Lead Animator

Founded 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 teams.

We are looking for Lead Animators (NOC 5241) to join our team in Suite 200 - 341 Water Street in Vancouver

**ABOUT THIS POSITION**

Lead Animators are vital to the development of characters in the creation process. They are expected to consistently produce at the quality and output level determined by their production.

Job duties:
General duties that most artists in this occupation, in our studio are doing:

- Get client feedback on the graphic elements they are showcasing as a final composited image, as well as at each stage prior to the final render
- Determine the suited means to produce the desired visual effect and the appropriate method of communication
- Determine which graphic elements are used to produce the final image
- Use image processing, multimedia software, layout, and drawing software to produce our final image
- Help guide the company on the timeline required to complete the tasks
- Use photographs and illustrated references to produce our final images
- Establish guidelines for the company’s final images
- Coordinate audiovisuals
- Work in a multidisciplinary environment
- Use computer-assisted drawing, modeling, animation, and compositing software to produce final imagery. The imagery is used for printed marketing on each production.
- Provide 3D animated computer illustrations
- The company’s shows are based on adapting existing graphic illustrations into 3D animated content.

Below are specific duties of a Lead Animator working in our studio
- The leads’ primary focus is to make sure the Animation line runs smoothly and efficiently, firing on all cylinders,
- They are the primary problem solvers of the animation department.
- They must help manage their Team and keep them on track and motivated.
- They are proactive in identifying issues and will coordinate with all relevant departments to have those issues resolved quickly.
- Leads are tasked with disseminating important information within the department, including familiarizing new hires to their workflow and pipeline.
- They are skilled Animators and are expected to tackle the most challenging of shots with ease and can power through average difficulty sequences with speed.
- They must be able to demonstrate a broad range of character and acting skills. They must have a deep understanding of the principles of Animation and how to employ those principles to create a performance that supports the characters and story goals of the production.
- The Lead Animator is familiar enough with the show to assist the crew if the director is not available.
- They will actively participate in Leads’ meetings, show dailies, client calls, and staff reviews.
- Helps create a strong foundation for productions, in their infancy, by partnering with the Rigging department to push the consistency and quality of the character rigs provided, develop a show style based on the client’s requests and construct tools that will increase production and eliminate complications for animators.
- When necessary, supply cycles, poses, and reuse animation for the library to support the Animation team.
- Works closely with the Animation Supervisor to problem solve any potential issues in upcoming episodes by finding creative, but more importantly, realistic solutions for the animation teams.
- Provides support to the animation teams, in the early stages of production, while they become acclimated to the new show.
- Manages the validity of requests to the Rigging department based on importance, while maintaining consistency and delivering an achievable result for our schedule and budget.
- Organizes and runs workshops to demonstrate clean workflows and also educate proper animation techniques to further advance the quality of animation produced by Icon.
- College diploma or equivalent in 3D computer graphics/3D animation;
- More than 2 years of work experience in 3D animation using MAYA in film production;
- A strong background as a Lead in feature CG character animation;
- Have an experience and an interest in cartoony style;
- Quadruped animation experience recommended;
- Comfortable with filming reference footage and using the reference footage;
- Ability to work within an established pipeline and learn to use custom tools;
- Ability to understand and interpret effectively a storyboard and the Director’s feedback and be able to give the direction to a team;
- Have good teaching skills, be a mentor, and technically and artistically develop the team;
- Ability to work well in a team and excellent communication skills;
Term of employment: Full time

Language: English

Wage: $110,000 - $120,000 annually