Head Of Character Animation

This is a Full Time Job

DreamWorks Animation is looking for more adventurous dreamers who shoot for the moon. We tell stories about the journeys our unconventional heroes take to make dreams come true. As a growth-minded studio, we pride ourselves on being one of the world's leading producers of high-quality, award-winning, animated films and series, reaching consumers around the globe. We push to feel more, laugh more, and build immersive new worlds.

DreamWorks creates a diverse array of original content in a variety of formats, delivering compelling stories with unique characters. We place tremendous value on the experiences our talent brings to the table from their own non-traditional paths to success. We believe in frequent communication and that transparency and trust yield the best work. We are a community of artists, technologists, innovators, and creators, who are passionate about animation and also happen to love eating lunch together.

At DreamWorks Animation Television, the Head of Character Animation (HOCA) is the creative lead for animation on a feature length streaming film. This person works closely with the Director, Producer(s), and VFX Supervisor to manage and run the Animation department, which is based at the Partner Studio.

If you are part of the fandom and believe teamwork makes the dream work, join us in #livingthedream and #doingyourdreamwork!

“What would you say you do here?”

Creative:
• Interact with the Director and Producer to define the animation style and acting requirements on a film. Ensure alignment with the creative direction and vision.
• Involved in helping to take characters from paper to characters in 3D at all stages including modeling, character rigging, animation libraries, etc.
• Involved with initial tests to help define the personality of the characters.
• Responsible for the overall animation quality of the production, from its inception through Consumer Products.
• May animate critical shots that help to define the style of animation and serve as inspiration for others.
• Track continuity issues on all sequences in production.
• Work with and mentors Supervising Animators at Partner Studio to lead scenes and ensure consistency throughout the film.
• Work with Animators at Partner Studio to ensure the creative goals of the Director are met. Involves hands-on relationship with the artists, viewing scenes before the Director, and collaborating during Director approvals on shots.
• Responsible for input on CFX/Crowds.
• Oversee and approve the work of cycle animators as needed.
• Supervise animation reviews and meetings (dailies, walk-throughs, pre-production meetings, blocking meetings, etc).
• Work with the CG Supervising Producer to ensure that the animation notes/retakes fall within the scope and budget of the project.
• Communicate to the Line Producer, Executive Producers, CG Supervising Producer any problems that may arise during the production.
• Ensure that animation is being completed within the scope of the pipeline.

Technical:
• Assist in the set-up of department structure for the film: hardware, software, production process, and training.
• Work closely with the HUB and Partner Studio Character TDs/Rigging Depts. to establish rig design standards that will meet the needs of the film. Spec out all the rigs for each character and provide feedback to the Character TD/Rigging department. Ensures ongoing communications with the Character TDs to make sure the process runs efficiently.
• Work with the CG Supervising producer and HUB Supervisors to gain an understanding of the asset and animation pipelines being implemented on the production.

Managerial:
• Effectively communicate and provide leadership as the spokesperson for the Animation department when interacting with the partner studio, other creative leadership, production management, AT and animators.
• Appropriately elevate issues and solutions to Line Producer/Producer/CG Supervising Producer.
• Ensure