Animation Supervisor

At Sony Pictures Animation, the Animation Supervisor works closely with the Supervising Director, Supervising Producer and CG Supervisor to maintain the established Animation style of the show. The Animation Supervisor assesses storyboards and animatics to ensure they align with our CG series production pipeline and ensures creative and technical continuity with internal and Partner Studio teams. Coordinates with production to guarantee that all deliverables align with the production's schedule, technical specifications, and creative vision of the series!

Sony Pictures Animation is an animation studio based in Los Angeles, California, creating both feature animation and animated series with artists from around the world. We pride ourselves on empowering filmmakers to lead the creative process and allowing the hand of the artist to be truly felt, with the goal of producing bold and innovative visual storytelling.

Responsibilities:

• Prepare written notes, video reference and additional animation reference for handouts to our Partner Studio(s).
• Review scripts, designs and assets for potential animation complexities.
• Review rigs, facial blend shapes, phonemes and calisthenics from our Partner Studio(s).
• Guide and encourage the team during initial animation handouts to our Partner Studio(s).
• Contribute to technical breakdowns of boards and animatics to assess and ensure accurate noting and direction.
• Along with the Supervising Director, Supervising Producer and CG Supervisor, review layout and provide notes feedback to Partner Studio.
• Work with the Supervising Director on direction and camera blocking per episode.
• Supervise animation of each episode, collaborating with Partner Studio(s) and in house artists to achieve SPA's creative vision.
• Maintain involvement throughout design and asset process to ensure designs meet series needs.
• Responsible for delivery of BG reference to our Partner Studio(s) indicating shot setup, including area of the set to be used, camera, character, and prop positions.
• Responsible for ensuring animation notes are entered into Shotgrid in a timely manner, including any additional draw overs or video reference.

Qualifications:

• Experience as an Animation Supervisor or extensive experience as an animation lead in a television series or feature pipeline
• Expert knowledge of Maya
• Experience working with overseas partner studios
• Knowledge of camera lenses to match animatic/storyboard intent
• Expert spacial awareness for shot/sequence layout
• Experience leading the dialing of character lipsync with recorded dialogue
• Previous experience making animation direction callouts
• Deep understanding of series Pipeline, including Shotgrid shot workflows
• Extensive comprehension of models and rigs
• Strong comedy character performance experience
• Outstanding written and verbal communication
• Expertise in working in a fast paced environment
• Ability to travel to international Partner Studio(s)

The anticipated base salary for this position is $2,853.83/week to $3,200/week. This role qualifies for benefits pursuant to the collective bargaining agreement. The actual salary offered will depend on a variety of factors.

To apply, please include a resume and a link to your reel/portfolio. Please make sure to include any passwords to your work in your cover letter and/or in your resume.

Sony Pictures Animation is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristics.