At DNEG Animation, we are driven by a singular, defining mission: to compete with the absolute best in the global entertainment industry by crafting breathtaking visuals, immersive worlds, and deeply compelling characters. We do not adhere to a rigid “house style.” Instead, our signature is uncompromising quality. To maintain this standard, we rely on the artistry, technical mastery, and creative vision of our brilliant senior-level talent.
If you are currently browsing jobs in quebec canada for a roles that challenge your creative boundaries, this is your opportunity. We are actively seeking a Senior Animator to join our world-class team in Montréal. In this role, you will be a key creative driver for our next major, top-tier feature animation project. Working in a flexible hybrid environment, you will breathe life into complex characters, translating abstract concepts into profound cinematic moments that resonate deeply with audiences worldwide.
As a Senior Animator, your role extends far beyond technical execution. You are a visual storyteller, a kinetic actor, and a collaborative partner. Utilizing storyboards, animatics, and various visual references, you will collaborate closely with the Director, Animation Director, Animation Supervisor, and your fellow animators. Together, you will execute shots that advance the narrative, preserve continuity, and elevate the emotional stakes of the film.
The Studio & Our Legacy
DNEG Animation is a division of DNEG, one of the world’s foremost visual effects and animation companies. Together, we employ a diverse, global workforce of more than 9,000 creators across studios in North America (Montréal, Vancouver, Toronto, Los Angeles), Europe (London), Asia (Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Mohali), and Australia (Sydney).
As a premier destination for those searching for top-tier jobs in quebec canada, our animation department thrives on creative diversity. We adapt to an incredibly wide variety of stylistic approaches, ranging from highly complex, gritty graphic novel adaptations to beautifully stylized, whimsical, and painterly family films. Our portfolio reflects our dedication to pushing the boundaries of what feature animation can achieve. We are incredibly proud of the iconic stories we have helped bring to life, including:
- Nimona (Academy Award-nominated)
- The Garfield Movie
- Entergalactic
- Ron’s Gone Wrong
- Under the Boardwalk
Looking to the future, our production pipeline is filled with highly anticipated, major animated features. By joining our team—recognized as a premier destination for creative jobs in quebec canada—you will have the opportunity to leave your mark on landmark upcoming projects such as The Angry Birds Movie 3, The Cat in the Hat, and Bad Fairies.
Core Responsibilities
As a Senior Animator, your daily responsibilities will span high-level creative execution, technical problem-solving, and cross-departmental collaboration:
- Character & Creature Performance: Create world-class character and creature animation, utilizing a deep understanding of physical weight, anatomy, biomechanics, and facial expressions to deliver nuanced, believable performances.
- Shot Execution: Interpret storyboards, layout setups, 2D animatics, and director notes to execute complex shots from blocking through to final polish, ensuring alignment with the project’s established style and narrative goals.
- Collaborative Alignment: Partner directly with the Director, Animation Director, and Animation Supervisor to capture the intended tone, pacing, and emotional subtext of every sequence.
- Cinematic Storytelling: Apply a sophisticated understanding of cinematography, composition, framing, and perspective to ensure character performances integrate seamlessly with camera movements and environmental elements.
- Technical Pipeline Navigation: Maintain clean files and organized workflows within Autodesk Maya and proprietary DNEG tools, ensuring smooth downstream handoffs to the Creature FX, Lighting, and Compositing departments.
- Mentorship & Peer Leadership: Serve as a positive creative influence within the animation department, providing informal guidance, sharing technical insights, and fostering a collaborative, inspiring team environment.
Job Requirements & Qualifications
Essential “Must-Have” Qualifications:
- Industry Experience: A minimum of 8 years of professional experience specializing in 3D character animation or animation development, specifically within a dedicated feature animation studio environment.
- Software Mastery: Thorough, expert-level knowledge of Autodesk Maya within a high-end studio production pipeline.
- Foundational Artistry: A deeply ingrained understanding of the core 12 principles of animation (timing, spacing, staging, anticipation, arcs, etc.), alongside a proven grasp of physical anatomy, weight distribution, perspective, and composition.
- Acting & Expression: Demonstrated excellence in acting, pantomime, and facial animation. You must possess the ability to communicate subtle subtext, psychological depth, and genuine emotional vulnerability through a character’s movement.
- Portfolio Evidence: A stunning animation showreel that demonstrates a high caliber of feature-film work, highlighting versatility, emotional range, flawless mechanics, and acting clarity.
Additional Skills & Desirable Assets:
- Traditional Art Skills: Strong traditional drawing, sketching, or sculpting skills are considered a major asset for posing and silhouette design.
- Communication & Adaptability: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills. You must be highly adaptable, receptive to constructive feedback, and capable of quickly pivoting your creative approach based on director notes.
- Collaborative Spirit: A highly motivated, proactive team player who thrives on the collective creative energy of a bustling, diverse studio environment.
Hybrid Work & Union Information
This position is based out of our vibrant studio in Montréal, Quebec, Canada and will operate on a hybrid remote model, blending the flexibility of working from home with the collaborative benefits of in-person studio sessions. For those actively seeking high-caliber jobs in quebec canada, our studio environment offers a perfect balance of professional infrastructure and remote adaptability.
⚠️ Important Notice Regarding Unionization
Please note that this is a unionized position and will be covered by an upcoming collective agreement between DNEG and the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).
As a condition of employment for this role, the successful candidate will be required to join the union and will subsequently benefit from the formalized working conditions, protections, and parameters set out in the collective agreement. Union dues will be processed and required once the collective agreement is officially ratified and enacted.
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
At DNEG, we fundamentally believe that embracing our differences is a vital component of our collective creative success. The worlds we build on screen are diverse, and we believe our global teams should reflect that richness. As an organization offering premier jobs in quebec canada, we are deeply committed to creating an equitable, inclusive, and welcoming work environment where every single employee feels they matter, are respected, and belong.
We welcome and encourage applications from all individuals, regardless of background, identity, gender, ethnicity, experience, or disability status.
Accessibility & Accommodations ::
If you require any specific adjustments, technical support, or accessibility accommodations at any stage of the application or interview process for our jobs in quebec canada, please let us know. We are fully committed to working with you to meet your needs and ensure a supportive, equitable hiring experience.
Application and Selection Process
Due to the high volume of applications we receive, only candidates selected for the next steps in our recruitment process will be contacted directly by a member of our talent acquisition team.
However, please note that we value every artist’s interest in DNEG. If your application is not selected for this specific project, your profile, resume, and reel will be securely stored within our internal talent pool database. As the landscape for animation jobs in quebec canada continues to expand throughout 2026 and beyond, we frequently review this pool and will reach out to you directly should a future opportunity align with your unique skill set.
Thank you for your interest in DNEG Animation. We look forward to reviewing your work and exploring how we can shape the future of feature animation together!
(Note: Le texte original a été rédigé au masculin pour alléger le texte. DNEG Animation applique les principes d’équité en matière d’emploi.)
