Animation Director

About Elk Studios and the Project

We are on the lookout for an experienced Animation Director to join the growing team as we start production on an exciting new long form 2D animated series.  We are looking for a like minded, experienced and enthusiastic Animation Director to come onboard the already established crew.  The show is a 2D Toon Boom Harmony series for BBC/WDR  based on a very well-known children's book property.  The crew will reach a capacity of approx 60 people for this show.

We are based on Bridge Street in Dundalk town centre and we are a hybrid studio; the full crew working 3 days a week in house (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) and 2 days remotely. We’ve chosen to work like this as we are a creative industry and need to come together in person to collaborate as a team and to work through any issues as they arise.  It’s a great way for all of us to upskill and learn from one another.  Being able to work from home 2 days a week, allows flexibility to our work/life balance.  Work Life balance is one of the guiding principles of our ethos, and we feel that the 3/2 day split goes some way in achieving this.

About The Role

We are looking for an experienced & talented Animation Director to help build the animation team and establish the animation style of the show. The Director needs a full understanding of the 2D animation process and have a great sense of timing and animation in general. They will need to align with the creative vision of the the show and work to bring the agreed animation style to completion

Includes but is not limited to: 

  • Directing the team of animators 

  • Reviewing and giving feedback to the team

  • Be responsible for keeping up the standards of animation while staying on schedule 

  • Working with production to streamline the process and have an efficient animation dept

  • Working with other departments and supplying whatever deliverables are needed

  • Working with the team leads to develop and mentor the animators 

Day to Day:

  • Directing the animation of the show

  • Working with production to assign and cast animators and shots

  • Reviewing and giving feedback on scenes

  • Leading and mentoring the animation team

  • Working with Episodic directors to set the style and feel of the show

  • Liaising with production to ensure that standards and schedules are kept

  • Working with Rigging department to ensure that the team has what’s needed for the show

Must Have:

  • Experience working on a 2D Rigged animation series

  • Excellent knowledge of animation 

  • Experience as an animation director on a 2D series

  • Experience leading an animation team and comfortable mentoring animators

  • Comfortable juggling multiple tasks.

  • Great understanding of storytelling for animation 

  • Excellent communication skills, proactive and happy to liaise with a whole team of people.

  • Must be eligible to work in the Republic of Ireland and located/ able to relocate to Ireland.

Bonus Points:

  • Technical knowledge of Toon Boom Harmony and rigs

  • Good animation skills and experience as an animator on a 2D harmony show

  • Strong organisational skills and experience using industry tracking software

Elk is an equal opportunities employer committed to supporting diversity and inclusion within our work environment. All suitably qualified and eligible applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, race, or membership of the Travelling Community.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment

Only applications submitted through this portal will be eligible for consideration