Atlantis Animation is not just a studio; it is a creative sanctuary located in the heart of the heavenly Canary Islands. We pride ourselves on a unique fusion of top-tier creative talent and cutting-edge technology. Our portfolio speaks for itself, having produced sensational hits like Tara Duncan and Miraculous Ladybug (Season 5) for global giants such as Disney Channel and Disney+.
Atlantis Animation is now embarking on our most ambitious journey yet: ‘Messi and the Giants’. Produced in collaboration with Sony Music Vision, Sony Pictures Television Kids, and Leo Messi Management, this epic saga follows a young boy named Leo transported from Argentina into a fantastical alternate universe. We are looking for 3D Animators who possess that “inner magic spark” to help us bring this legendary project to life.
3D Animator Job Overview
- Company Name: Atlantis Animation
- Project Title: Messi and the Giants (Sony / Disney)
- Job Type: Full-Time, Fixed-Term Employee Contract
- Contract Duration: Approximately 9 Months
- Start Date: April 1, 2026
- Location: Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
- Work Model: 100% On-site (Preferred)
- Salary Range: Competitive; Scaled to Mid-Level Experience
- Software Focus: Autodesk Maya
- Work Permit: Valid EU / Spanish Work Authorization Required
Role Mission and Character Performance
As a 3D Animator on Messi and the Giants, your primary mission is to breathe life into characters that will inspire an international audience. You aren’t just moving models; you are crafting believable performances, heart-pounding action sequences, and nuanced emotional beats. This role requires an artist who understands the “soul” of animation—timing, weight, and the subtle art of digital acting.
Comprehensive Responsibilities
1. High-End Character Animation
You will be tasked with producing high-quality 3D animation for a diverse range of characters, fantastical creatures, and dynamic props using Autodesk Maya. Your work must reflect a deep understanding of the show’s unique visual style, ensuring that “Leo” and his companions move with a consistency that honors the director’s vision.
2. Collaborative Creative Execution
Animation is a team sport. You will work in lockstep with the Animation Supervisor and Lead Animators. This involves:
Interpreting complex storyboards and animatics to translate 2D intent into 3D excellence.
Integrating director’s notes and feedback with a positive, proactive attitude.
Collaborating with the Rigging department to provide feedback on character functionality and with Layout to ensure spatial accuracy.
3. Pipeline Integration and Efficiency
In a fast-paced production environment, technical hygiene is vital. You will:
Adhere strictly to studio workflows and naming conventions to ensure a seamless hand-off to the Lighting and FX departments.
Manage your time effectively to meet rigid production milestones without sacrificing the “spark” of the animation quality.
Utilize custom scripts and animation tools to optimize your daily output.
What We Are Looking For (Requirements)
To succeed in this role, you must be a mid-level professional who is ready to jump into a high-profile production from day one.
Technical Proficiency: Advanced knowledge of Autodesk Maya is essential. You should be comfortable navigating complex rigs and utilizing the Graph Editor to polish curves to perfection.
Animation Fundamentals: A rock-solid grasp of the 12 principles of animation. We are looking for animators who understand weight and silhouette—making a giant feel heavy and a child feel energetic.
Stylized Expertise: The ability to animate in a “stylized” manner—finding the balance between realism and the expressive, exaggerated charm required for high-end TV series.
Language & Legal: A good level of spoken and written English is required for our international pipeline. Crucially, you must possess a valid permit to work in Spain (EU Citizenship or existing Spanish residency).
Location Flexibility: We prioritize candidates who can work 100% on-site in our Tenerife studio. The Canary Islands offer a high quality of life, and our studio culture thrives on in-person collaboration. (Remote options are strictly reserved for those already registered in the Canary Islands with exceptional circumstances).
Why Choose Atlantis Animation?
Working with us means more than just a line on your resume; it’s an adventure.
Global Exposure: Be part of a project involving global icons like Leo Messi and major studios like Sony and Disney.
Unbeatable Location: Experience the lifestyle of the Canary Islands—year-round sun, stunning landscapes, and a vibrant local culture.
Professional Growth: Work alongside a diverse, international team of veterans. You will be challenged to grow your skills in a supportive, high-energy environment.
Fixed-Term Stability: Unlike freelance “pay-per-shot” models, we offer a stable employee contract, providing security for the duration of the project.
Application Guidelines
Atlantis Animation is looking for portfolios that showcase acting and physicality. Your demo reel should highlight:
Clear body mechanics and weight.
Facial animation and lip-sync that conveys genuine emotion.
A variety of acting beats (subtle vs. high energy).
Note: We are specifically looking for employee-based contracts for this role. We are currently not entertaining freelance or B2B inquiries for this project.
