Creative Director, Video & Animation
About Memory Tree
Memory Tree Productions is an end-to-end digital marketing production studio. We’re a team of highly skilled, creative people. Some of us are Producers, Directors, Cinematographers, Animators, Video Editors, or Graphic Designers, but we’re all storytellers. Since 1996 we’ve produced literally thousands of videos and tons of other creative collateral, aimed at doing everything from marketing various products to educating employees about workplace safety, to helping charitable and community-based organizations help make the world a better place. What sets us apart is our ability to truly understand the goal of any message, and translate it into memorable, meaningful content that makes an impact.
For more information, please visit our website: memorytree.ca
About the Opportunity
We are looking for a talented, enthusiastic, and energetic full-time Creative Director to join our team in Waterloo, ON.
The right candidate enjoys working in a fast-paced, fun, dynamic collaborative environment and has exceptional organizational, time management, and communication skills. They can multi-task with ease across multiple concurrent tasks and projects and can travel to shoot locations as needed. To be considered for the position:
- You have experience leading creative for video and animation in advertising, marketing, or media production - ideally with an emphasis working on Business to Business (B2B) and/or Business to Consumer (B2C) marketing-communications or Business to Employee (B2E) projects.
- You can work collaboratively with internal teams to build strong relationships with clients.
- You can guide the creative for assigned projects form concept to completion engaging effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
- You can multitask with ease and effectively prioritize your work across multiple, concurrent projects and shoots.
- You can work collaboratively with each respective Producer and Project Manager, as well as the Production Director and other senior leadership, to ensure work is delivered with the highest levels of creativity and production value, as well as on time and on budget.
- You can effectively and efficiently analyze video scripts, interview subjects, and story structures to identify the best visual approach (e.g. camera position/angles, lighting, etc.).
- You can effectively and professionally participate in or, at the request of the respective Producer, conduct discovery meetings with the client to determine the project details and deliverables.
- You can develop and pitch creative concepts at the request of the respective Producer for consideration prior to sharing with the client.
- You can develop detailed video shot list and visual direction as assigned, as well as develop detailed interview questions and key messaging.
- You can write/develop effectively creative briefs, outlines, mood boards, and/or scripts as assigned.
- You accurately review storyboards in detail to ensure that they are complete and that they meet Memory Tree standards for quality.
- You can independently and effectively conduct research regarding available locations, props, sun position, and weather conditions at the prospective film sites as assigned.
- Working collaboratively with the respectively Producer and Project Manager source, procure and review locations, props, wardrobe, onscreen and voice talent, stock music, footage and/or images – all in keeping with Memory Tree company standards.
- You can collaboratively and productively advise in the development of the production shooting schedule and call sheets in keeping with Memory Tree company standards.
- You can oversee video shoots to ensure all desired and needed content is captured (e.g. a roll, b roll, sound, etc.).
- You can direct and conduct interviews with on-screen talent, as well as direct video shoots as assigned - effectively interpreting key creative documents to make each shoot successful (e.g. briefs, storyboards, shot lists, schedules, etc.).
- You maintain a strong knowledge and understanding of all parts of video production and animation in specific, and all aspects of the video and film industry in general.
- You can meaningfully assist in problem-solving at review stages, offering creative ways to accomplish needs identified by the client and/or Producer within the established budget and timeline.
- You can effectively work with Cinematographers, Editors, Animators, and Graphic Designers during projects, providing creative guidance and participating in client reviews.
- You can work with Editors and Sound Designers to provide creative guidance on music and other sound elements.
- You can ensure that all equipment required is identified and prepared for each shoot as assigned.
- You can proactively monitor all assigned projects for potential risks and advise the respective Producer and Project Manager, including identifying potential solutions.
- You can accurately and professionally report progress on assigned projects to the Vice President of Media Production, or other senior leadership as requested or required.
- You can work from our Waterloo Studio, Monday-Friday, 9-5, or hours that align with the filming schedule as per each project. This is an in-house, full time position.
About You
To qualify, you'll need 3-5+ years of successful experience leading the creative of video and animation projects as part of a creative or media production agency or marketing department, including freelance work. You also possess post-secondary education in a related field or equivalent experience.
- Strong knowledge of Creative and Production principles as the could be applied to Photography, Animation and Video.
- Prior experience as video editor, ideally as a member of a creative or media production agency or marketing department, with a strong portfolio that demonstrates originality, innovation, and multi-disciplinary thinking
- Prior experience editing a variety of video projects including multi-camera mixing, interviews, marketing, social media content, documentary, etc.
- Prior experience developing animation projects, both 2D and 3D.
- Self-motivated and detail oriented with the ability to work equally well independently and as part of a diverse team.
- Strong organizational and time management skills, including the ability to multitask and prioritize multiple competing projects and tasks.
- Ability to work under tight timelines.
- Positivity and passion for creativity and storytelling.
- Ability to understand and respond well to feedback and criticism.
- Strong customer service, relationship management, and teamwork mindset.
- Strong collaborative problem-solving skills.
- Highly skilled with video editing and/or animation production software (e.g. After Effects, Premiere, etc.).
- Familiar with Graphic Design software (e.g. Adobe Creative Cloud, including Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Acrobat, etc.)
- Proficient working with email and productivity software (e.g. MS Office, Google Workspace, etc.)
- Experience with various 4K cameras, supports and rigs, lighting for both scenes and interviews, audio recording gear.
- Familiarity with video editing and/or animation productions and software (e.g. After Effects, Premiere, etc.) is considered an asset, but not required.
- Drone certification is a definite asset but not required.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills in English – written and verbal (Bilingual in French or Spanish is considered an asset, but not required)
- Class G drivers license and the ability to travel to locations not served by public transportation
About the Benefits
As a valued member of our team, you can expect salary between $70,000 and $80,000 per year, based on skills and experience. You will also enjoy a host of great benefits, including:
- Health benefits package and gym membership
- A paid day off for your birthday each year
- One paid-for flex day each year
- Up to two paid-for family care days each year
- Up to five paid sick days per year
- Two weeks paid vacation to start, or commensurate with experience
This is an in-house position. We're looking for someone to work 5 days a week, 9-5, Monday to Friday, from our studio in Waterloo, ON. Shoot days may require additional time as per the project.
Memory Tree is an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We employ people without regard to age, ancestry, colour, race, citizenship, ethnic origin, place of origin, creed, disability, family status, marital status (including single status), gender identity, gender expression, sex (including pregnancy and breastfeeding), or sexual orientation.
We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's Human Rights Code.
If this sounds like a perfect opportunity for you, apply now with your resume and reel!
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: $70,000.00-$80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Vision care
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Waterloo, ON N2V 1K8: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
- Creative Leadership for Animation and Video Production: 5 years (required)
Language:
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: In person
