Lead Animator

Job description

Lead Animators set an example of quality, communication, and dedication within the team. They lead small teams of animators, supporting Animation Supervisors both creatively and technically.

Responsibilities:

• Set an example for animation quality within the Animation Dept.
• Work closely with the Animation Supervisor to produce high-quality animation and create compelling, story-driven and action-packed moments that fit within the style and pacing of the film
• Support the Animation Supervisor by leading the animation of a sequence or character. Provide creative and technical feedback to your team.
• Working closely with the Rigging, Production and Pipeline departments providing suggestions and feedback to improve character setup, visual quality, rigs and tool functionality
• Ongoing communication with Production, Supervisors and other Leads regarding schedules and deadlines
• Working efficiently as part of a team, or independently, to complete assigned shots
• Submitting shots for review and follow through with notes and feedback
• Meeting schedules and show deadlines
• Continuing to become familiar with new tools, software, data and other related technology

• Previous experience in a similar role
• A proven understanding of performance and acting, physical motion, weight, balance, texture and form
• A proven understanding of body mechanics and physicality for creature and animal movement
• Excellent organisation, communication and interpersonal skills
• A thorough knowledge of Maya
• A demonstrable commitment to creative collaboration within a team and with other departments
• Reliable, with good time keeping and the ability to meet deadlines
• An understanding of rigs and typical rigging set-ups, animation pipelines and transferring data between tools
• The proven ability to work under pressure
• Being open to direction and able to embrace change
• Attention to detail
• Adaptability and the willingness to learn new processes and technical skills

• An understanding of story, acting and film-making
• A traditional animation and/or art background
• Knowledge of human and animal anatomy
• A working knowledge of Modeling, Rigging and Mel/Python scripting
• Previous experience working with motion capture data
• Ability to work under pressure
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