Animators at Framestore produce the motion and performance of three-dimensional computer graphic characters, creatures, objects and crowds for high-end VFX films.
Lead Animators will be expected to carry out the following responsibilities:
- Lead a team of animators on a show
- Be the key contact for production and supervisor/s. Maintain clear communication, deal with creative challenges, provide solutions and adapt to changes in production & scheduling
- Set and manage team assignments in collaboration with the animation supervisor
- Have a good understanding of the animation tasks the team will be working on and the potential technical and creative challenges involved
- Be prepared to deputise for the animation supervisor if necessary
- Be aware of workflow templates, methodology and documentation; provide to the team where necessary
- Work with technology teams to ensure that department tools are available for the team and properly set up for the show
- Inform supervisors and Head of Department (HOD) of any advances made on a project for integration into other shows
- May be required to work with HOD and supervisors on bids when requested
- Effectively manage team to avoid potential conflict or disagreement
- Maintain positive relationships with all other departments and address any issues promptly
- Attend dailies and present the work of your team; guide artists on how to present their work
- Coach, share knowledge and assume some responsibility for the progression of more junior members of the team
- Provide regular feedback to the team to ensure that work is always delivered on time to the highest possible standard
- Work with the technical animators to ensure that show wikis are kept up to date
**Esse**ntial Skills**
- Previous experience mentoring or leading a team
- Thorough knowledge of Maya
- An understanding of physical motion, weight, balance, texture and form
- An understanding of rigs and typical rigging set-ups, animation pipelines and transferring data between tools
- The proven ability to work under pressure
- Being open to direction and able to embrace change
- Attention to detail
- Reliable, with good time keeping and the ability to meet deadlines
- Excellent organisation, communication and interpersonal skills
- A demonstrable commitment to creative collaboration within a team and with other departments
- Adaptability and the willingness to learn new processes and technical skills
- Working knowledge of modeling, rigging and Mel/Python scripting
- Knowledge of human and animal anatomy as well as life drawing skills
- Previous experience working with motion capture data
**Desirable Skills**
- Traditional animation and/or art background