Lead Animator

Job description

Animators produce the motion and performance of three-dimensional computer graphic characters, creatures, objects and crowds for high-end VFX films.

Lead Animators will be expected to carry out the following responsibilities:

• Lead a team of animators on a show
• Be the key contact for production and supervisor/s. Maintain clear communication, deal with creative challenges, provide solutions and adapt to changes in production & scheduling
• Set and manage team assignments in collaboration with the animation supervisor
• Have a good understanding of the animation tasks the team will be working on and the potential technical and creative challenges involved
• Be prepared to deputy for the animation supervisor if necessary
• Be aware of workflow templates, methodology and documentation; provide to the team where necessary
• Work with technology teams to ensure that department tools are available for the team and properly set up for the show
• Inform supervisors and Head of Department (HOD) of any advances made on a project for integration into other shows
• Effectively manage team to avoid potential conflict or disagreement
• Maintain positive relationships with all other departments and address any issues promptly
• Attend dailies and present the work of your team; guide artists on how to present their work
• Coach, share knowledge and assume some responsibility for the progression of more junior members of the team
• Provide regular feedback to the team to ensure that work is always delivered on time to the highest possible standard

• Previous experience mentoring or leading a team
• Thorough knowledge of Maya
• An understanding of physical motion, weight, balance, texture and form
• 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
• Reliable, with good time keeping and the ability to meet deadlines
• Excellent organisation, communication and interpersonal skills
• A demonstrable commitment to creative collaboration within a team and with other departments
• Adaptability and the willingness to learn new processes and technical skills
• Working knowledge of modeling, rigging and Mel/Python scripting
• Knowledge of human and animal anatomy as well as life drawing skills
• Previous experience working with motion capture data

• Traditional animation and/or art background