Lead 3D Animator

Giant are hiring! We are looking for an experienced Lead 3D Animator to work on our next great animated series for the world to enjoy!

This is a full-time position based in the Dublin studio, and there is flexibility for remote working but applicants should be able to work in the Irish timezone as the studio.

Starting Date: March 2024

Position Overview

As a Lead Animator at Giant, you will be responsible for maintaining the level and style of character animation for an iconic production series. You will work closely and collaboratively with other departments to help improve and fix character setups, visual quality, rigs and tool functionality. 

The Lead Animator should actively work with and guide the animation team on their project, ensuring animators are educated through all stages of production, passing on knowledge and methodology of best practices and techniques, while making sure the team is supported both artistically and technically throughout their time on the project.

Position Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Animation Supervisor(s), Art Director, and CG Supervisor(s) to create high-quality, story-driven Animation based on the production style and overall show expectations.
• Work closely with the Rigging and Pipeline departments providing suggestions and feedback to improve character setups, visual quality, rigs, and tool functionality that will benefit the Animation team(s).
• Follow the structured key frame animation workflow used by Giant for each stage of blocking, plus, and polish.
• Help define the characters by building and developing the studio library, which includes Cycles, Expressions, Personality Poses, etc.
• Show clear performance concepts and shot blocking in the Director's review (Animation Dailies).
• Have a clear understanding of the performance, style, quality, continuity, technical, scheduling, and budgetary requirements of the Production.
• Liaise with Production on task assignments and scheduling of the team, helping to plan assignments/shots/revisions in the context of the overall schedule and direction of a given episode.
• Maintain an open and professional demeanour when providing or taking directions, undertaking revisions and altering approaches as required.
• Support a collaborative and creative environment that produces awesome Giant projects with great teams.
• Perform other tasks as the project requires.

Requirements

• Proven production experience in a Lead role or as a Co-Lead.
• Strong Leadership skills and the ability to confidently Lead a team.
• Excellent time and team management skills.
• Thorough knowledge of Maya.
• Good communicator with excellent interpersonal skills and can deliver high-quality results in a dynamic environment
• Strong Leadership skills and the ability to support a diverse team.
• Strong organizational skills and a good eye for detail.
• Strong technical and problem solving skills.
• Strong grasp of appeal and visual communication skills.
• Solid understanding of Production and Technical resources.