Senior Animator - 3D Character Animation

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible remote work

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior 3D Character Animator to bring characters to life for games, film, and television. The role demands an expert understanding of anatomy, physics, and animation principles, plus proficiency in industry tools.

The successful candidate will work with a creative team in the Mahikeng region and beyond, delivering high-quality performances. The ideal candidate has 6+ years of professional experience, a strong portfolio, and the ability to interpret artistic direction.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of professional 3D character animation experience.
• Strong portfolio showing performance, action, and facial animation.
• Proficiency in Maya, Blender, or 3ds Max.
• Understanding of timing, spacing, and weight.
• Experience with motion capture cleanup is a plus.
• Ability to interpret artistic direction.
• Excellent communication and teamwork.
• Degree or diploma in Animation or Fine Arts preferred.
• Remote work ability and willingness to relocate near Mahikeng.

Responsibilities

• Create high-quality 3D character animation for games, film, and TV.
• Animate characters per scripts, storyboards, and direction.
• Ensure animation meets quality, style, and technical requirements.
• Collaborate with directors and art leads.
• Provide feedback and mentorship to junior animators.
• Troubleshoot animation-related tech challenges.
• Contribute to animation pipelines and tools.
• Maintain clear communication throughout production.
• Stay updated with latest animation techniques and tech.
• Adhere to project schedules and deliver on time.

Skills

Character animation

Portfolio

Animation principles

Collaboration

Problem solving

Time management

Communication

Remote work

Education

Animation degree or diploma

Fine Arts degree (preferred)

Tools

Maya

Blender

3ds Max

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a thriving studio within the Arts & Entertainment sector, is seeking a highly skilled Senior 3D Character Animator to join their creative team. This role is responsible for bringing characters to life through compelling and believable animation. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of anatomy, physics, and the principles of animation, along with proficiency in industry-standard software. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge projects in the Mahikeng, North West region and beyond. We are looking for an artist with a passion for storytelling and a proven ability to create high-quality character performances that engage audiences. Your artistry will be key in developing memorable animated characters.

Key Responsibilities

• Create high-quality character animation for various media, including games, film, and television.
• Animate characters according to scripts, storyboards, and directorial guidance.
• Ensure animation meets the desired quality, style, and technical requirements.
• Collaborate effectively with directors, art leads, and other members of the animation team.
• Provide constructive feedback and mentorship to junior animators.
• Troubleshoot and resolve animation-related technical challenges.
• Contribute to the development of animation pipelines and tools.
• Maintain excellent communication with team members throughout the production process.
• Stay current with the latest animation techniques and technologies.
• Adhere to project schedules and deliver work on time.

Requirements

• A minimum of 6 years of professional experience in 3D character animation.
• A strong portfolio demonstrating a wide range of character animation skills, including performance, action, and facial animation.
• Proficiency in 3D animation software such as Maya, Blender, 3ds Max, or similar.
• Solid understanding of animation principles, timing, spacing, and weight.
• Experience with motion capture cleanup and integration is a plus.
• Ability to interpret and execute artistic direction effectively.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• A degree or diploma in Animation, Fine Arts, or a related field is preferred.
• Ability to work effectively in a remote setting, with strong self-discipline and time management skills.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to the vicinity of Mahikeng, North West.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, commensurate with your extensive experience in 3D animation.
• This role provides the chance to work on exciting and innovative projects within the Arts & Entertainment industry, contributing to the growing creative sector in Mahikeng, North West.
• You will benefit from a flexible remote work environment, allowing for a great work-life balance, while collaborating with a talented and passionate team.
• Professional development and growth opportunities are available.