Animator - CG
In principle, the role of Animator is the same for all techniques of animation. The differences are in the tools used, and in some of the skills required. Computer Animators produce images which, when recorded in sequence and projected, create the illusion of movement: they breathe life into an image, or give personality to a character, by creating a series of static poses. In character animation, Computer Animators may be cast, like actors, for their special talents - comedy, dialogue, song & dance, action, men, women, children, animals, charm, simplicity, sympathy, etc. On other projects, they may be selected for their particular technical skills and ability.
Responsibilities
Depending on the project, Computer Animators follow a brief from a Director, Animation Director or Lead Animator, and refer to established designs, layouts, models, and existing characteristics when creating the movement which will appear on screen. They may work alone, or they may supervise the work of more junior Animators, and may be responsible for the standard of their team's work. They must keep up to date with the relevant software, and adapt to different studios' systems. Computer Animators need to be aware of the production schedule, and must deliver their work on brief and on time.
Skills
A feel for movement and timing is necessary to produce convincing animation, and Computer Animators need creative and artistic qualities, along with the appropriate technical skills. For character work, animation experience, observational skills and acting talent are all very important. Computer Animators must be able to take direction, and work as part of a team. Organisational skills, attention to detail, and the capacity to communicate clearly with colleagues are all valuable assets.
Qualifications/Experience
The most valuable qualifications are experience and a good track record of working on well-regarded productions in well-respected studios, enabling Animators to build up show-reels which effectively illustrate their skills and talent. In such a relatively small industry, personal reputation and recommendations from previous employers are also invaluable. Computer Animators have usually worked previously in another department, such as Modelling, or as a more junior member of the animation team. Certain individuals with particular talent progress very quickly to the role of Animator, while others can take much longer to reach that position.
Computer Animators are likely to enter the industry as graduates of Animation degree courses, or with comparable Computer Science degrees, before progressing through the animation roles. Studios may consider re-training Computer Animators from one software programme to another, if their fundamental skills are apparent from their showreel. Many Animators cross over from 2D, and retrain to acquire the necessary computer skills. A background, or training in, drawn animation is regarded as a strong asset for Computer Animators, many of whom continue to take life drawing and/or acting classes throughout their careers. It is possible that some Computer Animators may have no formal qualifications, but because they possess the necessary passion and talent, they are promoted from Runner to a junior technical role, which may then lead to an animation role.
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Animation (3D Computer) - Animator
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