About Elk Studios and the Project

We are on the lookout for an experienced Lead Scene prep artist to join the growing team as we start production on an exciting new long form 2D animated series.  We are looking for a likeminded, experienced and enthusiastic Scene prep artist 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 Lead Scene prep artist  to help establish the scene prep/ Pre comp workflow and department. The artist needs a full understanding of the animation workflow and have a great sense of camera and staging as well as being organised with attention to detail. All of this is important in prepping  scenes for the production.

Includes but is not limited to: 

• Coordinating and prepping animation scenes

• Working in Toon Boom Harmony & Producer to effectively prepare the show for animation

• Setting up cameras and moves  

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

• Working with other departments and supplying whatever deliverables are needed

• Pre comp on the scenes with intention to finalise after animation to final comp

Day to Day:

• Set up and organise scene files according to project specifications and studio standards

• Import and properly place assets (backgrounds, character rigs, props) into scenes

• Create and manage scene templates for efficient workflow

• Collaborate with animators, background artists, and other departments to ensure smooth production flow

• Maintain and update scene libraries and asset databases

• Collaborate with TD to optimise scenes for efficient  performance & rendering

• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to scene setup

• Following up and moving into Comp dept after animation phase

Must Have:

• Strong knowledge and experience with scene prepping in Toon Boom Harmony

• Good understanding of the animation workflow 

• Experience in Toon Boom Harmony.

• Troubleshooting skills for technical issues with scenes

• Strong understanding of camera layouts and moves

• Comfortable juggling multiple tasks.

• Good leadership skills

• 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:

• Experience leading and mentoring a scene prep team.

• Knowledge and experience of compositing for an animation project

• Technical knowledge of Toon Boom Harmony