Project: Just Your Average Nekomancer

Studio: LANTHR

Project Type: 2D Animated Character Trailer / Proof of Concept

Runtime: Approximately 3-4 minutes

Position Type: Freelance / Contract

Compensation: Paid flat rate — negotiated based on experience and agreed scope

Target Start: January 2027

Application Deadline: November 7, 2026

Location: Remote

About the Project

LANTHR is seeking an Animation Director / Supervising Animator for an approximately three-minute character trailer for Just Your Average Nekomancer, an original anime-inspired fantasy project currently in development.

The trailer will serve as a proof of concept for the larger project.

This is primarily a supervisory and mentorship role. We are not looking for someone to personally animate the entire trailer or treat this project as their primary employment. The Animation Director will work with the Director and animation team to establish a consistent animation language, supervise work as it progresses, provide corrections and draw-overs, and help bring the production together as a cohesive whole.

Responsibilities

• Work with the Director to establish the animation language and movement style for the project.
• Review storyboards and/or the animatic before and during animation production.
• Help establish practical animation and pipeline standards for the team.
• Supervise animation throughout production.
• Regularly review animator WIPs and provide clear, constructive feedback.
• Provide draw-overs, corrections, posing adjustments, timing notes, and other visual guidance when necessary.
• Help maintain consistent character acting, movement, proportions, and animation quality across multiple animators.
• Mentor and assist animators when they encounter technical or artistic problems.
• Review completed shots and provide animation approval before they are submitted to the Director for final approval.
• Work collaboratively with the Director, Art Director, and other members of the production team.
• Help identify and resolve animation-related issues that could delay or negatively affect production.

Animators will generally be allowed to select available shots based on their interests, strengths, and availability. The Animation Director will not be expected to routinely assign individual shots, though they may step in when necessary to keep production moving.

The Animation Director may choose to personally animate individual shots when appropriate, but this is not a primary responsibility of the position. Complete shots animated by the Animation Director will be compensated separately from the directing fee.

Qualifications

Required

• Strong understanding of 2D animation fundamentals.
• Strong communication skills and ability to provide clear, constructive feedback.
• Ability to perform animation corrections and draw-overs.
• Ability to supervise and mentor animators with varying levels of experience.
• Strong understanding of Japanese anime, including its animation language, visual conventions, and approaches to movement and timing.
• Ability to maintain visual and animation consistency across work created by multiple artists.
• Ability to work remotely and communicate reliably throughout production.
• Portfolio, demo reel, or other examples demonstrating relevant animation experience.

Preferred

• Previous experience as an Animation Director, Supervising Animator, Lead Animator, or similar role.
• Professional experience with anime or anime-inspired animation.
• Experience working on independent or small-team animation productions.
• Experience with effects animation and/or compositing.
• Previous experience providing professional animation corrections or supervising other animators.

Professional experience working directly on Japanese anime productions is not required. Candidates with strong animation experience and a demonstrated understanding of anime as an animation medium are encouraged to apply.

Work Structure

This is a flexible, project-based position. The Animation Director is not expected to maintain traditional full-time hours or treat the project as their primary employment.

Much of the work will consist of periodic review, feedback, corrections, draw-overs, mentorship, and communication with the animation team as shots move through production.

The Animation Director provides animation-level approval of shots. Final creative approval remains with the Director.

Compensation

This is a paid flat-rate contract position. Final compensation will be negotiated with the selected candidate based on experience and the agreed scope of work.

Complete animation shots undertaken by the Animation Director beyond normal supervisory corrections and draw-overs will be compensated separately.

Successful collaboration may lead to additional paid work on future Nekomancer projects.

How to Apply

Applications may be reviewed as they are received. The application deadline is November 7, 2026.

Email lanthrbusiness@gmail.com with:

• Your name
• A link to your portfolio, animation reel, or other relevant work
• Resume
• A brief summary of your relevant animation experience
• General availability beginning January 2027

Please use “Nekomancer Animation Director Application” as the email subject.

No cover letter or CV please.

Applicants do not need previous Animation Director credits to be considered. Strong animators with leadership, mentorship, or supervisory experience who are interested in stepping into a directing role are welcome to apply.