BC - Lead Animator

Lead Animator

This position is onsite, but remote will also be considered, based in Vancouver, BC. All applicants must reside in the lower Mainland of BC, Canada. 

About Zoic 
Zoic Studios is a Visual Effects company that specializes in high end visual effects for television, film, and advertising. Our mantra is Visual Evolution - we focus on every part of the process, from the final picture to the pipeline used to create them.

Are you looking for your next creative and technical challenge? Come join our team!

Why Join Zoic? 

• We are an Artist owned and operated VFX studio. 
• We love what we do and always stay curious about new technology and techniques. 
• We respect work/life balance in a hectic industry. 
• We work with a team from all walks of life and backgrounds. 

There’s an exciting new project that we’ll be working on at Zoic. It's a stop-motion animated feature that will be starting up in June 2024 and will continue on into the Fall of 2025. 

For this particular show Zoic employees assigned to the project will be working within our Zoic Vancouver Studios, in the Gastown Area (close to Waterfront Station Downtown). Coming together as a team within our studio will help create the excitement and positive work environment we want for this special project.
Summary of Position
The Lead Animator will create standard setting animation while also supporting and mentoring the growing CG animation team

Job Functions

• Receive sequence and shot animation performance launches from the Animation Supervisor.
• Help set the standard for animation.
• Assist the Animation Supervisor in directing and mentoring the animation team.
• Assist with the onboarding of new animators.
• Collaborate with VFX asset leads to ensure models and rigs drive necessary performances.
• Drive communication and collaboration with the upstream and downstream disciplines.
• Help animators overcome technical problems through collaboration with department Technical Directors (TDs) and production technology teams.
• Advise Production and Technology teams on creation and management of animation toolsets, libraries, and software.

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience as a CG Character Animator in the entertainment industry.
• Experience leading a team of animators in a production environment.
• Expertise in traditional animation principles, acting, performance, layout, and composition for feature film production.
• Strong knowledge of Maya animation tools and workflow.
• Experience working in a visual effects pipeline.
• Experience working with motion capture data and crowds.
• A firm grasp of technical animation issues including character effects and rigging, preferred.

Additional information

• British Columbia Employees Pay Range: $65 - $73 (The actual base salary offered will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and if applicable, the location of the position)
• Candidates MUST be located in the Lower Mainland, British Columbia. This Role requires the candidate to work onsite, within our Vancouver Studio in Gastown. (Some remote work may be considered)
• Zoic does not cover relocation costs.
• Any and all remote positions require the candidate to have a reliable internet connection via ethernet and work on Pacific Standard Time.
• This job description contains the basic requirements for the position and is NOT intended to be a complete list of responsibilities; other duties may be assigned.
• Due to the sheer volume of applications we receive, we regret that only those selected to interview will be contacted.

This position is based in Vancouver. All applicants must reside in British Columbia.

Permanent Residents and Canadians only, please.,