3D Animator at Skydance Animation Madrid

Skydance Animation is not just a studio; it is a movement of pioneers. Founded by David Ellison, Skydance Media has become a powerhouse in the global entertainment landscape, bridging the gap between high-concept storytelling and cutting-edge technology. Our animation division, with a significant footprint in the culturally rich city of Madrid, is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what the world’s most collaborative art form can achieve.

We are looking for an Animator who is ready to go beyond the status quo. We don’t just want someone who can move a character from point A to point B; we want an artist who can breathe life into a rig, transmit complex human emotions, and uphold the highest standards of artistic excellence. At Skydance, you will be given the space, the resources, and the creative freedom to help build a studio that is doing something truly different in the world of feature animation.

Job Overview: 3D Animator

The Skydance Animation Philosophy: A Call to Pioneers

Skydance Animation offers a dynamic, inclusive, and ever-evolving culture where innovative ideas are welcomed, and growth is fostered. The partnership between unique creativity and technological advancements is demonstrated within each pillar of the company. At the heart of it all is a commitment to boldly entertaining and relevant storytelling.

While all animation studios look to hire people who are creative and hard-working, Skydance Animation is specifically looking for individuals who seek to push the limits. We operate on the principle that the best work comes from a team that feels empowered to experiment and collaborate. Our Madrid studio serves as a hub for international talent, blending the artistic heritage of Europe with the high-octane production values of Hollywood.

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Key Responsibilities as 3D Animator

As an 3D Animator, you are the final actor in our production pipeline. You are responsible for the “performance” that the audience sees on screen. Your role encompasses the following core areas:

1. Artistic and Technical Execution

Your primary duty is to create animations at the highest artistic and technical level. This involves:

• Emotional Truth: Giving credibility to characters and transmitting specific emotions in every moment of the film.
• Stylistic Versatility: Understanding and handling different styles of animation—from hyper-realistic movement to highly stylized, “snappy” performances—and bringing them to a polished finish.
• Technical Proficiency: Mastering the tools of the trade to ensure that animation data is clean, stable, and ready for the downstream departments like lighting and rendering.

2. Creative Collaboration

Animation is the ultimate team sport. You will:

• Directorial Alignment: Work closely with the Director, Animation Supervisor, and Leads to ensure the creative vision is maintained.
• Proactive Contribution: Propose genuine and unique acting choices or movement ideas for each assignment. We value animators who bring their own “voice” to a scene while staying aligned with the story’s context.
• Feedback Loop: Maintain an open and professional attitude toward feedback. Animation is an iterative process, and the ability to pivot based on directorial changes is essential.

3. Production Management

Our animators are expected to be professionals who manage their time as effectively as their keyframes:

• Planning: Structure your own assignments to meet rigorous production deadlines.
• Communication: Coordinate with Leads and Supervisors to account for the time needed for reviews and iterations.
• Model Integrity: Keep characters “on model” at all times, respecting the specific designs and proportions established by the character design and rigging teams.

4. Team Integration

• Peer Support: Collaborate with other team members when necessary to solve technical hurdles or share artistic breakthroughs.
• Mentorship Mentality: While this is a mid-level role, we encourage all our artists to foster an environment of mutual learning and growth.

Candidate Requirements

Skydance Animation is looking for a specific blend of experience, talent, and “pioneer spirit.”

Professional Experience

• Industry Tenure: 3–5 years of professional experience in the VFX or animation industries is required.

• Specialization: At least 1+ years specifically within the feature animation industry is highly desirable, showing a familiarity with the pacing and quality bars of theatrical-length content.

Technical & Artistic Skills

• 3D Aptitude: A strong artistic or technical aptitude related to 3D animation (typically in Maya) is a must. You should understand weight, timing, and appeal.

• Drawing Skills: While we work in a 3D medium, the ability to sketch or draw is highly desirable. Strong drawing skills often correlate with a better understanding of posing, silhouette, and line of action.

• Language: A high level of English is desirable for communicating with our international leads and directors. Proficiency in Spanish is also a plus, given our location in the heart of Madrid.

Why Madrid?

Our Skydance Animation Madrid studio offers more than just a job; it offers a lifestyle. Known for its incredible art museums, world-class culinary scene, and high quality of life, Madrid is the perfect backdrop for a creative career. Skydance Animation Madrid provides an opportunity to work on global-scale projects while enjoying the vibrant culture and climate of the Spanish capital.

Security and Privacy

Recruitment Fraud Alert: It has come to our attention that there may be fraudulent activity by individuals impersonating our Talent Acquisition team. Please be advised that Skydance will only contact you from an official “@skydance.com” email address. If you suspect that you are being contacted by an unauthorized person or believe that the correspondence you have received is suspicious, please do not click on any links or attachments.

Privacy Notice: For information on Skydance’s privacy practices, please see the Skydance EU/UK Personnel Privacy Notice located at https://skydance.com/privacy-personnel/.

How to Apply

Skydance Animation want to see your best work. When applying, please include:

1. A Professional Demo Reel: Showcasing your best character acting, physical action, and emotional beats.

2. A Breakdown Sheet: Explaining exactly what you were responsible for in each shot of your reel.

3. Resume/CV: Detailing your professional history and software proficiency.

Our Promise: Skydance is a diversified media company that brings stories of immersive worlds to life. We are committed to creating high-quality, event-level entertainment for global audiences. By joining our Madrid team, you become part of a legacy of storytelling excellence.