Job description
NovaFrame Studios is seeking a passionate Senior 3D Animator to join our creative team in Los Angeles. You will lead character animation for feature films and animated series, delivering expressive performances and high-quality motion that aligns with our studio's distinct style.
In this role you will collaborate with directors, storyboard artists, rigging, and VFX teams to ensure assets meet production timelines. You will mentor junior animators, review shots, and push the boundaries of storytelling through motion.
Responsibility
- Lead and refine high-quality character animation for short and long-form projects from storyboard to final delivery.
- Collaborate with directors and writers to translate story into compelling performance.
- Develop and maintain animation style guides and ensure consistency across shots.
- Rig, skin, and troubleshoot deformations; supervise cleanups and motion quality.
- Mentor junior animators and provide constructive feedback to raise team output.
- Coordinate with layout, lighting, and effects teams to integrate animation seamlessly into scenes.
- Optimize workflows and pipelines to meet production schedules and quality benchmarks.
- Review shot progress, iterate on feedback, and deliver final approved sequences.
Qualification
- Bachelor's degree in animation, film, or a related field or equivalent professional experience.
- Minimum 5-7 years of hands-on 3D animation experience, preferably in feature film or high-end TV.
- Proficiency in Autodesk Maya or equivalent 3D package; strong understanding of timing, weight, anatomy, and acting.
- Experience with character rigging, skinning, and deformations; ability to troubleshoot and improve assets.
- Excellent storytelling, acting, and collaboration skills; ability to take direction and provide creative input.
- Portfolio or reel demonstrating versatility in character performance and shot-driven animation.
- Familiarity with pipeline tools and collaboration with VFX, lighting, and layout teams; knowledge of Unreal or Unity is a plus.
- Strong communication, time-management, and organization skills; ability to work across time zones if needed.