Happy Camper Media is a premier animation powerhouse located in the heart of Quebec City. We are built on the philosophy that great stories come from a campfire-like atmosphere: collaborative, warm, and fueled by imagination. Our studio is dedicated to producing world-class local content with a global reach. We are currently seeking a visionary 2D Animation Supervisor (Lead) to spearhead the animation team for an upcoming, high-profile 2D animated feature film.

This is a rare opportunity for a seasoned veteran to influence the artistic direction of a major production while fostering a culture of excellence in one of Canada’s most vibrant creative hubs.

Compensation & Strategic Details

Happy Camper Media offers competitive compensation packages tailored to the specialized nature of lead roles in feature film production.

As the 2D Animation Supervisor, you are the artistic and technical linchpin of the production. You do not simply manage people; you define the soul of the characters. Your role is to serve as the vital bridge between the Director’s overarching narrative vision and the day-to-day realities of the animation pipeline.

You will interpret storyboards to establish the rhythmic heartbeat of the film—defining the timing, acting choices, and physical weight that will make the audience believe in our world. You are responsible for ensuring that every frame produced by your team meets the rigorous standards of a feature-length production, both aesthetically and technically.

Strategic Leadership and Supervision

The “Lead” designation at Happy Camper Media is a title of mentorship. You are tasked with:

• Team Inspiration: Motivating a diverse team of animators to push their creative boundaries while maintaining a cohesive visual style.
• Standard Setting: Establishing the “gold standard” for animation quality at the start of the project. This includes creating “key animations” or reference sequences that the rest of the team will use as their North Star.
• Daily Reviews: Conducting rigorous “dailies.” You must provide feedback that is both artistically inspiring and technically actionable.
• Workflow Integration: Ensuring that the animation department operates in perfect harmony with the rest of the pipeline. You will collaborate with Production Managers to set priorities and manage schedules, ensuring that no bottleneck hinders the creative flow.

Technical Mastery and Innovation

In modern 2D feature production, the boundary between art and technology is thin. Your responsibilities include:

• Pipeline Optimization: Working hand-in-hand with designers and technical riggers. You will oversee the development of character rigs to ensure they are flexible enough for complex acting but efficient enough for a fast-paced production environment.
• Software Expertise: Serving as the internal expert on our chosen animation software. You must be able to troubleshoot technical hurdles and find “work-arounds” that keep the team moving forward.
• Hybrid Techniques: While the project emphasizes the beauty of 2D, you must be proficient in managing both traditional (frame-by-frame) and cut-out animation techniques to achieve the best possible visual result.

Artistic Execution

Even as a supervisor, your hand remains on the canvas:

• Acting and Timing: You will analyze storyboards to define the specific acting beats of the main characters. Whether it is a subtle micro-expression or a grand physical stunt, you set the tempo.
• Anatomy and Body Language: Applying a deep understanding of human (and non-human) anatomy to ensure that every movement feels grounded in physics, regardless of how stylized the designs may be.
• Emotion Transmission: Ensuring that the “performance” transcends the drawing. You are responsible for the emotional resonance of the characters.

Professional Experience

• Shipped Credits: A minimum of 5 years of experience in 2D animation, with at least one credit in a Lead or Supervisory role on a feature film or high-end television series.
• Portfolio/Reel: A world-class demo reel demonstrating a mastery of acting, weight, and sophisticated 2D movement. We want to see your ability to handle complex dialogue and high-action sequences.

Technical Proficiencies

• Animation Principles: Absolute mastery of the “12 Principles” (Squash & Stretch, Anticipation, Staging, Straight Ahead Action and Pose to Pose, Follow Through and Overlapping Action, Slow In and Slow Out, Arcs, Secondary Action, Timing, Exaggeration, Solid Drawing, and Appeal).
• Software: Proficiency in industry-standard software (e.g., Toon Boom Harmony, TVPaint, or Adobe Animate). Expertise in Harmony’s rigging and node view is highly desirable.
• Draftsmanship: Exceptional drawing skills. You must be able to “draw over” an animator’s work to correct anatomy or line-of-action.

Leadership Qualities

• Clarity of Communication: The ability to explain complex artistic concepts clearly to both artists and non-artists (like producers or stakeholders).
• Rigour: A disciplined approach to deadlines. Feature films are marathons, and you must manage the team’s energy and output to ensure a strong finish.
• Mentorship: A genuine desire to see your team grow. You take pride in helping a junior animator turn a “good” shot into a “great” one.

Quebec City is a thriving hub for digital arts, and Happy Camper Media is at the center of that growth. We provide a professional environment that is stimulating, enriching, and—most importantly—human. We believe that the quality of our work is a direct reflection of the happiness of our team.

What we offer:

• A Unique Project: The chance to work on a 2D feature film—a rarity in a market often dominated by 3D.
• Local Impact: Be part of a studio that values local talent and contributes to the cultural fabric of Quebec.
• Collaboration: A “flat” hierarchy where your ideas are heard, and your expertise is respected.

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