Hiring Character Animator at Netflix 2026

Job Overview

• Company: Netflix Animation Studios (NAS)
• Position Title: Character Animator
• Department: Feature Animation
• Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
• Work Type: Hybrid (Minimum 3 days per week on-site)
• Salary Range: $80,000 – $160,000 CAD (Total Compensation)
• Experience Required: 2+ years of experience in Feature Film, VFX, Television, or Games

Netflix Animation Studios (NAS) is on a mission to entertain the world with bold, immersive animated films that are timeless, impactful, and globally resonant. We are paving the way for the future of animation by building a community of world-class artists across three vibrant global locations. We are currently seeking a skilled Character Animator to join our team in Vancouver as we embark on our next major animated feature film.

At Netflix, we value artists who bring a unique perspective and a distinct personal style to their creations. This role is for a storyteller who uses movement as their medium, breathing life into characters through a mastery of acting, appeal, and physics.

The Role & Vision

The Character Animator is a vital link in the storytelling chain at Netflix Animation Studios. You are responsible for transforming static rigs into vivid, compelling, and believable performances that drive the narrative forward. We are looking for “thinking” animators—those who understand the subtext of a scene and can translate emotional depth into frame-by-frame excellence.

You will work within a collaborative, high-energy environment where creative discussions are encouraged, and the pursuit of “appeal” is paramount. Whether you are working on a high-octane action sequence or a subtle, dialogue-driven emotional beat, your work must maintain the highest standards of weight, anatomy, and entertainment.

Core Responsibilities

1. Performance and Animation

• Character Breathing: Create high-quality feature animation that conveys clear narrative intent and believable emotional expressions.

• Technical Principles: Apply a deep understanding of animation principles (squash and stretch, anticipation, staging) to ensure every shot has proper weight and physics.

• Dialogue & Acting: Execute sophisticated lip-sync and facial acting that matches the voice performance and character personality.

2. Collaboration and Communication

• Creative Alignment: Work closely with the Director and Animation Leadership to ensure your work stays within the established creative vision of the film.

• Team Synergy: Participate actively in dailies and team reviews. Contribute to creative discussions and offer solutions to visual or technical challenges.

• Feedback Integration: Maintain an open-minded approach to constructive criticism, iterating on shots based on artistic notes to achieve the best possible result.

3. Pipeline and Workflow

• Time Management: Partner with the production team to manage shot quotas and meet rigorous project deadlines without sacrificing quality.

• Tool Adaptability: Stay open to new workflows and proprietary toolsets. Netflix is at the forefront of animation tech, and we value artists who can adapt to evolving software environments.

• Mentorship: Inspire those around you through your craft, fostering a supportive environment that encourages collective improvement.

III. Requirements for Success

To thrive at Netflix Animation Studios, you must balance raw artistic talent with professional discipline.

• Technical Proficiency: Expert-level knowledge of Autodesk Maya (or equivalent industry-standard software).

• Portfolio/Reel: A reel (maximum 2 minutes) demonstrating your strongest performances. We look for believable expressions, emotional weight, physics, and a clear sense of entertainment.

• Industry Background: Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in animated features, VFX, high-end TV, or AAA games.

• Core Skills: * Exceptional sense of story, pacing, and continuity.

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

  • Self-motivated and able to work independently while remaining a proven team player.

  • A high level of creative imagination and problem-solving ability.

IV. Compensation, Benefits, and Culture

Total Compensation Strategy

Netflix carefully considers a wide range of factors to determine pay, including market indicators, job family, background, skills, and specific experience. The range of $80k – $160k CAD reflects total compensation (note: Netflix does not offer stock options for this role).

Comprehensive Benefits

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, alongside robust mental health support.

• Life Planning: Retirement programs, family-forming benefits, and paid leave of absence programs.

• Work-Life Balance: Paid time away programs for vacation and sick leave.

• Hybrid Flexibility: Enjoy the collaborative energy of our Vancouver studio at least 3 days a week, with the flexibility of remote work for the remainder.

Commitment to Inclusion

Inclusion is a core Netflix value. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected status. We strive to provide a meaningful and accessible interview experience; accommodation requests are welcomed and supported.