Senior Animator - Feature (Short-Term)

OUR STORY

For more than 35 years, Bardel Entertainment has been a leader in the animation industry, dedicated to crafting high-quality animated content that captivates audiences across the globe. Our Emmy Award®-winning studio works from two vibrant Canadian locations, Vancouver and Montreal, producing a wide variety of projects, including critically acclaimed series like The Dragon Prince and Rick and Morty. As we continue to grow, we are looking for passionate individuals who share our commitment to creativity and innovation.

What You’ll Do

• Produce high-quality 3D character animation for a feature animation project, ensuring alignment with performance, story, and emotional depth.

• Take ownership of assigned animation sequences, from initial blocking through to final polish, executing them with skill and precision.

• Develop impactful performances that resonate with viewers, utilizing a range of styles to match the character's personality and the director's vision.

• Collaborate closely with Animation Supervisors, Leads, and peers to enhance character performances and achieve visual consistency throughout the animation.

• Contribute innovative ideas and solutions to challenges in performance and character development, enriching the storytelling process.

• Assist in troubleshooting and resolving any rigging, performance, or technical issues that arise in the animation pipeline.

• Participate actively in team meetings, including dailies and reviews, providing constructive feedback and fostering a supportive environment.

• Ensure high standards of organization within animation files and adherence to studio pipeline and workflow practices.

• Manage multiple animation shots effectively, prioritizing based on deadlines and project requirements.

Requirements

What You’ll Bring

• Minimum 5 years of experience in animation, preferably within a feature film or high-end production setting.

• Strong experience in a senior role or as a lead animator on animated feature films or series.

• Advanced proficiency in Maya and exceptional understanding of animation principles, including timing, weight, and spacing.

• Solid grasp of anatomy and physicality, successfully applying these to bipeds and quadrupeds in animation.

• Ability to interpret direction effectively while also contributing creative solutions to enhance animation quality.

• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative work ethic, enabling effective teamwork in hybrid or remote settings.

• A commitment to mentoring junior animators and improving overall team performance while maintaining studio standards.

A portfolio or demo reel that showcases:

• Engaging, complex animated performances that illustrate strong acting choices.

• Diverse range of animation styles, including comedic, subtle, and physical performances.

• Detailed breakdown of artistic choices and technical methods utilized in the animation process.

• High level of polish and attention to timing, arcs, and character expressions.

• Demonstration of storytelling capabilities paired with technical proficiency, reflecting feature-quality work.

Benefits

Location: Candidates based in BC will be prioritized.

Start: Mid February, 2026

End: Mid April, 2026

Pay Range: CAD $1800 - $2200 per week   

This salary range reflects our current expectations for these roles as of this posting’s date. Your final salary offer will consider various key factors, including your education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographical location, as well as the needs and requirements of the business. 

Flexible work environment, Extended Health and Wellness from day 1, RRSP matching are just some of the benefits. For more details, check out our website. 

At Bardel, we recognize that flexibility is key to doing great work. Our hybrid work environment is a valued perk designed to support individual accountability and empower our teams to work where they’re most productive. We offer the choice to work remotely, balanced with intentional in-person time for collaboration, creativity, and team building. This role requires in-studio attendance at our Vancouver studio during onboarding and predetermined Rush Weeks. 

If this seems like a good fit, what are you waiting for, get your application in!