Lead Animator

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

Requirements

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; Desirable Skills; Traditional animation and/or art background