Lead Animator

About the Company

Warner Bros. Discovery, a premier global media and entertainment company, offers audiences the world's most differentiated and complete portfolio of content, brands and franchises across television, film, streaming and gaming. The new company combines WarnerMedia's premium entertainment, sports and news assets with Discovery's leading non-fiction and international entertainment and sports businesses.

About WB Games Montréal

WB Games Montréal is a division of Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment (WBIE). Founded in 2010, we are 300+ creative team members strong who join forces every day to create unforgettable AAA experiences across all platforms.

Job Description

WB Games Montreal, a division of Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment (WBIE), seeks a Lead Animator.

Your New Role…

In this role, you will lead a team of animators in creating and implementing top-tier animation for real-time gameplay and cinematics. You will collaborate directly with the Director group and senior management to define and support the animation style, establish best practices, and uphold the highest artistic standards and technical requirements throughout production.

You will be responsible for delivering exceptional AAA-quality animation and visual storytelling while providing clear direction, constructive feedback, and mentorship to your team. You will ensure that production goals are met and that the animation pipeline runs smoothly and efficiently depending on the needs of production.

Your Role Accountabilities...

• Create animation content as required, working with mocap data, keyframed animations and facial/lip sync animations, to set a quality bar for other animators to follow.
• Help design, construct, document and uphold pipeline procedures to deliver competitive, cutting-edge assets.
• Coordinate and update the production team on assignments for the animation team.
• Create, document and communicate guidelines, directories and procedures.
• Motivate, mentor and inspire animation team, guiding them through various stages of production with clear direction.
• Assist in R&D efforts for tools improvement and evaluation of new technology.
• Deliver tasks on time and on schedule and review regularly assets in the engine.
• Animation bug fixing and support.
• Play a key role in staffing the team with animators who thrive within the team and company culture.

Qualifications & Experience…

• 7+ years of experience as an artist in video game development and have worked on at least 2 AAA games.
• Expert knowledge of one or more types of 3D animation software (Maya, Motion Builder).
• Strong understanding of in-game engines workflows. Experience with Unreal 5 is a strongly desired asset.
• Excellent key frame and mocap animation skills.
• Capacity to effectively manage and motivate a team; having formal or informal experience in training and coaching others is desired.
• Strong understanding of game development process and limitations.
• Thorough understanding of animation theory and technique.
• Body and facial rigging skill and an understanding of MEL/Maxscript is nice to have.
• Solid experience and understanding of character and animation pipelines and character setup.
• Up-to-date knowledge of current animation techniques and development processes.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, both taking and giving direction.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, verbally as well as visually and across disciplines.
• High capacity to learn new tools and research potential technology.
• Diligence with individual and team tasks, schedule and adherence to budget limitations with solid organizational skills.
• Positive attitude and a desire to bring new ideas to the team.
• Strong understanding of modern pop culture trends within the entertainment industry with an ability to successfully apply to animation style as needed.
• Traditional art skills and creativity are a must.
• Passion for making and playing great games, with an awareness of current titles and industry trends.
• Portfolio/Demo Reel/Website demonstrating your animation skills is required.