Atomic is seeking an experienced Previs and Layout Supervisor with prior experience on animated Unreal productions to lead our team on a new Unreal project!
Atomic Cartoons, a Blue Ant Studios company, is an award-winning, internationally renowned animation studio with teams in Vancouver, Ottawa, and Los Angeles. Known for an artist-driven culture that attracts, retains and promotes the best talent in the business, Atomic develops and produces high-end animated content that spans preschool, comedy, action-adventure, adult and commercial genres, and everything in between. The animation studio has developed a stellar global reputation for its ability to translate big brands like LEGO, Star Wars, My Little Pony, CoComelon, and many more into top-notch animation, while also developing high-quality original Atomic productions like The Last Kids on Earth,Rocket Saves the Day, and Mermicorno: Starfall. Atomic is B Corp certified and a BC Benefit Company.
WHAT YOU WILL DO:
- Oversee all aspects of the production's Previs and Layout processes, including leading and managing a team of artists.
- Work closely with the Animation Supervisor, Director(s), Production team, and CG Supervisor to guide, motivate, and develop team members while supporting artists in expanding their skill sets.
- Collaborate with other Supervisors, Directors, and Production team to align with creative requirements and to ensure the production hits the required quality standards on schedule and within deadlines.
- Create 3D animated sequences and animatics to visualize scenes for our animated content, focusing on bringing the Director and Client's vision to life.
- Determine camera placement, camera movement, lens choices, staging and composition to build dynamic sequences, establish the visual style, and deliver high-quality results.
- Create basic assets as needed.
- Compile sequence animatics with integrated sound that convey the story through the application of traditional filmmaking principles into Unreal Engine's 3D environment.
- Provide technical details for downstream departments within the production.
- Transform storyboards or scripts into animated sequences using Unreal Engine to set up virtual cameras.
- Collaborate effectively with other department Directors (Lighting, Assets, etc.) to define and maintain the cinematographic style of the production.
- Work with Clients and in-house Director(s), CG Supervisor and Production team to turn notes and feedback into actionable revisions and assignments for the team(s).
- Perform live reviews in Unreal with creatives, leaders and Client to fine tune camera angles, movement, and composition to align with and enhance the narrative.
- Develop creative solutions to address and resolve technical challenges.
- Maintain open communication with Production team on daily expectations and project requirements.
- Ensure Previs and Layout artists are up to date on production expectations and assignments, and provide regular 1:1 feedback.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:
- Prior Previs/Layout experience in an animation production setting (series or feature), with proven ability to supervise and lead a team of artists.
- Strong proficiency and experience with Unreal Engine is required.
- Knowledge of and experience with Maya is required.
- Strong working knowledge of 3D software packages and pipelines including Unreal, Maya, Katana, Houdini, Nuke.
- Excellent verbal, written, and e-social communication and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent time-management and organizational skills.
- Highly motivated with the ability to work under pressure.
- Able to problem solve and communicate creative and technical thoughts and ideas.
- A keen eye for staging, composition and overall visual style, with a strong grasp of cinematography principles and aspect ratios.
- Demonstrated ability to translate script plots into compelling 3D filmmaking.
- Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to learn new tools and technologies and implement creative changes.
- Proven team leadership abilities, strong motivational skills and willingness to share knowledge and provide feedback to team members on work under development and mentor lesser experienced team members.
- Knowledge of various ray-based rendering engines, such as Renderman and Arnold, is an asset.
- Ability to write/understand code and assist in tool/pipeline R&D development is an asset.
- Experience using Flow (FKA Shotgrid) for production tracking, submitting and publishing is an asset.
- Currently legally eligible and able to work in Canada.
- BC residents are preferred for this role, however all candidates will be considered regardless of location.
START DATE: November 2026
- Applicants must have resided within BC as of December 31, 2025 and be able to provide the appropriate supporting documents.
- All Atomic employees in this role have the opportunity to work remotely within BC, artists within Vancouver and the Lower Mainland can also choose hybrid and in-studio options.
INTERESTED?
Atomic Cartoons Inc. and Blue Ant Studios welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. If you are contacted for an interview and require any accommodations please email [email protected]
We thank you for your submission; only short-listed candidates will be contacted. No phone calls, please.
Atomic Cartoons Inc. and Blue Ant Studios are an equal opportunity employer and employ personnel without regard to race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, language, citizenship, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, physical and/or mental handicap or financial ability.
While remaining sensitive, fair, and providing equitable treatment for all, Atomic Cartoons Inc. and Blue Ant Studios work to increase participation and advancement to reflect all personnel – including Women, Indigenous People, Visible Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities, who are all qualified members. Thus, it helps identify and remove barriers that prevent the full participation of members of designated groups in the workplace.
