Senior Animation Director

Placements24; Midrand; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Health insurance

Paid time off

Professional development

Hybrid work

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Animation Director in Midrand, Gauteng, to lead creative teams across high-profile projects. You will translate briefs into compelling animated sequences, uphold artistic integrity, and drive innovation and collaboration within a hybrid in-office/remote setup.

The role requires a strong background in animation direction, leadership of feature/series teams, and proficiency in Maya, 3ds Max, or Blender. A robust portfolio is essential for consideration.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years experience in animation direction or a related leadership role.
• Proven experience leading and managing animation teams on feature films, TV series, or high-end game cinematics.
• Strong understanding of animation principles, character performance, cinematography, and storytelling.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and guide the animation team throughout the entire production cycle, from pre-production to final delivery.
• Collaborate with directors, art directors, and storyboard artists to establish visual style and tone.
• Provide clear, constructive feedback to animators, ensuring adherence to artistic vision and technical standards.
• Develop and maintain animation pipelines, tools, and workflows to optimize efficiency and quality.
• Conduct regular reviews and provide artistic direction to ensure the highest quality of animation.
• Mentor and inspire junior and senior animators, fostering their professional growth and development.
• Manage shot assignments and deadlines, ensuring timely completion of animation sequences.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies in animation.

Skills

Animation direction

Team leadership

Storytelling

Communication

Tools

Maya

3ds Max

Blender

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned production house specializing in groundbreaking animated content, is seeking a visionary Senior Animation Director to lead their creative teams in Midrand, Gauteng. This pivotal role is instrumental in shaping the visual narrative and artistic direction of high-profile projects. You will be responsible for translating creative briefs into compelling animated sequences, ensuring artistic integrity, and fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of animation pipelines, character development, and visual storytelling, with a proven track record of delivering exceptional animated features and series. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the future of animated entertainment from our vibrant Midrand, Gauteng studio, with a flexible hybrid work arrangement that balances in-office collaboration with remote flexibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and guide the animation team throughout the entire production cycle, from pre-production to final delivery.
• Collaborate closely with directors, art directors, and storyboard artists to establish the visual style and tone of projects.
• Provide clear and constructive feedback to animators, ensuring adherence to artistic vision and technical standards.
• Develop and maintain animation pipelines, tools, and workflows to optimize efficiency and quality.
• Conduct regular reviews and provide artistic direction to ensure the highest quality of animation.
• Mentor and inspire junior and senior animators, fostering their professional growth and development.
• Manage shot assignments and deadlines, ensuring timely completion of animation sequences.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies in animation.

Requirements

• A minimum of 8 years of experience in animation direction or a related leadership role within the animation industry.
• Proven experience leading and managing animation teams on feature films, TV series, or high-end game cinematics.
• Exceptional understanding of animation principles, character performance, cinematography, and storytelling.
• Proficiency in industry-standard animation software such as Maya, 3ds Max, Blender, or similar.
• Strong visual eye and a deep understanding of art, composition, color theory, and anatomy.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to provide clear, concise, and actionable feedback.
• A strong portfolio showcasing directing and animation work is essential.
• Experience in Midrand, Gauteng or understanding of the local creative industry is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package with performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
• A creative and collaborative work environment in the heart of Midrand, Gauteng.
• Access to cutting-edge animation technology and resources.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility.