Animation Supervisor Job at DNEG , Montréal 2026

DNEG Animation is seeking a visionary and technically grounded Animation Supervisor to join our world-class team in Montréal. This is a pivotal leadership role designed for an industry veteran who excels at bridging the gap between high-level artistic intent and the complex technical execution required for modern feature-length animation.

As an Animation Supervisor, you will be the backbone of the production’s creative engine, supporting the Animation Director while mentoring Leads and Animators to reach new heights of cinematic excellence. Whether we are crafting the stylized world of The Cat in the Hat or the high-octane energy of The Angry Birds Movie 3, your expertise will ensure our characters move with purpose, personality, and technical precision.

Job Overview: Animation Supervisor

The Vision of DNEG Animation

At DNEG, we don’t believe in a “house style.” We believe in quality. Our portfolio ranges from the painterly, ground-breaking aesthetics of Entergalactic and Nimona to the charm of The Garfield Movie. As an Animation Supervisor, you are not just a manager; you are a guardian of this craft. You will work in a collaborative, ego-free environment where the goal is always to push the boundaries of what is possible in digital storytelling.

Job Purpose & Key Responsibilities

The Animation Supervisor acts as the primary lieutenant to the Animation Director. You are responsible for the “macro” and “micro” of the department—overseeing multiple Leads and their respective teams while ensuring that every frame aligns with the Director’s vision.

1. Artistic & Technical Leadership

• Pre-Production Excellence: Partner with the Animation Director during the early stages of a film to conduct animation tests and influence rig development. You ensure that the characters are physically capable of the performances required by the script.

• Style Consistency: You are the “eye” that ensures continuity across the show. Whether a character is performing a subtle emotional beat or a complex action sequence, you ensure the movement remains “on-model” and stylistically coherent.

• Inter-Departmental Liaison: You serve as the vital bridge between Animation and the “downstream” and “upstream” departments, including Rigging, Layout, and CFX. You identify technical bottlenecks before they become production delays.

2. Team Management & Operations

• Managing Leads: You provide the guidance and structure that allows Animation Leads to manage their own sub-teams effectively. You are accountable for the department’s overall output and morale.

• Creative Realization: You interpret the high-level vision of the VFX/CG Supervisors and translate it into actionable, clear briefs for the artists.

• Workflow Optimization: You are responsible for adhering to and improving department workflows. This includes staying current with the latest pipeline technologies and developing documentation to standardize processes.

• Productivity & Bidding: You will collaborate with Production Supervisors to bid on shots, cast the right animators to the right sequences, and manage the schedule to ensure milestones are met without compromising quality.

3. Dailies & Quality Control

• Constructive Feedback: You will run departmental dailies, providing concise, actionable notes that help artists grow while keeping the production on track.

• Approval Management: You are the final gatekeeper for work moving to the next department. You must ensure all submissions meet the rigorous standards of DNEG and the client.

• VFX Supervisor Interaction: You attend show-level dailies with the VFX Supervisor, representing the Animation department and ensuring their feedback is communicated clearly back to the crew.

4. Talent Development & Mentorship

• Cultivating Growth: Beyond the immediate needs of the show, you are a mentor. You identify the strengths and weaknesses of your team, helping them reach their long-term career goals.

• Culture Building: You play a key role in maintaining a positive, inclusive, and high-energy studio culture.

• Performance Tracking: You provide detailed feedback for performance reviews and help identify rising stars within the organization.

Required Qualifications & Skills

To be successful in this role, you must possess a rare blend of artistic “soul” and technical “grit.” We are looking for candidates who meet the following criteria:

• Extensive Feature Experience: Minimum of 7+ years of professional experience animating at a high level within Feature Animation.

• Proven Leadership: You must have served as a Lead Animator on at least three (3) completed feature-length productions.

• Technical Mastery: Expert-level knowledge of Autodesk Maya. You should have a deep understanding of the inner workings of a modern animation pipeline.

• Anatomy & Physics: A profound understanding of human/animal anatomy and muscle dynamics is essential, especially for creature-heavy projects.

• Communication Skills: The ability to explain complex movement or technical concepts to both artistic and non-technical stakeholders is vital.

• Organizational Prowess: Experience with scheduling, shot bidding, and casting is required to manage the logistical side of a large-scale feature.

Why Join DNEG Montréal?

DNEG Montréal is a global hub for animation and visual effects, and DNEG is at the center of that ecosystem. By joining our team, you gain:

• Global Impact: Work on iconic IP like The Cat in the Hat and Angry Birds.

• Hybrid Flexibility: We balance the need for in-person collaboration with the flexibility of remote work.

• Inclusive Environment: We are committed to E.D.I. (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion). We believe our different backgrounds make our animated worlds richer and more authentic.

• Union Benefits: As this role becomes unionized under IATSE, you will benefit from structured support, clear terms of employment, and collective bargaining power.

The Application Process

We value your time and your craft. When applying, please ensure your portfolio or demo reel highlights:

1. High-end acting and performance (subtle and broad).

2. Action and body mechanics.

3. Examples of work where you have led or supervised a team (if available).

DNEG is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage applications from all backgrounds, regardless of experience or disability. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.