Netflix Animation Studios (NAS) is seeking a visionary and technically proficient Previs Artist to join our world-class Feature Animation team in Burbank, California. This role is a cornerstone of our production pipeline, serving as the bridge between initial story concepts and final cinematic execution. As a Previs Artist, you will be responsible for defining the visual language of our upcoming slate of animated feature films, utilizing your mastery of camera work, staging, and digital storytelling to bring bold, immersive worlds to life.
Role Overview: Previs Artist
| Feature | Specification |
| Company Name | Netflix Animation Studios (NAS) |
| Job Title | Previs Artist |
| Job Requisition ID | JR38629 |
| Primary Department | Feature Animation |
| Work Type | Onsite (Full-Time) |
| Location | Burbank, California, United States |
| Standard Hourly Rate | $70.00 – $84.00 per hour (Total Compensation) |
| Union Minimum (CBA) | $59.16 per hour (Minimum base per agreement) |
| Required Experience | 5+ Years in Previs (Feature, Series, or Games) |
| Primary Software | Autodesk Maya |
At Netflix Animation Studios, our mission is to entertain the global audience with stories that are not only visually stunning but emotionally resonant. We believe that animation is a medium, not a genre, and we strive to push the boundaries of what is possible in cinematic storytelling.
By joining our Burbank studio, you become part of a vibrant, multi-disciplinary community. We prioritize Inclusion and Diversity, recognizing that our best work comes from a team that reflects the global audience we serve. We operate with a high level of creative freedom, balanced by a rigorous commitment to excellence and efficiency.
The Previs Artist is a hybrid of a cinematographer, editor, and animator. Your primary goal is to “solve the movie” in a 3D space before expensive final production begins.
1. Cinematic Storytelling and Layout
- Sequence Development: Translate storyboards and scripts into fully realized 3D sequences. You will be responsible for the initial “rough-in” of characters and environments to establish spatial relationships.
- Camera Design: Design and execute a wide variety of camera styles. Whether the scene calls for the gritty, handheld feel of an action sequence or the sweeping, majestic pans of an epic landscape, you must have the technical skill to implement it.
- Staging and Composition: Apply classical cinematography principles (rule of thirds, leading lines, depth of field) to ensure each shot is aesthetically pleasing and serves the narrative beat.
2. Technical Execution and Animation
- Rough Animation: Provide enough performance-driven animation to communicate character emotion and intent without getting bogged down in final polish.
- Motion Capture Integration: When required, you will work with MoCap data to ground performances in realism, ensuring a seamless blend between digital assets and human-driven movement.
- Problem Solving: Act as a technical scout. If a shot is impossible to execute in the final lighting or FX stages, it is your job to identify those hurdles early and propose creative alternatives.
3. Collaborative Workflow
- Cross-Departmental Synergy: You will work directly with Directors and Heads of Layout to iterate on their vision. You will also provide “clean” enough files for the Editorial department to cut into the latest reel.
- Rapid Iteration: Animation is an iterative process. You must be able to take feedback—sometimes radical shifts in direction—and implement changes quickly without losing enthusiasm or quality.
Candidate Profile: What We Are Looking For
We are looking for a “Swiss Army Knife” artist—someone who understands the technical constraints of a pipeline but possesses the soul of a filmmaker.
Required Professional Experience
- The 5-Year Threshold: Candidates should ideally possess five or more years of experience specifically in Visualization (Previs/Postvis) for feature-length animated films or high-end live-action VFX projects. We also value equivalent experience from AAA gaming cinematics or acclaimed short films.
- Cinematic Literacy: You should be able to speak the language of film fluently. This includes an understanding of lens choices (focal lengths), shutter speeds, and how camera movement affects the psychology of the viewer.
Technical Proficiency
- Maya Mastery: As our primary pipeline tool, an expert-level understanding of Maya is non-negotiable.
- The “Plus” Toolkit: While Maya is the core, we highly value artists who can jump into Unreal Engine for real-time visualization, Blender for rapid sketching, or Adobe Premiere for quick timing checks.
- Pipeline Awareness: Knowledge of basic rigging and modeling is a significant advantage. Being able to fix a broken rig or move a wall in a set without waiting for another department keeps the momentum of the creative process alive.
Soft Skills
- Speed and Reliability: In the fast-paced environment of feature production, meeting deadlines is critical. You are an artist who knows when to “perfect” a shot and when “good enough for the edit” is the right call.
- Receptivity: We are a feedback-heavy studio. The ability to separate your ego from your work is essential for success here.
Compensation and Benefits Architecture
The Compensation Philosophy
Netflix Animation Studios utilizes a “Total Compensation” model. For this role, the market range is $70.00 to $84.00 per hour. Unlike traditional corporate roles, we do not utilize a bonus structure; instead, we build that value directly into your hourly rate to ensure transparency and consistency.
Union Participation
This position may be subject to a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). If the role falls under union jurisdiction:
- Minimum Rate: $59.16/hour.
- Negotiation: Candidates are encouraged to negotiate terms based on their unique expertise, provided they meet the CBA minimums.
Comprehensive Benefits Package
Depending on union status and eligibility, NAS offers a robust suite of benefits designed to support the artist’s “whole self”:
- Health and Wellness: Premium Medical, Dental, and Vision plans.
- Mental Health: Access to dedicated mental health support and counseling services.
- Future Planning: Retirement programs and 401(k) options.
- Family Support: Family-forming benefits (including support for adoption or fertility treatments) and paid leave of absence programs.
- Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off for vacation and sick leave.
Netflix is an equal-opportunity employer. We do not just accept difference; we celebrate it. We are committed to creating an environment where every artist, regardless of their background, feels they can do the best work of their career.
Accommodations: If you require any adjustments during the interview process due to a disability or other personal needs, we encourage you to reach out to your recruiting partner. We are here to ensure the interview process is accessible and equitable for everyone.
To be considered for this role, please ensure your portfolio or demo reel highlights the following:
- Camera Movement: Show us your ability to handle dynamic action shots as well as subtle, emotional character moments.
- Staging: Demonstrate how you use the 3D environment to tell a story.
- Efficiency: Include examples of rough previs that clearly communicate the narrative intent without unnecessary polish.
- Software Breadth: If you have experience in Unreal or Blender, please highlight those sequences.
Note
Netflix Animation Studios is where bold ideas become timeless films. If you have the cinematic instincts and technical prowess to shape the future of animation, we want to hear from you. Apply today and let’s build something incredible together in Burbank.
Previs Artist at Netflix Animation Studios
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