Development Animator Job at ICON Creative Studio in Vancouver

Salary: $50,000.00 - $90,000.00 annually

Company Overview

ICON Creative Studio is Canadas largest independently owned animation entertainment company, located in the historic Gastown district of Vancouver, BC. Our talented team includes specialists across the entire animation pipeline, working alongside creative and management professionals to deliver outstanding animated content.

Known for our commitment to quality, efficiency, and timely deliveries, ICON has partnered with distributors, broadcasters, and leading streaming platforms worldwide to create and produce noteworthy, impactful projects.

We operate from a holistic philosophy, leveraging the unique skill sets of our team members to maximize production efficiency while maintaining an optimal balance of creativity and quality on-screen.

Why work at ICON?

• Collaborate on top-tier feature and episodic CG franchises for major streaming platforms, including Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, Amazon, Peacock, and Paramount+.
• Be part of a diverse team of artists from around the globe who have joined us here in British Columbia.
• Work with the latest tools and software, ensuring you're always equipped to do your best work.
• Be part of a studio that upholds a premium standard of quality across all productions, putting every resource into whats on-screen.
• Enjoy flexibility, autonomy, and a supportive workplace culture.
• Access direct deposit and a generous benefits package.
• Grow with us through continuous learning opportunities, mentorship, and empowering you to achieve your professional goals.

Job Overview

Were looking for a Development Animator to help shape the visual narrative of our animated TV shows. In this role, youll be more than an animator - youll be part of the creative and technical backbone of production. From building pickers, cycles, and poses to reviewing assets and tools, your work will directly influence the quality and consistency of our projects. Youll collaborate across departments, animate memorable characters, and contribute to the delivery of exceptional animated content.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the creative team to bring characters and scenes to life, maintaining consistency with the shows unique style.
  
• Work closely with the Animation Supervisor and other team members to deliver high-quality work on tight production schedules.
  
• Contribute ideas in brainstorming sessions, offering both creative and technical insights.
  
• Develop and create pickers, cycles, poses, phonemes, expressions, and other development assets essential to production.
  
• Actively collaborate with the series department, animating characters and supporting deliveries as needed.
  
• Review, test, and provide feedback on assets, rigs, and tools to ensure they meet production standards.
  
• Engage in character animation tasks when required, enhancing the quality and appeal of episodes.
  
• Contribute to scripting and tool development while working closely with teams such as Anim Tools, Rigging, Shot-Finaling, Groom/CFX, Assets, and LRC.

Qualifications:

• 2+ years of professional experience in 3D animation using Maya in film or series production.
• Strong background as a Mid or Senior Animator.
• Versatile experience animating in multiple styles (cartoony, realism, action, acting, etc.).
• Quadruped animation experience recommended.
  
• Comfortable filming and using live-action reference footage.
  
• Strong grasp of production pipelines with the ability to adapt to custom tools.
  
• Skilled at interpreting storyboards and implementing feedback from clients, directors, and supervisors.
  
• Strong time-management skills and ability to balance multiple priorities.
  
• Able to work independently and collaboratively, with excellent professional communication skills.
  
• Experience in games or animation cycles considered an asset.
  

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The wage range for this role reflects compensation across all of ICONs projects. The final salary will be determined based on the specific position, the current show assignment, and the applicants experience and portfolio. This range accounts for varying levels of experience and responsibilities.

In compliance with British Columbia provincial mandates, we are posting this broad wage range to meet wage transparency requirements.

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ICON Creative Studio is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.