Mid - Senior Animator - Australia

Who we are

Crafty Apes is a full-service global visual effects company operating in Canada, UK ,US and now Australia with a roster of award-winning artists and technical supervisors known for their creative problem-solving. We’ve worked on everything from major studio blockbusters to independent films and prestige television. Crafty Apes Australia is a key part of our global network, focusing on delivering exceptional VFX work from our Sydney hub and also offers flexible remote working arrangements from Adelaide, Melbourne and Brisbane!

What we need

We are seeking talented Mid to Senior Animators to join our growing team in Australia. This role involves creating high-quality, expressive, and compelling animation across a variety of characters and creatures. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of animation principles, excellent technical skills, and a proven ability to deliver exceptional work within production timelines.

What you do

• Create polished, high-fidelity keyframe animation that meets the aesthetic and technical requirements of the project.

• Collaborate closely with the Animation Director, Designers, and Technical Artists to ensure animations integrate seamlessly into the final product.

• Contribute to the development of animation pipelines, tools, and best practices.

• Mentor junior animators and provide constructive feedback to peers to elevate the overall quality of animation.

• Participate in motion capture direction, cleanup, and implementation when required.

• Iterate rapidly on animation assets based on feedback from the team and playtesting/dailies.

What you need

Mid-Level Requirements

• 3+ years of professional experience as an Animator in top tier features and episodic projects.

• A strong portfolio demonstrating a solid grasp of the 12 Principles of Animation, weight, timing, and appeal.

• Proficiency in industry-standard 3D software.

• Experience working with production pipelines (e.g., ShotGrid ).

Senior-Level Requirements (in addition to Mid-Level)

• 5+ years of professional experience, with demonstrated ownership over significant animation features or sequences.

• Expert-level keyframe animation skills and a deep understanding of character mechanics and performance capture data.

• Proven ability to self-manage tasks, prioritise effectively, and consistently meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Experience with rigging, scripting (e.g., Python, MEL), or technical animation is highly desirable.

• Demonstrated leadership or mentorship experience within an animation team.

Nice Things

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.

• 100% remote working arrangements within Australia, the choice to work where you want to!

• Opportunities for professional development, including training and conference attendance.

• A creative, supportive, and inclusive work environment.

• Relocation assistance for successful international candidates.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your relevant experience, and a link to your animation reel. As we understand that delays can occur in receiving final shots, please ensure that all work samples provided are as recent as possible.

Working Rights

100% remote within Australia, we are open to global applicants ( sponsorship available ) but you must be in a position to relocate for the role if you are successful.

We look forward to seeing your application!