Lead Animator (Feature Film)

Description

Position: Lead Animator
Functional Area: Animation
Reports To: Animation Director

Overall accountability:

As a lead member of the Animation team, successfully complete assigned complex sequences and quotas achieving and exceeding the quality level defined by the production. Also provide leadership and mentoring to the animators through constant coaching and on-the-job training.

Duties:

* Create complex animation sequences as assigned by the Supervisor/Producer.
* On behalf of the Supervisor, act as team leader within the suite.
* Ensure the team is productive by answering questions that arise and providing mentoring and training.
* Recommend to the Animation Supervisor sequences to be archived.
* Assist/guide animators in the organization of their assignments.
* File management - organize work/files efficiently.
* Be aware of what is happening in the suite at all times – identify problems to the Animation Supervisor.
* Ensure the Supervisor/Directors instructions are clearly carried out by providing specific guidelines and framework for the given production.
* Actively participate in script read-throughs and team meetings offering thoughts and ideas
* Remain current and up-to-date in animation techniques.
* Recommend broad and specific training needs to Supervisor.
* Archive selected shots.
* Test Facial Rigs, research and develop expression libraries.
* Collaborate with Directors/Supervisors on animation development during pre-production.
* Test character models during pre-production.
* Produce animation sequences to be repeated throughout the show (i.e. walk/run cycles).
* Experiment with facial animation for each character based on their role in the script and then create expression sheets for each character.
* Train and mentor new animators who are placed in the suite and explain Rainmaker methods.