Description
Job Description:
The
Supervising Animator works closely with the Head of Character Animation, the
Production Supervisor, and other Supervising Animators to manage and run the
animation department. This person is the
creative lead for a designated character and may be involved in helping to
design the character. The supervising animator is responsible for the acting
choices of the character throughout the movie including physical comedy
moments, emotional beats, and overall appeal. The ideal candidate will have had prior
experience developing characters in an animated feature.
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
Creative:
·
Responsible for
the character performance and consistency throughout the movie, including initial
2D or 3D tests to help define the personality of the character involved.
·
Interact with
Director to help define the acting requirements on both a sequence and shot
basis.
·
Animate key shots
within the sequence that help to define the acting and are an inspiration for
other shots within the sequence.
·
Work with
animators to ensure the creative goals by the Director are met. Involves hands-on relationship with the
artists, viewing sequences before the Director, and collaborating during
Director approvals on shots.
·
Participate in
animation reviews and meetings (dailies, walk-throughs, pre-production
meetings, blocking meetings, editorial meetings, etc.).
Technical:
·
Assist in the
set-up of department structure for the film: hardware, software tools,
production process, and training. May also assist in longer term department
structure strategies for the studio.
·
Work closely
with the Character TDs, Head of Character Animation, and other Supervising
Animators to ensure the performance requirements of the character work with the
rig and tools. Also ensure ongoing
communications with the Character TD’s to make sure the process runs smoothly.
·
Work with other
Supervising Animators to reach consensus on the rig philosophy and to achieve
consistency across all characters (e.g. naming conventions).
Managerial:
·
Interacts with
other departments to ensure acting performance of characters is preserved
across all sequences.
·
Work closely
with the Head of Character Animation and Production Supervisor in the
management of the department.
·
Work with the
Head of Character Animation and Production Supervisor to hit sequence deadlines
and ensure the quotas are met for both shots and sequences.
·
Work with the
Head of Character Animation, Production Supervisor, and Directors on casting
shots/assignments to Animators within the sequence.
·
Responsible for
improving the performance of Animators on the team. Mentor Animators to provide guidance,
experience and insight. Involved in
trying to resolve performance related issues.
·
Deliver reviews
with Production Supervisor to crew members; help manage career growth of staff;
provide recommendations for promotions.
·
Work with
management in the casting and staffing of talent on the show.
Qualifications
·
3-4 years of character animation experience in feature films. Previous character development experience is
a plus.
·
Strong working knowledge of Maya