Senior Animator

Job ID 10113871 Location Connecticut, United States / Remote, United States Business ESPN Date posted Feb. 18, 2025 This role is considered remote, which means the employee will work remotely on an ongoing basis and will not have an assigned workspace at a Company designated location.

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Job Summary:

The ESPN Creative Studio Animation team provides award-winning creative for Studio & Event productions, high-end Sales & Marketing initiatives, and next-level programming initiatives such as The Simpsons Funday Football & Dunk The Halls Animated Altcasts. The Senior Animator role is responsible for creating visually compelling animations for both short and long-term projects. Individuals must work well within a team and independently. The role is a hands-on position that requires expertise in Cinema 4D, After Effects, Photoshop, and Illustrator, with the ability to develop animations from concept to completion. Strong communication, proactive problem solving, and adaptability are essential. The position involves mentoring newer animators, evolving internal workflows, and staying informed of emerging technology and animation software advances.

Responsibilities:

Expertise in Cinema 4D, After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator
Expertise in Octane, Redshift (additional renderer knowledge is a plus)
Strong design skills - layout, typography, composition and color theory
Streamline recurring projects for efficient versioning/seasonal updates
Skilled in translating creative direction into compelling visual solutions
Receptive to feedback and able to pivot direction easily
Experience working with remote\external partners
Drive solutions to balance client expectations with workflow, timeframe realities
Provide software/technical/troubleshooting support for in-house and vendor files
Proactively identify and resolve tech challenges; establish reliable internal workflows
Actively mentor emerging animators; expand team’s overall knowledge and versatility
Must be highly motivated, take initiative, thrive under pressure and prioritize effectively
Must have excellent organization, communication skills and attention to detail
Expect to align with East Coast work hours
Certain assignments (i.e. Monday Night Football) will require non-traditional off days

Basic Qualifications:

Minimum of 5 years of experience in Animation/Motion Graphics
Must provide online portfolio/demo reel

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in Unreal, Substance, ZBrush, Houdini, Maya
Expertise in C4D VFX techniques (dynamics, pyro, UV’s)
Character animation experience (C4D / Maya / Reallusion iClone)
Character design / ZBrush sculpting experience
Character Rigging / Weighting experience in C4D or other
Expertise in After Effects Scripting and Expressions
Passion for sports and familiarity with ESPN show animation identities

Required Education:

HS Diploma or Equivalent

Preferred Education:

Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent

Additional Information:

This is a remote position

#ESPNMedia

The hiring range for this remote position is $91,900 to $149,200 per year based on a 40-hour work week. The amount of hours scheduled per week may vary based on business needs. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

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About ESPN:

Working at ESPN is unlike anything else. That’s because we’re always finding new ways to interact with fans – however and wherever they connect with sports. Every day we’re doing things that no one has done, all in a dynamic culture where we defy odds and continuously outdo ourselves. When you have the latest technology, game-changing ideas and world-class talent on your team, every day is extraordinary.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with ESPN Productions, Inc, which is part of a business we call ESPN.

ESPN Productions, Inc is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.

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