Senior Animation Director - 3D Character Animation

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Competitive salary

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Animation Director for a leading studio in Port Elizabeth. You will lead a team of 3D character animators, setting the artistic direction and ensuring emotionally resonant performances for feature films and high-end TV series.

You will mentor artists, provide clear feedback, and collaborate with directors to define character personalities while overseeing from blocking to final polish.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in 3D character animation with leadership experience.
• Proven directing experience for feature films or high-end TV.
• Strong understanding of animation principles: timing, weight, posing, character performance.
• Proficiency in Maya or industry-standard software.
• Strong communication and mentoring abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of 3D character animators throughout the production pipeline.
• Set the artistic vision and quality standards for character animation, ensuring consistency and excellence.
• Provide clear and constructive feedback to animators on character performance, acting, and technical execution.
• Collaborate closely with directors, art directors, and supervisors to define character personalities and movement.
• Oversee the animation process from blocking to final polish, ensuring timely delivery of shots.
• Review and approve animation scenes, ensuring they meet project requirements and aesthetic goals.
• Contribute to the development of animation techniques and workflows.
• Troubleshoot animation challenges and provide solutions to technical and artistic problems.
• Foster a positive and collaborative team environment that encourages creativity and growth.

Skills

Leadership

Animation direction

Mentoring

Feedback & critique

Communication

Artistic vision

Storytelling

Team management

Tools

Maya

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading studio renowned for its cutting-edge 3D animation, is seeking an accomplished Senior Animation Director to join their vibrant team in Port Elizabeth. This crucial role involves leading and inspiring a team of talented animators to create compelling and lifelike 3D character performances for feature films and high-end television series. You will guide the artistic direction of animation, ensuring character performances are emotionally resonant, technically sound, and aligned with the overall vision of the project. The ideal candidate possesses a strong artistic sensibility, a deep understanding of animation principles, and proven leadership capabilities. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to visually stunning projects and mentor emerging talent within a collaborative and innovative studio environment. We are looking for a creative visionary who can bring characters to life with passion and precision.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of 3D character animators throughout the production pipeline.
• Set the artistic vision and quality standards for character animation, ensuring consistency and excellence.
• Provide clear and constructive feedback to animators on character performance, acting, and technical execution.
• Collaborate closely with directors, art directors, and supervisors to define character personalities and movement.
• Oversee the animation process from blocking to final polish, ensuring timely delivery of shots.
• Review and approve animation scenes, ensuring they meet project requirements and aesthetic goals.
• Contribute to the development of animation techniques and workflows.
• Troubleshoot animation challenges and provide solutions to technical and artistic problems.
• Foster a positive and collaborative team environment that encourages creativity and growth.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in 3D character animation, with at least 3 years in a leadership or directing role.
• Proven experience directing animation for feature films, high-end TV series, or similar visual media.
• Exceptional understanding of animation principles, including timing, weight, posing, and character performance.
• Proficiency in Maya or other industry-standard 3D animation software.
• Strong artistic eye for composition, color, and visual storytelling.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and guide animators, providing effective feedback and support.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision‑making skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate creative vision.
• A strong portfolio showcasing outstanding 3D character animation and directing work is essential.
• Experience with performance capture and facial animation is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and leadership capabilities.
• Opportunity to work on visually spectacular and critically acclaimed projects.
• Be part of a renowned animation studio located in the scenic Port Elizabeth.
• Collaborative and supportive team environment focused on artistic excellence.
• Professional development opportunities and career advancement.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility between office and remote work.
• Exposure to innovative animation technologies and techniques.