Lead Development Animator, 3D

Description

About Us

DHX Media is recognized worldwide for our diverse original properties and our work on some of the top brands in children’s entertainment. But we create more than just animation. We build worlds and experiences across all platforms from TV and games to online and mobile. Our staff dig into a wide variety of projects, from action to comedy and preschool to tween, and they get to enjoy awesome benefits and company events while they’re at it. With some of Canada’s top artists, writers and producers on our team, our studios are bursting with creative energy. So what are you waiting for? Come join us!

About the Position

DHX Studios – Vancouver is looking for a creative and experienced Lead Development Animator to join our team! We are looking for someone who will push the limits of creativity to create the best quality animation and cinematic value in our present and future productions. The ideal candidate will have a strong leadership background and a knack for great storytelling! 

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively as part of the Development Team to strive for excellence
• Understand the principles of animation and cinematics, and how best to implement them to create performances that support both characters and story
• Create emotionally powerful animation with quality timing and pacing
• Adapt easily to multiple animation styles
• Ensure and maintain the quality, style, and continuity of animation throughout
• Complete assigned animation within scheduled timeframe
• Assist with production animation training and mentoring as needed
• Liaise with Design, Modeling, Lighting and FX to ensure delivery of dependent assets
• Create layout scenes containing all relevant assets to test show-specific lighting scenarios
• Communicate with the Rigging team to ensure the production works with the rigs and tools provided
• Conduct model and rig testing to ensure rigs will facilitate the best performance possible
• Create and rig Proxy models and FX as needed
• Contribute to the development of new techniques and processes to solve animation production challenges
• Identify, communicate, and troubleshoot creative and technical risks or issues, and assist in creating a mitigation strategy
• Assist in resolving pipeline issues by researching, identifying and presenting resolutions to streamline and improve quality and productivity
• Be a positive and creative force on the team, and help to drive technical innovation
• Consistently exercise sound judgment in all areas of performance

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience as a senior or lead animator in the animation industry
• Advanced knowledge in Maya is a must
• Thorough understanding of animation and cinematic principles and techniques, and understanding of key-framed animation development processes and limitations
• Thorough understanding of human kinetics and real-world physics
• Solid understanding of rigging; experience in rigging is a plus
• Excellent time-management, multi-tasking, prioritizing, and organizational skills
• Ability to think creatively to solve problems and resolve technical challenges
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, often with multiple tasks and under deadline pressure
• Ability to work proactively, and be flexible and adaptable to meet the changing needs of development
• Ability to communicate in a professional and positive manner
• Ability to adapt to multiple animation styles
• Must be open to direction and able to embrace change