Netflix Animation Studios hiring Character Animator, Canada

JOb Overview

• Company Name: Netflix Animation Studios
• Job Title: Character Animator
• Job Type: Onsite / Hybrid (Minimum 3 days per week in-office)
• Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
• Salary Range: $88,000 – $152,000 CAD (Total Compensation)
• Experience Level: 2+ Years in Feature Film, VFX, TV, or Games
• Core Software: Autodesk Maya (or equivalent)

Executive Position Summary

Netflix Animation Studios (NAS) is on a mission to entertain the world with bold, immersive, and timeless animated films. We are paving the way for the future of global storytelling by fostering a community of world-class talent. As we embark on our next major animated feature film, we are looking for a skilled Character Animator to join our Vancouver studio.

This role is for an artist who possesses a profound command of acting, appeal, weight, and dialogue. You will be responsible for crafting vivid, compelling performances that breathe life into our characters and effectively convey the emotional heart of our narratives. At NAS, we value unique perspectives and personal style, and we provide an environment where your creative imagination can flourish alongside the industry’s top directors and leadership.

What You’ll Do: Performance and Collaboration

As a Character Animator at Netflix Animation Studios, your primary focus is the “soul” of the film. You will be tasked with translating script and storyboard requirements into nuanced, three-dimensional performances.

• Vivid Storytelling: Create compelling and believable character performances that not only meet technical requirements but enhance the narrative depth of the film.

• Creative Partnership: Work in close collaboration with Directors and Animation Supervisors to ensure that every shot aligns with the film’s specific creative vision and aesthetic style.

• Team Engagement: Actively participate in dailies and team reviews. We expect our animators to contribute to creative discussions, offering insights that elevate the work of the entire department.

• Production Management: Maintain a high level of self-management to meet rigorous production deadlines. You will work closely with the production team to manage your shot quota and ensure a smooth workflow.

Required Qualifications & Skills

We are seeking artists who have a proven track record of excellence in character performance. To be successful in this role, you will need:

1. Artistic Mastery

• Animation Fundamentals: A masterful understanding of the 12 principles of animation, with a specific focus on pacing, continuity, and visual appeal.

• Physicality & Depth: An excellent sense of weight, physics, and anatomy to ensure characters feel grounded in their world.

• Emotional Intelligence: The ability to convey complex emotions and subtext through facial expressions and body language.

2. Technical & Professional Experience

• Industry Tenure: At least 2 years of experience working in high-end production environments (Feature Films, VFX, or AAA Games).

• Software Proficiency: Expert knowledge of Maya . We also value artists who are “pipeline-agile” and open to learning new internal toolsets and workflows.

• Demo Reel: A reel (maximum 2 minutes) that showcases your strongest character work. We are looking for “entertainment” value—performances that are memorable, clear, and emotionally resonant.

3. Collaborative Mindset

• Communication: Strong interpersonal skills are vital. You must be able to clearly articulate your creative choices and give/receive feedback effectively.

• Resilience: You must be open to constructive criticism and multiple rounds of iteration. Feature animation is an evolving process, and we value artists who can adapt gracefully to changes in direction.

Compensation, Culture & Benefits

At Netflix Animation Studios, we rely on market indicators and a holistic review of your background, skills, and experience to determine compensation.

• Total Compensation: The range for this role in Vancouver is typically $88K – $152K CAD . Unlike some other Netflix divisions, this reflects total cash compensation; stock options are not included in this specific package.

• Comprehensive Benefits: We offer robust medical, dental, and vision plans, along with mental health support and retirement programs.

• Life-Balance Support: Benefits include family-forming support, paid leave of absence programs, and generous paid time away for vacation and illness.

• Work Environment: Our Vancouver studio is a vibrant, creative hub. Our hybrid model (3 days onsite) ensures you get the collaborative benefits of in-person “brain trusts” while maintaining a modern work-life balance.

Inclusion & Diversity

Inclusion is a core Netflix value. We celebrate diversity because we recognize that unique backgrounds build stronger, more innovative teams. We are an equal-opportunity employer and provide reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities during the interview process. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other protected status.

Application Instructions

To apply for the Vancouver Character Animator role, please submit your:

1. Professional Resume: Highlighting your feature film or relevant industry experience.

2. Demo Reel: A link to your reel (max 2 minutes) with a corresponding breakdown of your work.

3. Cover Letter (Optional): Tell us why you’re excited to join the mission at Netflix Animation Studios.