Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Animation Supervisor- from: Youtube Search
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Working Life
- Works in partnership with the CG/Rigging/VFX Supervisor to interpret and develop directors creative vision for the performance of CG characters or creatures.
- Will be involved with early performance development of major CG characters. Creates performance test composites for review by the Director/Supervision team.
- Runs animation dailies, ensures animation quality control and ensuring performance consistency. Interpret director’s needs, provide constructive feedback to crew.
- Work in partnership with Production to correctly cast shots to animators and ensure continuity of performance while meeting all schedules and highest standards
- Responsible for clear lines of communication between, animation team, other departments and production.
- Work closely with the Rigging Department to ensure the delivery of Rigs that will meet an animator’s need for control, functionality, usability and performance.
- Implement the specific animation pipeline requirements of a particular project. Test and deploy tools in a high pressure production environment.
- Document and manage research, disseminate all show workflows and performance references to the animation team to ensure consistency
- Work closely with FX Supervisor to ensure primary animation and secondary animation (cloth, hair, wardrobe etc.) are delivered to the highest standards.
- Work with Motion Capture supervisor to help define pipeline both to and from MoCap to the animation department.
- Work closely with Production, providing performance feedback, mentoring and maintaining positive moral among the team.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Design complex graphics and animation, using independent judgment, creativity, and computer equipment.
- Create basic designs, drawings, and illustrations for product labels, cartons, direct mail, or television.
- Participate in design and production of multimedia campaigns, handling budgeting and scheduling, and assisting with such responsibilities as production coordination, background design, and progress tracking.
- Create two-dimensional and three-dimensional images depicting objects in motion or illustrating a process, using computer animation or modeling programmes.
- Make objects or characters appear lifelike by manipulating light, color, texture, shadow, and transparency, or manipulating static images to give the illusion of motion.
- Apply story development, directing, cinematography, and editing to animation to create storyboards that show the flow of the animation and map out key scenes and characters.
- Implement and maintain configuration control systems.
- Script, plan, and create animated narrative sequences under tight deadlines, using computer software and hand drawing techniques.
- Develop briefings, brochures, multimedia presentations, web pages, promotional products, technical illustrations, and computer artwork for use in products, technical manuals, literature, newsletters, and slide shows.
- Create and install special effects as required by the script, mixing chemicals and fabricating needed parts from wood, metal, plaster, and clay.
Qualities - Animation Supervisor
Several years experience in the Animation department. A thorough understanding of animation techniques and technologies.
In-depth knowledge of CG software tools and can produce photo realistic animation for a wide range of characters and creatures.
Excellent aesthetic judgements – keen understanding of composition, cinematic design and working to live action constraints and performances.
Excellent spatial awareness and a feel for movement and timing. With a keen eye for Weight, Balance, understanding of human structure and anatomy, gesture.
Excellent performance judgements, Can give constructive feedback that enhances the performance, increasing realism, and the emotional arc of the CG cast.
Great organisational skills and ability to manage a very busy team with, while meeting production timetables and budgets.
Interests - Animation Supervisor
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Creative
Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.
Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Entry / Progression - Animation Supervisor
Animation Supervisors often have a degree in animation, motion design, or visual effects but can also come for cognate areas such as, film studies, or games. Not an entry-level role. Show reel and senior animation experience are important here.
Career Path to Animation Supervisor: several years experience in the animation department. Rigging experience beneficial.
Career Path from Animation Supervisor: CG Supervisor.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: animation, creative media for production.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: animation, digital movie, art portfolio prep, animation and illustration, animation drawing studies, art and design portfolio with animation and illustration, art with animation studies, cartoon animation, cartoon animation and film production, classical and computer animation, digital creative media with animation, gaming, animation and motion graphics, multimedia, animation and games design.
Search for PLC Courses
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.
Examples: Animation / CGI Artistry.
Search for Apprenticeships
For further details on eligibility requirements for third level entry following an FET qualification, students should visit CAO course search.
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: animation, animation and illustration, animation, visual effects and motion design, digital animation production, augmented and virtual reality, computing and digital media, computing with games development, creative media, film, broadcasting, 3D, graphic design.
Search for CAO Courses
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include: animation, 3D, computer animation production, visual effects, film, TV, animation, augmented reality, virtual reality development, interactive media, conversion course.
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Springboard courses animation, production management for animation, visual effects for film, TV and animation, 3D animation, screen production department skills search Springboard courses.
Professional Development
Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.
Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.
Pay & Salary - Animation Supervisor
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €32k - €90k
Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.
Data Source(s):
SalaryExpert/ Glass door/ Payscale/ Indeed/ Prosperity.ie
Last Updated: August, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Animation Supervisor
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Artists; Authors; writers; translators; Actors; entertainers; presenters; Dancers; choreographers; Musicians Arts officers; producers; directors; Photographers; audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators; Graphic designers Product; clothing and related designers.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
Employment grew strongly between 2021 and 2022, with an additional 7,300 persons employed. As illustrated in the CSO Census data below, employment is spread across a number of roles; since 2016, the strongest growth, in absolute terms, was for graphic designers and authors, writers and translators.
New employment permits issued for this occupation in 2022 were primarily for film/TV and animation/visual effects (VFX) roles but also for linguistics experts in the ICT sector. There was also a high volume of recent job hires in line with the recent employment increase. The data does not point to overall issues with recruitment for these roles.
Useful Contacts - Animation Supervisor
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Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland
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Animation Ireland
- The Association of Animation Producers in Ireland Ltd, 14 – 16 Lord Edward Street, Dublin 2, D02 YC63
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- Click Here
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Animation Skillnet
- Animation Skillnet Office Furthr, Suite 34 GEC, Taylor’s Lane Dublin 8
- 087 2487391
- [email protected]
- Click Here
