Senior Animator

Job Description

The Mill is a global creative partner for agencies, production companies and brands, working across all media channels and platforms.

We are trusted specialists in visual effects, creative technologies, and content production. Our projects include the creation of digital products and virtual experiences, as well as world class visual effects and video production.

We are a vibrant network of talented artists, producers, directors, and creative technologists from multinational backgrounds. We nurture innovation, flexibility, and diverse ideas across our studios in London, New York, Los Angeles, Paris, Shanghai, Seoul and India. We are all united by one single ambition: To create extraordinary and memorable work that captivates and excites audiences.

We are The Mill. We create the extraordinary.

This role can be remote in The UK or Poland, but we cannot accept any applications from outside of these regions

The Role

You will collaborate closely with Directors, CG Supervisors, VFX Supervisors, and other fellow artists to produce high-quality character animation for Game Cinematics and Commercial VFX projects. Candidates are expected to possess a strong understanding of hand-keyed character animation, rigging, and the overall VFX pipeline. The scope of work will encompass various animated styles, requiring experience in animating expressive and stylized characters, props, and cameras, as well as grounded and realistic elements for live-action projects. Experience with Motion Capture is considered a plus, and candidates should be capable of filming themselves acting out performances for reference or feedback during projects. Leadership experience in guiding a team of animators is a prerequisite.

This role directly reports to the Heads of CG at the Mill LA. Collaboration with the Mill's India office is integral when handling substantial projects, and you will assume the role of lead artist and/or supervisor based on the project's scale. Proficiency in using a VFX Production Pipeline, providing constructive notes, and receiving internal and external feedback is essential.

Experience with real-time engines, specifically Unreal Engine, Unity, and Frostbite, is highly desirable.

Details

Local Report: LA Head(s) of CG

Works With: Directors, Creative Directors, CG Supervisors, VFX Supervisors, and HODs, Producers, and Coordinators

Responsibilities:
• Work efficiently and navigate a fast-paced environment
• Work with the rigging department to ensure that the rigs provide the necessary controls
• Participate in meetings with the LA / India Animation teams whenever necessary
• Collaborate with Directors, Creative Directors, CG Supervisors, VFX Supervisors, and HODs to ensure that all work being delivered meets high level expectations and specific project needs.

Qualifications
• 5+ years experience minimum
• Must demonstrate proficient animation skills in their portfolio
• Must be a proactive and self-driven creative problem solver
• Proficient in Maya
• Experience leading a team of animators and giving animation feedback
• A broad range of animation styles from realistic creatures to cartoon characters
• Strong understanding of animating cameras and non-character objects
• Basic understanding of rigging and dynamics
• Familiarity with Linux operating systems knowledge
• Experience with motion capture is a plus
• Knowledge of MEL and/or Python for scripting and tool development is a plus, but not required

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-g3e0q9-18-191-89-92-42 in your application.