Job Overview

The following table provides a quick-reference guide to the mandatory details of this role.

Project Focus: “Little Margo Stories”

Lightcatcher Media is at the forefront of the digital storytelling revolution. As a studio built on the principles of creative freedom, technical innovation, and the power of character-driven narratives, we don’t just produce content—we build legacies.

We are currently seeking a visionary Senior Animator to join our production team for the flagship series, “Little Margo Stories.” This role is designed for a veteran artist who has moved beyond the basics of movement and into the realm of true performance.

If you are an animator who understands the subtext of a scene, a mentor who thrives on helping others grow, and a technical expert who speaks the language of Maya, Lightcatcher Media is your next professional home.

II. The Artistic Vision: Shaping “Little Margo Stories”

The “Little Margo Stories” series is characterized by its unique artistic vision and high-performance requirements. This project is not about subtle, hyper-realistic movements; it is about the “magic of the frame.” It demands a “squash and stretch” philosophy rooted in traditional cartoony aesthetics but executed with modern 3D precision.

As a Senior Animator, you aren’t just moving a rig from Point A to Point B. You are the architect of a character’s soul. You will ensure that every smirk, jump, and blink contributes to a cohesive character performance that resonates with a 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 with surgical precision.

III. Detailed Core Responsibilities

At Lightcatcher Media, the “Senior” title is not just about tenure; it is about impact. Your responsibilities span the artistic, technical, and leadership domains.

1. Artistic Mastery & Performance

• Top-Tier Execution: You will demonstrate absolute mastery in animation techniques, consistently delivering work that doesn’t just meet but exceeds established quality standards.

• Style Fidelity: You will uphold a deep understanding of the Little Margo Stories animation style. This requires the ability to switch between snappy, rhythmic movement and fluid, emotional performance.

• Cohesive Narrative: You will take a comprehensive view of the animation process to ensure a cohesive, seamless flow across long shots and maintain strict continuity.

2. Leadership & Mentorship

• The Teacher’s Mindset: You will provide leadership and mentorship to junior and intermediate animators. This includes sharing your “secret sauce”—the insights, techniques, and best practices that you’ve gathered over your career.

• Elevating the Team: By reviewing the work of others and offering constructive, professional feedback, you will play a direct role in elevating the studio’s overall skill level.

3. Workflow Efficiency & Pipeline Advocacy

• Streamlining Approvals: Leveraging your experience, you will address feedback from Directors and Supervisors promptly. Your goal is to deliver “Final” quality shots with minimal revision cycles.

• Scene Organization: You will advocate for and implement efficient scene organization. In a remote environment, clean files and optimized workflows are the backbone of a successful production.

• Troubleshooting: You will take a proactive approach to solving complex animation challenges. Whether it’s a rig limitation or a technical glitch, you will troubleshoot efficiently and communicate solutions across the pipeline.

4. Cross-Departmental Collaboration

• Asset Improvement: You will actively contribute to the ongoing improvement of the animation process. This involves identifying and addressing larger issues in assets (rigging/modeling) to elevate the overall quality of the production.

• Directorial Alignment: You will work hand-in-hand with the Lead Animator, Animation Director, and Supervisor, contributing valuable insights while fostering a positive, high-energy working environment.

IV. Professional Qualifications

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

1. Technical Requirements

• Maya Expertise: You must have over 3 years of high-level experience using Maya for professional film or series production.

• Style Specialty: A strong background in feature-quality “cartoony” style animation. We want to see your ability to handle exaggerated physics and snappy timing.

• Pipeline Agility: The ability to work within an established pipeline and the curiosity to learn and master custom proprietary tools and scripts.

2. Soft Skills & Leadership

• Storyboard Interpretation: The ability to look at a 2D storyboard and visualize the 3D performance, weight, and timing required to make the scene successful.

• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills are mandatory. As a remote studio, our ability to articulate creative ideas clearly is our greatest asset.

• Teaching Ability: Proven skills in mentoring others and a genuine interest in the technical and artistic development of a team.

V. Compensation, Benefits, and The Remote Life

Lightcatcher Media is committed to attracting top-tier talent through transparent and competitive compensation and a modern work-life philosophy.

1. Salary Philosophy

The salary range of $1,800 – $2,000 CAD per week reflects our current expectations for the role. However, the final offer will be a reflection of:

• Your relevant professional experience.

• The quality and performance demonstrated in your showreel.

• Your specific geographical location and educational background.

2. The Remote Advantage

Lightcatcher Media is a 100% remote studio. We have dismantled the traditional barriers of physical office space to build a culture based on trust, output, and creative ownership.

• BC Preference: While we are remote, we have a preference for British Columbia-based crew to align with tax credit incentives and timezone synchronization.

• Flexibility: We offer a flexible working environment. We don’t believe in “crunch culture”; we believe in smart planning and efficient workflows.

• Health and Wellness: We provide extended health benefits to ensure our team stays at their physical and mental best.

VI. Why Lightcatcher Media?

Choosing a studio is about more than a paycheck; it’s about the legacy you leave behind. At Lightcatcher:

1. Your Voice Matters: Senior animators are key stakeholders in the storytelling process. Your ideas on character performance directly shape the final product.

2. Continuous Learning: We are constantly refining our pipeline. You will have the opportunity to work with and influence custom tools designed to make animation more intuitive.

3. Global Impact: Work on a project (Little Margo Stories) that is designed to captivate audiences worldwide.

VII. Mandatory Application Requirements

To be considered for an interview, your application MUST include:

1. Professional Showreel: A link to your latest reel (Vimeo/SyncSketch). We are specifically looking for acting, performance, weight, and cartoony timing.

2. Current Resume: Highlighting your Maya experience and previous Senior/Lead credits.

3. Residency Disclosure: Please confirm if you are a resident of British Columbia, Canada.

Conclusion: Lead the Performance

The “Little Margo Stories” series is a labor of love, and we are looking for a Senior Animator who will treat it as such. We need an artist who can balance the rigors of a production schedule with the delicate needs of high-end artistic performance.

Lightcatcher Media is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

We look forward to reviewing your application and seeing how you can help us light up the screen!