Senior Animation Director

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan

Generous annual leave

Professional development

Collaborative environment

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town is seeking a Senior Animation Director to guide the creative direction and supervise animation sequences for major feature films and television series. You will inspire and lead teams of animators, technical directors, and storyboard artists to deliver work of the highest standard.

You will mentor junior staff, collaborate with directors, and ensure storytelling, character performance, and pacing align with the project vision while solving complex challenges in a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Animation, Fine Arts, Film, or related field, or equivalent industry experience.
• 10+ years in animation with at least 5 years in leadership roles such as Supervisor or Director.
• Strong portfolio showing character animation and directing on notable projects.
• Deep understanding of animation principles and character performance.
• Proficiency in Maya, 3ds Max, Blender; motion capture experience is a plus.
• Excellent leadership, communication and interpersonal skills; ability to inspire teams.
• Strong storytelling, cinematography, and editing understanding.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Passion for animation and keen eye for detail and aesthetics.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the animation pipeline from pre-visualization to final output with artistic and technical excellence.
• Provide clear creative direction and feedback to animators, riggers, and modelers.
• Collaborate with directors and storyboard artists to translate scripts into sequences.
• Ensure character performance, pacing, and storytelling meet project vision.
• Mentor junior and mid-level animators; foster skill development and growth.
• Resolve complex animation challenges and drive workflow innovations.
• Maintain consistent style and quality across assets for a project.
• Participate in casting sessions and input on character performance.
• Review dailies and provide timely feedback to the team.
• Communicate with other department heads for seamless production integration.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Storytelling

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Maya

3ds Max

Blender

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading animation studio renowned for its visually stunning and narrative-driven content, is seeking an experienced and visionary Senior Animation Director to join their team in Cape Town. This role is paramount in guiding the creative direction and execution of animation sequences for major feature films and television series. You will be responsible for inspiring and leading teams of animators, technical directors, and storyboard artists, ensuring that the final animation meets the highest standards of quality, performance, and artistic integrity. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of animation principles, character performance, storytelling, and has a proven track record of delivering exceptional animated content. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on visually rich projects within the vibrant creative hub of Cape Town.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the animation pipeline from pre-visualization to final output, ensuring artistic and technical excellence.


• Provide clear creative direction and constructive feedback to animation teams, including animators, riggers, and modelers.


• Collaborate closely with directors, storyboard artists, and art directors to translate script and storyboards into compelling animated sequences.


• Ensure character performance, pacing, and storytelling within animation are engaging and align with the overall vision of the project.


• Mentor and guide junior and mid-level animators, fostering their skill development and career growth.


• Solve complex animation challenges and drive innovation in animation techniques and workflows.


• Maintain a consistent style and quality across all animated assets for a given project.


• Participate in casting sessions for voice actors, providing input on character performance.


• Review dailies and provide timely, actionable feedback to the animation team.


• Communicate effectively with other department heads to ensure seamless integration of animation into the overall production.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Animation, Fine Arts, Film, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.


• A minimum of 10 years of experience in the animation industry, with at least 5 years in a leadership role such as Animation Supervisor or Director.


• A strong portfolio showcasing exceptional character animation skills and directing experience on notable projects.


• Deep understanding of animation principles (squash and stretch, anticipation, timing, etc.) and character performance.


• Proficiency in industry-standard animation software (e.g., Maya, 3ds Max, Blender).


• Experience with motion capture technology and workflows is a plus.


• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams.


• Strong understanding of storytelling, cinematography, and editing within the context of animation.


• Ability to manage multiple priorities, solve complex problems, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.


• Passion for animation and a keen eye for detail and aesthetics.

Benefits

Our client offers an industry-leading salary package, commensurate with the extensive experience and leadership required for this role.

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans are provided for employees and their dependents.

An generous annual leave policy allows for ample rest and rejuvenation.

The studio provides significant opportunities for professional development, including workshops, masterclasses, and exposure to cutting-edge animation technology right here in Cape Town.

Employees benefit from a collaborative and creative work atmosphere, surrounded by passionate industry professionals.

We also offer a retirement savings plan and other perks designed to support our team's well-being and career longevity.

Join a team that is pushing the boundaries of animation and storytelling.