Rodeo FX is hiring Senior Animation Artist, 2026

Rodeo FX, an Academy Award-winning creative powerhouse and repeatedly voted one of Montreal’s Top Employers, is currently seeking elite Senior Animation Artists for high-priority freelance contracts. Known for delivering world-class visual effects for the industry’s most prestigious storytellers—including Netflix, Disney, Marvel, and HBO—Rodeo FX is a hub for innovation and hyper-realistic digital artistry.

This specific project requires a master-level understanding of creature performance, specifically focusing on flying creature animation. If you are a seasoned animator with a sharp eye for weight, timing, and the nuanced mechanics of flight, this is an opportunity to contribute to some of the most anticipated titles in modern cinema and television.

Job Overview: Senior Animation Artist (Freelance/Contract)

*Note: As a freelance/contract position, final rates are negotiated based on the artist’s specific portfolio, years of AAA experience, and the complexity of the assigned shots.

About Rodeo FX: A Legacy of Excellence

Rodeo FX is more than a VFX house; it is a creative partner to the world’s best directors. With nearly 900 artists across Montreal, Toronto, Quebec City, Los Angeles, and Paris, the studio has earned its reputation through a meticulous dedication to the craft.

Recent & Iconic Achievements:

• Award-Winning Heritage: Oscar®-winning independent company and recipient of the 2023 VES Award for Love, Death and Robots Volume 3.

• Emmy® Nominations: Recognized for groundbreaking work on Stranger Things (Season 4), The Witcher, and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.

• Current Slate: Artists are currently working on high-octane projects such as Blue Beetle, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, and Zack Snyder’s Rebel Moon.

Joining Rodeo FX as a freelancer allows you to plug into a sophisticated pipeline while maintaining the autonomy of a professional contractor.

Detailed Job Description: The Mission

The Freelance Animation Artist is responsible for delivering high-end, hyper-realistic performances. Your work will provide the “soul” for digital assets, ensuring they move with credibility, emotion, and physical accuracy.

1. Mastery of the Craft

You will be expected to deliver polished animation that serves both the director’s creative intent and the technical specifications of the Rodeo FX pipeline.

• Core Principles: Demonstrate an expert grasp of timing, weight, arcs, and posing.

• Creature Mechanics: This project places a heavy emphasis on flying creatures. You must understand the physics of lift, drag, and wing skeletal mechanics to create believable aerial movement.

• Versatility: While creatures are a focus, you should be equally adept at animating mechanical objects or stylized characters when required.

2. Creative Storytelling & Performance

Rodeo FX values artists who go beyond the brief. You are expected to:

• Interpret Direction: Use reference materials (nature documentaries, mocap, or live-action plates) to build nuanced performances.

• Propose Originality: Offer motion choices that enhance the storytelling. If a creature’s movement can better convey its “mood” or “intent,” your creative input is welcomed.

• Feedback Integration: Work in a highly iterative environment, using feedback from Leads and Supervisors to sharpen the final output.

3. Technical Precision & Pipeline Health

As a Senior Artist, your technical “hygiene” must be impeccable to ensure smooth handoffs to Lighting and FX.

• Clean Delivery: Ensure all animation curves are clean, and files are functional and export-ready.

• Troubleshooting: Proactively identify and flag rigging issues or scene-related bottlenecks before they impact production.

• Standardization: Maintain strict adherence to naming conventions and file structures within Maya and ShotGrid.

Candidate Requirements: What You’ll Bring

We are looking for a veteran who can “hit the ground running.” Because of the immediate start date and the senior nature of the work, the following qualifications are required:

• Professional Experience: A minimum of 6 years in a high-end VFX or animation studio environment.

• Flying Creature Expertise: A demonstrable portfolio featuring realistic flying creatures (dragons, birds, mythical beasts, etc.) is essential for this project.

• Technical Mastery: Strong proficiency in Maya. Familiarity with custom rigging tools or Python scripting is a major asset.

• Analytical Eye: A deep understanding of body mechanics and facial performance.

• Workflow Tools: Experience with ShotGrid (formerly Shotgun) for production tracking is preferred.

• Mindset: An autonomous, proactive, and positive attitude. You must be able to manage your own deadlines while working remotely.

Diversity, Inclusion, and Culture

At Rodeo FX, diversity is a core value, not just a policy. The studio is committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace where different perspectives are embraced. We believe that a variety of backgrounds strengthens our creativity and allows us to deliver better work to our global clients. Whether you are working from our Montreal headquarters or from your home office, you are part of a community that values your unique insight.

The Freelance Advantage at Rodeo FX

• Remote Flexibility: High-level remote setup support for artists working within Quebec or across Canada.

• High-Visibility Projects: Add “Oscar-winning studio” and major franchise titles to your professional credits.

• Collaborative Environment: Even as a freelancer, you will participate in dailies and creative reviews, ensuring you are never working in a vacuum.

• Possibility of Extension: While the initial contract runs through June, Rodeo FX consistently looks to retain top-tier talent for long-term project cycles.

Application Instructions

To be considered for these immediate openings, please ensure your application includes:

1. A Current CV: Outlining your years of experience and specific studio credits.

2. A Targeted Demo Reel: Your reel must show realistic creature animation. Please highlight any flying creature work prominently.

3. Availability: Confirm your ability to start immediately or within the early April to June window.

Rodeo FX is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals. If you require any accommodations during the recruitment process, please let our team know.