Netflix Animation Studios 3D Animation Supervisor

Netflix Animation Studios (NAS) is on a global mission to redefine the boundaries of storytelling. We create bold, immersive, and timeless animated films that resonate with audiences of all ages across every continent. By fostering a community of world‑class artists and visionary talent, we are building a studio that values creative risk‑taking and technical excellence.

We are currently seeking an experienced and visionary Animation Supervisor to join our Feature Animation team in Vancouver, Canada. This is a pivotal leadership role designed for an artist who possesses not only elite technical skills but also the emotional intelligence to mentor a diverse team and the strategic mind to navigate the complexities of feature‑film production.

Job Overview: 3D Animation Supervisor

Company Name: Netflix Animation Studios (NAS)

Role Title: Animation Supervisor

Department: Feature Animation

Location: Vancouver, British Columbia (On‑site/Hybrid)

Job Type: Full‑Time, Permanent

Work Model: Hybrid (Minimum 3 days per week in‑office)

Compensation Range: $160,000 – $221,000 CAD (Total Compensation)

Experience Level: Senior / Lead (Minimum 5+ years in Feature Animation)

Primary Software: Autodesk Maya

The Role: A Synergy of Art and Leadership

The Animation Supervisor serves as the vital link between the Director’s creative vision and the technical execution of the animation team. Working in direct partnership with the Head(s) of Character Animation (HoCA), you will be the guardian of quality, style, and performance continuity.

This role is dual‑faced: it requires a high‑level “eye” for aesthetic appeal and storytelling, as well as a grounded understanding of the production pipeline. You will be responsible for ensuring that every frame of animation not only meets the high standards of Netflix but also stays true to the emotional core of the characters.

  • Collaborate with HoCAs to establish and maintain the unique animation “language” of the film.
  • Ensure that character performances remain consistent across different sequences and are handled by multiple animators.
  • Participate in high‑level creative meetings to translate the Director’s feedback into actionable technical instructions for the team.
2. Character Development and Rigging Collaboration
  • Work closely with the Art and Character departments during the pre‑production phase.
  • Help define character functionality, ensuring that rigs are capable of the specific squash‑and‑stretch or nuanced performances required by the script.
  • Influence the “appeal” and personality of characters before they ever hit the production floor.
3. Team Management and Mentorship
  • Conduct regular reviews of animation progress, providing clear, concise, and constructive feedback.
  • Mentor junior and mid‑level animators, helping them reach their personal professional goals while ensuring they meet the show’s rigorous performance expectations.
  • Address performance issues directly and professionally, fostering a culture of accountability and growth.
4. Hands‑on Production
  • Lead by example by taking on “hero” shots or complex sequences that define the style of the film.
  • Step into the trenches to solve difficult technical or performance‑based problems that require a veteran’s touch.
5. Production Logistics
  • Effectively communicate shot statuses and potential roadblocks to the Production team.
  • Manage deadlines strategically, identifying which shots require more “love” and which need to be streamlined to keep the project on schedule.

What You’ll Need to Succeed

We are looking for a candidate who balances the precision of an engineer with the soul of an actor. Success in this role is measured not just by the beauty of the final shots, but by the health and efficiency of the team that created them.

Professional Requirements

  • Proven Track Record: At least 5 years of professional animation experience specifically within feature animated films or high‑end feature VFX. Previous experience in a Lead or Supervisory capacity is highly preferred.
  • Technical Mastery: Expert‑level proficiency in Autodesk Maya. You should have a deep understanding of graph editors, rigging constraints, and the technical limitations/possibilities of modern animation pipelines.
  • Artistic Excellence: A profound grasp of the 12 principles of animation, with a specific emphasis on timing, weight, and “appeal.” You should have an innate sense of cinematic storytelling and pacing.
  • Interpersonal Skills: The ability to provide “honest but kind” criticism. You must be able to listen to
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