Senior Character Animator

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Paid holidays

Professional development

Bonuses

Team-building activities

Job summary

Placements24 in Bloemfontein is seeking a Senior Character Animator to bring characters to life with compelling performances and fluid motion across animated films, series, and game cinematics.

You will mentor junior team members and collaborate with directors, art leads, and fellow animators to ensure consistency, quality, and seamless integration into the production pipeline.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience as a Character Animator in animation, film, or gaming.
• Strong portfolio showcasing a wide range of high-quality character animation work.
• Proficiency in Maya, 3ds Max, Blender or equivalent.
• Deep understanding of animation timing, spacing, weight and appeal.
• Experience with rigging systems and character setup is a plus.
• Strong understanding of anatomy, cinematography and performance.
• Excellent observation and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Degree in Animation or related field or equivalent professional experience.

Responsibilities

• Create high-quality character animations that meet project requirements and artistic standards.
• Interpret and execute animation direction to deliver compelling character performances.
• Collaborate closely with directors, art leads, and other animators to ensure consistency and quality.
• Animate a wide range of character actions, including facial expressions, body mechanics, and dialogue.
• Ensure all animations are technically sound and optimized for the production pipeline.
• Provide constructive feedback to other animators and participate in review sessions.
• Troubleshoot animation challenges and propose creative solutions.
• Stay updated on the latest animation techniques and software developments.
• Mentor and guide junior animators, fostering skill development within the team.
• Contribute to the overall visual storytelling and artistic vision of the project.

Skills

Character animation

Portfolio development

Industry software

Animation principles

Rigging experience

Anatomy & performance

Observation skills

Communication & collaboration

Direction interpretation

Education

Degree in Animation or related field

Tools

Maya

3ds Max

Blender

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading animation studio based in **Bloemfontein**, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Character Animator. This position is vital for bringing our characters to life with compelling performances and fluid motion across various projects, including animated films, series, and game cinematics. The ideal candidate possesses exceptional artistic talent, a deep understanding of animation principles, and proficiency in industry-standard animation software. You will be responsible for creating high-quality character animations that convey emotion, personality, and narrative effectively. Join our creative and collaborative team in **Bloemfontein** and contribute to visually stunning animated content. We are looking for an animator who is passionate about storytelling through movement and can mentor junior team members.

Key Responsibilities

• Create high-quality character animations that meet project requirements and artistic standards.
• Interpret and execute animation direction to deliver compelling character performances.
• Collaborate closely with directors, art leads, and other animators to ensure consistency and quality.
• Animate a wide range of character actions, including facial expressions, body mechanics, and dialogue.
• Ensure all animations are technically sound and optimized for the production pipeline.
• Provide constructive feedback to other animators and participate in review sessions.
• Troubleshoot animation challenges and propose creative solutions.
• Stay updated on the latest animation techniques and software developments.
• Mentor and guide junior animators, fostering skill development within the team.
• Contribute to the overall visual storytelling and artistic vision of the project.

Requirements

• Extensive experience as a Character Animator in animation, film, or gaming.
• A strong portfolio showcasing a wide range of high-quality character animation work.
• Proficiency in industry-standard 3D animation software (e.g., Maya, 3ds Max, Blender).
• Deep understanding of animation principles, including timing, spacing, weight, and appeal.
• Experience with rigging systems and character setup is a plus.
• Strong understanding of anatomy, cinematography, and performance.
• Excellent observation skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines in a **Bloemfontein** studio environment.
• A degree or equivalent professional experience in Animation or a related field.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with your experience and talent.

• Benefits include comprehensive health coverage, paid holidays, and opportunities for professional development.
• You will have the chance to work on exciting, high-profile projects with a talented team.
• This role provides a creative and supportive work environment in **Bloemfontein**, fostering artistic growth and career advancement.
• We also offer performance-based bonuses and team-building activities.