Crafty Apes Australia – 3D Animator (Mid-senior)

Crafty Apes is a premier, full-service global visual effects powerhouse with a reputation for excellence across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Known for supporting award-winning artists and technical supervisors, our studio has contributed to the visual storytelling of major studio blockbusters, acclaimed independent films, and prestige television series.

We are thrilled to expand our global footprint with Crafty Apes Australia. Based out of our Sydney hub, we are building a world-class team that combines creative problem-solving with cutting-edge technology. Whether you are local to Sydney or looking to work from Adelaide, Melbourne, or Brisbane, we offer a modern, flexible approach to high-end VFX production. We are currently seeking Mid to Senior Animators who are passionate about breathing life into diverse characters and creatures.

Role Snapshot & Benefits

At Crafty Apes, we value talent over geography. While we have a physical presence in Sydney, we offer 100% remote flexibility for artists across Australia.

Job Overview

The Mission: Narrative Animation at the Highest Level

As an Animator at Crafty Apes, you are not just moving pixels; you are a performer. Your mission is to create expressive, compelling, and high-fidelity keyframe animation that resonates with audiences. Whether you are working on a hyper-realistic creature for a feature film or a stylized character for an episodic series, your focus will be on weight, timing, and performance.

You will be part of a collaborative ecosystem, working alongside Animation Directors and Technical Artists to ensure your work is not only visually stunning but technically integrated into the global VFX pipeline.

Key Responsibilities

1. High-Fidelity Animation Production

• Keyframe Mastery: Create polished, high-fidelity keyframe animation that adheres to the project’s specific aesthetic and technical requirements.

• Performance Capture: Participate in motion capture direction, cleanup, and implementation, ensuring that data-driven movement still feels organic and grounded.

• Rapid Iteration: Process feedback from dailies and playtesting quickly, refining assets to meet the evolving needs of the production.

2. Pipeline & Technical Collaboration

• Integration: Work closely with Designers and Technical Artists to ensure animations translate perfectly into the final rendered product.

• Workflow Innovation: Contribute to the development and refinement of animation tools, scripts, and best practices to improve studio efficiency.

• Rigging Support: (For Seniors) Assist with rigging and technical animation needs to ensure rigs are optimized for performance.

3. Leadership & Mentorship

• Growth Culture: Senior animators will mentor junior staff, providing constructive feedback to elevate the team’s collective output.

• Ownership: Take full responsibility for significant animation sequences, managing deadlines and priorities autonomously in a fast-paced environment.

Candidate Profile

We are looking for artists who have a deep, intuitive understanding of the “12 Principles of Animation” and the technical chops to execute them in a modern pipeline.

Mid-Level Requirements

• Professional History: At least 3+ years of experience in top-tier feature films or episodic VFX.

• Portfolio: A reel that demonstrates a mastery of weight, physics, timing, and character appeal.

• Software: High proficiency in industry-standard 3D packages (primarily Maya) and production tracking software like ShotGrid.

Senior-Level Requirements

• Experience: 5+ years of professional experience, with a track record of owning major sequences.

• Technical Depth: Expert-level knowledge of character mechanics. Experience with scripting (Python/MEL) or rigging is highly desirable.

• Self-Management: Proven ability to hit deadlines and prioritize tasks without constant supervision.

• Leadership: Previous experience in a lead or mentor capacity within a professional studio environmen

Why Join Crafty Apes Australia?

We provide a creative, supportive, and inclusive environment where your contribution is visible and valued.

• Remote-First Flexibility: We offer 100% remote working arrangements within Australia—giving you the choice to work where you are most productive.

• Global Exposure: Work on world-class projects within a global network of artists.

• Professional Growth: We invest in our people through training opportunities and conference attendance.

• Global Mobility: For successful international candidates, we offer visa sponsorship and relocation assistance to help you make Australia your new home.

How to Apply

Ready to join the troop? Please submit your resume, a tailored cover letter, and a link to your latest animation reel.

Note: We understand that recent project shots can be delayed due to NDAs; please provide the most recent work samples available to you.