Job description
NovaFrames Animation Studio is seeking a Senior 3D Animator to join our dynamic team in Los Angeles. You will craft compelling character and environment animation for film, commercials, and game cutscenes. This role blends artistic excellence with technical proficiency.
What you'll do:
- Lead and execute high-quality 3D character and creature animation from blockout to final polish.
- Collaborate with directors, modelers, riggers, and lighting to achieve storytelling goals.
- Develop and maintain animation pipelines, and provide feedback and notes to junior artists.
- Interpret storyboards and asset briefs to create engaging performances with strong acting choices.
- Optimize animation for production timelines, adjusting timing and spacing for consistency.
- Pack and maintain animation assets, version control, and documentation for the team.
- Mentor junior animators, share best practices, and contribute to studio-wide style guides.
- Participate in reviews, take direction, and iterate quickly based on feedback.
Why join us:
- Collaborative, creative environment with cutting-edge tools and pipelines.
- Opportunities to work across film, commercials, and interactive media.
- Competitive salary, benefits, and professional growth.
Responsibility
- Lead and execute high-quality 3D character and environment animation from concept to final polish.
- Collaborate with directors, modelers, riggers, and lighting to achieve storytelling goals.
- Develop and maintain animation pipelines, and provide feedback and notes to junior artists.
- Interpret storyboards and asset briefs to create engaging performances with strong acting choices.
- Optimize animation for production timelines, adjusting timing and spacing for consistency.
- Pack and maintain animation assets, version control, and documentation for the team.
- Mentor junior animators, share best practices, and contribute to studio-wide style guides.
- Participate in reviews, take direction, and iterate quickly based on feedback.
Qualification
- Bachelor's degree in animation, film, or a related field; or 5+ years of professional 3D animation experience.
- Expert-level proficiency with industry-standard tools (Maya, Blender); strong understanding of rigging and skinning.
- Strong acting and storytelling ability with a portfolio showing character performances and scene work.
- Experience with lighting, shading, and composition to support animation.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines; excellent collaboration and communication skills.
- Knowledge of motion capture workflows and editing basics is a plus.
- Team-oriented mindset with the ability to mentor junior artists and share best practices.
- Authorized to work in the United States; willingness to relocate or work on-site in Los Angeles as needed.