Supervising Animator

Job ID 10118921 Location Bristol, Connecticut, United States Business ESPN Date posted Apr. 23, 2025

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Job Summary:

The Supervising Animator is responsible for producing high-level custom animations and supervising the work of others. This role works directly with Animation Management to oversee in-person and remote staff, grow their skills, and lead animation workflows of ESPN Creative Studio animation projects. This role requires excellent collaboration and communication skills along with the ability to lead a diversity of teams and assignments. Must be able to manage, direct and develop other creatives, and provide regular, actionable feedback. Must be capable of performing hero-level animation and troubleshooting duties. Must be able to work and coach others in a variety of animation styles and be highly skilled in both 2D/3D animation. This role regularly mentors and directly supervises less experienced animators and contributes regularly to the creation of innovative animation packages and the evolution of animation team workflows. Must be proactive, have excellent communication and troubleshooting skills. This is a hands-on position requiring expert knowledge of Cinema 4D, After Effects, Photoshop, and Illustrator.

Responsibilities:

Collaborate with Animation Mgmt. to oversee and evolve all aspects of the team
Directly supervise animators, actively mentor & motivate to expand team versatility
Create high-level animations independently and by leading the work of others
Provide software / technical / workflow leadership across animation projects
Streamline projects for efficient versioning and seasonal updates
Drive solutions to balance client expectations with workflow, timeframe realities
Expert in Cinema 4D, After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator
Advanced knowledge of Octane, Redshift
Translate assignment details and creative direction into visually compelling solutions
Lead monthly animation team creative reviews and production check-ins
Must have excellent organization, communication skills and attention to detail
Must be highly motivated, thrive under pressure, and prioritize strategically
Must have excellent organization, communication skills and attention to detail
Maintain high-level output, accuracy and efficiency

Basic Qualifications:

Minimum 7 years of experience in Animation/Motion Graphics
Able to work non-standard hours (nights / weekends / holidays)
Portfolio/demo reel link required with application

Preferred Qualifications:

Prior experience leading workflows and creatives
Experience in Unreal, Substance, ZBrush, Houdini, Maya, Blender
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 scripting and expressions
Passion for sports and familiarity with ESPN animation packages
Experience with ESPN Tools

Required Education:

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Preferred Education:

Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent

Additional Information:

This is an onsite position (Bristol, CT)

#ESPNMedia

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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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Hiring Process

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Explore this Location Bristol, CT

The Heart of Connecticut Bristol, Connecticut is just two hours from Boston and New York and just an hour from the shoreline. From the natural beauty of picturesque hills and fall foliage, to the high tech satellite dishes of ESPN, Bristol’s “City sized” with a small town vibe, offering wonderful memories no matter your pace.