Netflix Animation Studios (NAS) is on a global mission to redefine the boundaries of storytelling. We create bold, immersive, and timeless animated films that resonate with audiences of all ages across every continent. By fostering a community of world-class artists and visionary talent, we are building a studio that values creative risk-taking and technical excellence.

We are currently seeking an experienced and visionary Animation Supervisor to join our Feature Animation team in Vancouver, Canada. This is a pivotal leadership role designed for an artist who possesses not only elite technical skills but also the emotional intelligence to mentor a diverse team and the strategic mind to navigate the complexities of feature-film production.

The Animation Supervisor serves as the vital link between the Director’s creative vision and the technical execution of the animation team. Working in direct partnership with the Head(s) of Character Animation (HoCA), you will be the guardian of quality, style, and performance continuity.

This role is dual-faceted: it requires a high-level “eye” for aesthetic appeal and storytelling, as well as a grounded understanding of the production pipeline. You will be responsible for ensuring that every frame of animation not only meets the high standards of Netflix but also stays true to the emotional core of the characters.

1. Creative Oversight and Continuity

• Collaborate with HoCAs to establish and maintain the unique animation “language” of the film.
• Ensure that character performances remain consistent across different sequences and are handled by multiple animators.
• Participate in high-level creative meetings to translate the Director’s feedback into actionable technical instructions for the team.

2. Character Development and Rigging Collaboration

• Work closely with the Art and Character departments during the pre-production phase.
• Help define character functionality, ensuring that rigs are capable of the specific squash-and-stretch or nuanced performances required by the script.
• Influence the “appeal” and personality of characters before they ever hit the production floor.

3. Team Management and Mentorship

• Conduct regular reviews of animation progress, providing clear, concise, and constructive feedback.
• Mentor junior and mid-level animators, helping them reach their personal professional goals while ensuring they meet the show’s rigorous performance expectations.
• Address performance issues directly and professionally, fostering a culture of accountability and growth.

4. Hands-on Production

• Lead by example by taking on “hero” shots or complex sequences that define the style of the film.
• Step into the trenches to solve difficult technical or performance-based problems that require a veteran’s touch.

5. Production Logistics

• Effectively communicate shot statuses and potential roadblocks to the Production team.
• Manage deadlines strategically, identifying which shots require more “love” and which need to be streamlined to keep the project on schedule.

We are looking for a candidate who balances the precision of an engineer with the soul of an actor. Success in this role is measured not just by the beauty of the final shots, but by the health and efficiency of the team that created them.

Professional Requirements

• Proven Track Record: At least 5 years of professional animation experience specifically within feature animated films or high-end feature VFX. Previous experience in a Lead or Supervisory capacity is highly preferred.
• Technical Mastery: Expert-level proficiency in Autodesk Maya. You should have a deep understanding of graph editors, rigging constraints, and the technical limitations/possibilities of modern animation pipelines.
• Artistic Excellence: A profound grasp of the 12 principles of animation, with a specific emphasis on timing, weight, and “appeal.” You should have an innate sense of cinematic storytelling and pacing.
• Interpersonal Skills: The ability to provide “honest but kind” criticism. You must be able to listen to feedback from Directors and HoCAs and pivot your team’s direction without losing morale.

Mindset and Soft Skills

• The “Team First” Mentality: You believe that a film is only as good as the community that builds it. You are a collaborator, not a silo.
• Adaptability: You are open to new proprietary tools, experimental workflows, and evolving creative directions.
• Drive: You are self-managed and capable of thriving in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment where deadlines are firm.

Inclusion is a core value at Netflix. We recognize that our global audience is diverse, and to entertain the world, our workforce must reflect that world. We approach diversity with a data-driven and empathetic mindset.

Netflix continues to publish its Inclusion Report, showcasing our commitment to transparency. As of our most recent data cycles:

• Gender Representation: Approximately 49.6% of our global workforce identifies as women.
• Racial Diversity (US): Roughly 52.9% of our US workforce is made up of people from one or more historically underrepresented ethnic groups (including Black, Latinx, Asian, and Indigenous backgrounds).
• Leadership: We have seen a steady increase in diverse representation at the Director level and above, ensuring that decision-making power is shared across different perspectives.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, national origin, caste, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or military service. If you require an accommodation during the interview process, we encourage you to speak with your recruiting partner.

Netflix Animation Studios offers a compensation package designed to attract and retain the best talent in the industry.

• Total Compensation: Our salary range of $160K – $221K CAD is comprehensive. We prioritize high base pay to provide our artists with financial stability and transparency.
• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, along with significant mental health support and family-forming benefits (including support for adoption or surrogacy).
• Time Away: We value the “recharge.” Our programs include generous paid time off for vacation, sick leave, and parental leave.
• Work-Life Balance: Our hybrid model in Vancouver (3 days in-office) is designed to capture the magic of in-person creative collaboration while respecting the need for focused, flexible work time at home.

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