities for professional development.

You will work with a passionate team on exciting projects that reach a global audience, utilizing state-of-the-art technology. This role provides a fantastic opportunity to shape the animation quality of impactful productions and grow your career within the vibrant arts and entertainment sector of Bloemfontein.