Senior Animation Director for Feature Films

Placements24; Rustenburg; Remote; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote flexibility

Competitive salary

Health and wellness benefits

Performance bonus structure

Professional development opportunities

Generous time off

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Animation Director to lead a remote animation team on ambitious feature projects. You will set creative direction for character and environment animation, guiding a global group of artists to deliver high-quality performances aligned with the film's vision.

Ideal candidates will demonstrate extensive feature-film experience, a strong portfolio, and excellent leadership. The role offers remote work, competitive compensation, and opportunities for professional growth

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Animation, Fine Arts, or related field or equivalent experience.
• Extensive experience as an animator and animation supervisor on major feature films.
• Proven leadership and ability to guide a team of artists.

Responsibilities

• Provide clear and inspiring creative direction for all character and environment animation on feature film projects.
• Lead, mentor, and motivate a team of animators with constructive feedback and guidance.
• Collaborate with Director, Storyboard Artists, and Art Director to define animation style and performances.
• Oversee the animation pipeline for efficient workflows and timely shot delivery.
• Review dailies, identify improvements, and approve final sequences.
• Develop and maintain character performance bibles and animation style guides.
• Troubleshoot animation challenges with innovative solutions.
• Ensure consistency in character design, movement, and acting across shots.
• Work with technical directors to refine tools and workflows.

Skills

Animation leadership

3D animation

Maya

Blender

Cinematography

Storytelling

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Animation or related field

Tools

Maya

Blender

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized animation studio with a reputation for stunning visual storytelling, is seeking an experienced and visionary Senior Animation Director to join their award-winning, fully remote team. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned professional to lead the animation department on ambitious feature film projects, shaping the performance and emotional depth of characters. You will guide animators, providing creative direction and technical oversight to ensure the highest quality of animation that aligns with the film's vision. Working entirely remotely, you will collaborate with a talented global team of artists and filmmakers, contributing to projects that reach audiences worldwide. We are looking for a leader with a proven track record in feature animation and a passion for bringing stories to life through dynamic and believable character movement. This role requires a blend of artistic talent, leadership acumen, and a deep understanding of the animation pipeline.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide clear and inspiring creative direction for all character and environment animation on feature film projects.
• Lead, mentor, and motivate a team of animators, providing constructive feedback and technical guidance.
• Collaborate closely with the Director, Storyboard Artists, and Art Director to define the animation style and character performances.
• Oversee the animation pipeline, ensuring efficient workflows and timely delivery of shots.
• Review animation dailies, identify areas for improvement, and approve final animation sequences.
• Develop and maintain character performance bibles and animation style guides.
• Troubleshoot animation challenges and implement innovative solutions.
• Ensure consistency in character design, movement, and acting across all shots.
• Work with technical directors to establish and refine animation tools and workflows.
• Contribute to story development and character refinement through the lens of animation potential.

Requirements

• Extensive experience as an animator and animation supervisor on multiple major feature films.
• A strong portfolio showcasing exceptional animation quality and leadership in character performance.
• In-depth knowledge of 3D animation principles, acting, and cinematography.
• Proficiency with industry-standard animation software (e.g., Maya, Blender).
• Demonstrated ability to effectively lead and inspire a team of artists.
• Excellent understanding of the entire animation production pipeline from pre-production to final output.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to provide clear, concise, and actionable feedback.
• A keen eye for detail, timing, and storytelling.
• Bachelor's degree in Animation, Fine Arts, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Benefits

• This is a fully remote position offering unparalleled flexibility and the opportunity to work from anywhere.
• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, and a generous performance bonus structure.
• You will have access to state-of-the‑art digital tools and collaborate with world‑class talent on ambitious projects.
• We foster a culture of continuous learning and professional development, with opportunities to attend industry events and workshops.
• The company values work‑life balance and provides ample paid time off.
• Join a studio renowned for its creative excellence and be part of bringing incredible stories to life on a global scale.