Job Overview

Lightcatcher Media is committed to attracting top-tier talent through transparent and competitive compensation.

The Role: Shaping Performance, Leading Artistry

Lightcatcher Media is at the forefront of the digital storytelling revolution. We are a studio built on the principles of creative freedom, technical innovation, and the power of character-driven narratives. We are currently seeking a visionary Lead Animator to spearhead the animation team for our flagship series, “Little Margo Stories.”

This role is designed for a veteran animator who has transitioned from mastering the technicality of the craft to mastering the art of leadership. If you are a mentor at heart with a flair for cartoony performance and a deep understanding of the high-end 3D pipeline, Lightcatcher Media is your next home.

I. The Vision: “Little Margo Stories”

The “Little Margo Stories” series is characterized by its unique artistic vision and high-performance requirements. Unlike standard procedural animation, this project demands a “squash and stretch” philosophy rooted in traditional cartoony aesthetics but executed with modern 3D precision.

As a Lead Animator, you aren’t just managing a team; you are the guardian of Margo’s soul. You will ensure that every smirk, jump, and blink contributes to a cohesive character performance that resonates with our global audience.

We believe that the best stories are told through the subtle nuances of acting, and your task is to ensure those nuances are captured in every frame.

II. Detailed Responsibilities & Strategic Impact

The role of a Lead Animator at Lightcatcher Media is multifaceted, blending high-level artistic direction with logistical pipeline management. Your influence will be felt across every department, from rigging to the final render.

1. Artistic Stewardship & Quality Control

• Setting the Standard: You will lead the animation production team by establishing the “Gold Standard” for every shot. You are responsible for ensuring that the nuances of the show’s unique style are never lost in translation between concept and final output.

• Complex Shot Execution: While you lead others, you will also be “hands-on,” executing a diverse range of shots. This includes those that involve intricate technical challenges, complex character interactions, or large-scale crowd animations.

• Style Fidelity: You must maintain an in-depth understanding of the series’ visual language, ensuring all animations align with and enhance the established artistic vision.

2. Team Mentorship & Skill Elevation

Lightcatcher Media believes in the growth of its people. As a Lead, you are the primary educator for our talent.

• Leadership & Guidance: Provide leadership and mentorship to junior and intermediate animators. You will share insights, advanced techniques, and industry best practices to elevate the team’s overall technical and artistic skill level.

• Feedback Optimization: You will expedite the shot approval process by swiftly addressing feedback. Your goal is to provide such clear, actionable direction that you minimize the need for repeated notes, keeping the production engine moving efficiently.

3. Pre-Production & Directorial Support

• Episode Preparation: You will assist the Director in episode preparation. Your duties will include providing rig feedback, testing assets to ensure they are “animator-friendly,” and reviewing episode complexity to help plan production schedules.

• Continuity Oversight: Take a comprehensive view of the animation process to ensure a cohesive, seamless flow across long shots and maintain overall series continuity, ensuring a cohesive visual narrative across all episodes.

4. Technical Workflow & Problem Solving

• Workflow Advocacy: Implement and advocate for efficient scene organization and workflows. In a remote environment, clean files and optimized collaboration are the backbone of our success.

• Proactive Troubleshooting: Take proactive measures to efficiently solve problems as they arise. You will communicate effectively with the production, rigging, and asset teams to resolve bottlenecks before they impact the timeline.

III. Qualifications: The Profile of a Leader

We are looking for a specific blend of experience, technical mastery, and “soft” leadership skills.

1. The Technical Bar

• MAYA Expertise: You must have over 5+ years of experience in 3D animation using Maya specifically for film and series production.

• The “Cartoony” Eye: A strong background as a Senior or Lead in features or series with a cartoony animation style is essential. We need someone who understands exaggerated physics and snappy timing.

• Pipeline Fluency: Ability to work within an established pipeline and the agility to learn and master custom proprietary tools.

2. Leadership & Communication

• Interpretive Skills: The ability to understand and interpret a storyboard and the Director’s feedback, then translate that into clear direction for your team.

• Collaborative Spirit: Excellent communication skills are a must. You will be working with cross-departmental teams, the Animation Director, and the Supervisor.

• Pedagogical Passion: You must have good teaching skills and a genuine interest in being a mentor who develops the team both technically and artistically.

IV. Compensation & Mandatory Details

Lightcatcher Media is committed to attracting top-tier talent through transparent and competitive compensation.