Lead Animator
2 weeks ago
It’s different here. We’re a fun-loving bunch, passionate about our craft. We grow together, learn together, play together, and work on some of the coolest projects on the planet. If you’re looking for a welcoming atmosphere, a culture that’s dedicated to helping you grow and thrive, and ample opportunity to advance, we’d LOVE to hear from you. Lead Animator (FACS & Motion Capture) Location: British ColumbiaStart Date: TBC February/March 2026 ***This is a contract position*** About the role We’re seeking a Lead Animator to help guide the creative and technical execution of animation for a hyper-realistic virtual performer in a live musical experience. This role focuses on leading the Facial and Motion Capture Cleanup teams—ensuring seamless integration between expressive facial performance and dynamic body motion. The ideal candidate combines strong artistic sensibility with a deep understanding of FACS and motion capture workflows, inspiring the team to deliver believable, emotionally rich animation at the highest level of quality. What you’ll do Provide clear direction, feedback, and mentorship to animators specializing in facial and motion capture cleanup. Collaborate closely with the Animation Supervisor, Directors, and other Leads to uphold the project’s artistic vision and quality standards. Review and refine animation work, ensuring consistency, performance authenticity, and technical excellence across facial and body motion. Work on high-complexity animation tasks as needed, producing polished, realistic performances that merge emotional nuance with physical accuracy. Partner with Production to manage team priorities, monitor deadlines, and ensure deliverables are met efficiently. Participate in dailies, rounds, and reviews, providing actionable notes that elevate shot quality and maintain stylistic cohesion. Support development of animation workflows and best practices for facial solving, mocap cleanup, and real-time integration. Communicate effectively with Rigging, Performance Capture, and Engineering teams to troubleshoot data and optimize pipelines. Lead by example through a collaborative and encouraging approach, fostering a motivated, solutions‑oriented team environment. Represent the animation team in internal and partner-facing meetings as needed. Qualifications Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in film, games, or real-time animation production. Proven experience in both motion capture cleanup and FACS-based facial animation workflows. Strong understanding of animation principles, body mechanics, and emotional performance. Proficiency in Autodesk Maya; MotionBuilder experience is highly valued. Working knowledge of Unreal Engine and Sequencer is preferred. Ability to translate artistic vision into clear, achievable animation goals for the team. Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills. Ability to troubleshoot creatively and technically while maintaining efficiency under tight timelines. Professional demeanor with a collaborative, team-focused mindset. Applicants must be located in British Columbia. Preferred (but not required) Qualifications: Experience working on realistic human animation or performance-driven projects. Familiarity with 4D capture or virtual production workflows. Strong mentoring ability and interest in team development. Passion for performance, realism, and pushing the boundaries of real-time animation. #J-18808-Ljbffr
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Lead Animator
7 days ago
Vancouver, Canada ICON Creative Studio Full timeFounded in 2013, ICON Creative Studio is Canada’s largest independently owned animation entertainment company located in the historic Gastown district of Vancouver, BC, Canada. With almost 400 design, storyboarding, modelling, rigging, animation, technical animation, lighting, visual effects and compositing artists alongside creative and management...
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Lead Animator
6 days ago
Vancouver, Canada ICON Creative Studio Full time**-** ICON Creative Studio is Canada’s largest independently owned animation entertainment company located in the historic Gastown district of Vancouver, BC Canada with design, storyboarding, modeling, rigging, animation, technical finaling, lighting, visual effects, and compositing artists alongside creative and management teams. Known for our quality,...
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Lead Animator
2 weeks ago
Vancouver, Canada ICON Creative Studio Full time**-** ICON Creative Studio is Canada’s largest independently owned animation entertainment company located in the historic Gastown district of Vancouver, BC Canada with design, storyboarding, modeling, rigging, animation, technical finaling, lighting, visual effects, and compositing artists alongside creative and management teams. Known for our quality,...
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Lead Animator
2 weeks ago
Vancouver, Canada ICON Creative Studio Full time**Company Overview** ICON Creative Studio is Canada’s largest independently owned animation entertainment company, located in the historic Gastown district of Vancouver, BC. Our talented team includes specialists across the entire animation pipeline, working alongside creative and management professionals to deliver outstanding animated content. Known...
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Animation Lead
2 weeks ago
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Bardel Entertainment Full time $86,800 - $97,920 per yearOUR STORYFor more than 35 years, Bardel Entertainment has been growing and evolving, yet at our core, we remain grounded in the creative roots of the craft of animation. Our pursuit of fresh ideas, techniques, and technologies is driven by the belief that together, through creativity and collaboration, we can accomplish anything If you want to be part of...
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Lead Animator
5 days ago
Vancouver, British Columbia, VB B, Canada ICON Creative Studio Full time $80,000 - $120,000 per yearCompany Overview ICON Creative Studio is Canada's largest independently owned animation entertainment company, located in the historic Gastown district of Vancouver, BC. Our talented team includes specialists across the entire animation pipeline, working alongside creative and management professionals to deliver outstanding animated content.Known for...
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Create Animation
5 hours ago
Vancouver, Canada Electronic Arts Full timeENTERTAINING IS OUR PASSION EA is a world-renowned entertainment leader, creating top-selling videogame franchises, award-winning interactive technology, fan programs, and cross-platform digital experiences enjoyed by players worldwide. EA artists aim to create characters, performances, scenery, moods, and experiences that suspend disbelief and emotionally...
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Lead Animator
2 weeks ago
Vancouver, Canada Steamroller Animation Full timeIt’s different here. We’re a fun-loving bunch, passionate about our craft. We grow together, learn together, play together, and work on some of the coolest projects on the planet. If you’re looking for a welcoming atmosphere, a culture that’s dedicated to helping you grow and thrive, and ample opportunity to advance, we’d LOVE to hear from you....
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Animator
1 week ago
Vancouver, Canada Electronic Arts Full timeENTERTAINING IS OUR PASSION EA is a world-renowned entertainment leader, creating top-selling videogame franchises, award-winning interactive technology, fan programs and cross-platform digital experiences enjoyed by players all over the world. EA artists aim to create characters, performances, scenery, moods and experiences that suspend disbelief and...
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2d Animator
2 weeks ago
Vancouver, Canada Bardel Entertainment Full time**OUR STORY**: For more than 35 years, Bardel Entertainment has been growing and evolving, yet at our core, we remain grounded in the creative roots of the craft of animation. Our pursuit of fresh ideas, techniques, and technologies is driven by the belief that together, through creativity and collaboration, we can accomplish anything! If you want to be part...
