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Salary: CAD 204,000 - 279,000 / annual
Netflix Animation Studios seeks a Head of Characters to lead character asset creation for animated film productions. This role oversees the character asset team—including Modeling, Rigging, Surfacing, and Character Effects (CFX)—from asset development through shot production. You will partner closely with the Director, Production Designer, VFX Supervisor, Art Director, and Technical Supervisor to ensure character designs are artistically compelling and technically robust.
Key responsibilities include leading and supervising character asset creation across productions, providing creative and technical guidance for 3D stylized characters from modeling through final CFX. You will define the creative and technical approach for character asset creation, ensuring character appeal and performance capabilities align with the Director's and Art Director's vision. You'll drive character reviews and provide detailed, actionable feedback to Modeling, Surfacing, Rigging, and CFX departments.
You will collaborate with creative leadership to translate 2D character concepts into production-ready 3D space, ensuring models are "rig-ready" and rigs are "animation-friendly." Partner with Technical Supervisors and pipeline teams to define, optimize, and maintain efficient asset-creation tools and standardized workflows. Ensure all character assets adhere to high technical standards and integrate seamlessly into downstream departments including Animation, CFX, Crowds, and Lighting.
Work closely with Production Management on bids, schedules, and resource priorities to deliver high-quality character assets on time and within constraints. Mentor and support Modeling, Rigging, Surfacing, and CFX Supervisors and artists, fostering professional growth and positive team culture. Communicate effectively across disciplines, translating complex technical concepts for creative partners.
Required qualifications: At least 10 years of experience in character asset creation within film, TV, or games, including 5–7 years in a leadership or supervisory role on large-scale animated features or VFX films. Deep knowledge of Modeling, Rigging, Surfacing, and CFX workflows, with strong understanding of skeletal, skinning, and deformation systems and character animation principles. Production-level proficiency in Maya and ZBrush, texturing packages (Substance, Mari, Photoshop), and familiarity with Houdini, Katana, and RenderMan. Strong understanding of the full 3D animation pipeline, including USD and real-time workflows. Experience with project management and production tracking systems such as Flow Production Tracking (ShotGrid). Excellent leadership, communication, and mentoring skills with ability to foster collaboration across diverse departments.
