Lighthouse Studios hiring 2D Animator

Job Overview

• Company Name: Lighthouse Studios
• Job Title: Experienced Toon Boom 2D Animation Artist
• Primary Toolset: Toon Boom Harmony (Advanced Rigged Animation)
• Employment Type: Fixed-Term Contract (Multiple Production Cycles)
• Location Strategy: Hybrid (Kilkenny Studio) or Remote (Within Republic of Ireland)
• Residency Requirement: Strictly Republic of Ireland (No international freelance options available)
• Compensation Range: €38,000 – €52,000 per annum (Pro-rata, based on experience/seniority)
• Experience Level: Mid-to-Senior (3+ Years Professional Studio Experience)
• Diversity Metric: Multicultural crew representing over 25 nationalities

Lighthouse Studios is an internationally acclaimed animation powerhouse based in the medieval heart of Kilkenny, Ireland. Known for our high-end technical execution and artistic soul, we have partnered with global content giants including Amazon, Apple TV+, Netflix, and Warner Bros. to bring world-class stories to life.

Lighthouse Studios are currently embarking on two significant upcoming productions and are seeking skilled, resilient, and creative 2D Animator to join our multicultural crew. This is an invitation to artists who master the balance of technical rig manipulation and soulful character performance.

Production Timelines

Applicants must be available to be considered for either of the following production cycles. While Lighthouse Studios endeavors to match artists with their preferred content type, business needs and artistic suitability will determine final placement.

• Production Alpha (Long Cycle): * Start Date: 23rd March 2026

  • End Date: 18th December 2026

• Production Beta (Short Cycle):

  • Start Date: 25th May 2026

  • End Date: 16th October 2026

Detailed Content Advisory (Production Alpha)

One of the scheduled productions is a 16+ Mature Content series. While the aesthetic is framed within a fantasy or comedic context, the work involves:

• Contextually justified strong language.
• Thematic references to sex, drugs, and horror.
• Scenes involving threats and non-gratuitous violence.
• Potential work on “Polish Retakes” involving sensitive imagery.

Applicant Discretion: If you have conscientious or personal objections to working on mature content, you must explicitly state this in your cover letter. Lighthouse Studios is committed to reasonable accommodation, though placement on the alternative production is subject to availability and project needs.

Mission and Responsibilities

As a 2D Animator at Lighthouse, you are the final architect of performance. Your mission is to take complex Harmony rigs and breathe life into them, ensuring that the movement is not just fluid, but narratively meaningful.

1. Performance and Style Adherence

The core of your day-to-day involves deep-diving into the production’s unique style guide. You will work under the guidance of the Animation Director and Supervisor to ensure that every frame aligns with the show’s established “DNA.”

2. Quota Management and Throughput

Animation is a marathon of discipline. You will be responsible for delivering a weekly quota of approved frames. This involves:

• Managing multiple passes (Blocking, Splining, and Final Polish).
• Adjusting workflow based on scene complexity (e.g., a high-intensity action sequence vs. a subtle dialogue scene).
• Meeting strict production deadlines to maintain the downstream pipeline (CFX, Lighting, Compositing).

3. Technical Workflow and Pipeline Integration

Modern 2D animation is highly technical. You will be expected to:

• Operate seamlessly within Shotgrid/Flow for task tracking and version control.
• Follow rigorous file-naming conventions and storage procedures.
• Collaborate with the Rigging department to provide feedback on rig functionality and limitations.

4. Mentorship and Team Dynamics

At the experienced level, we look for “solution-finders.” You will:

• Support junior crew members through peer reviews or technical troubleshooting.
• Communicate transparently with Production Coordinators regarding progress or bottlenecks.
• Approach retakes with a positive “can-do” attitude, viewing notes as a tool for collective excellence.

Candidate Profile: What We Are Looking For

Lighthouse Studios is seeking artists who have moved beyond basic movement into the realm of true character acting. The ideal candidate possesses a blend of high-level technical proficiency and a traditional artistic foundation.

Technical Requirements

• Studio Pedigree: A minimum of 3+ years working within a professional 2D animation studio environment on broadcast series or feature films.
• Software Mastery: Expert-level knowledge of Toon Boom Harmony , specifically in the context of high-end rigged animation (Deformers, Cut-outs, and Node View optimization).
• Pipeline Literacy: Experience using Shotgrid (Flow) for daily updates and review cycles.

Artistic Core

• Traditional Principles: A mastery of Squash and Stretch, Anticipation, Staging, and Appeal. Even when working with rigs, your work should feel “hand-drawn” in its fluidity.
• Acting Theory: Ability to convey complex emotions through subtle shifts in weight, eye movement, and micro-expressions.
• Anatomical Understanding: Strong grasp of biomechanics and physics to ensure movement feels grounded and believable within its stylistic world.

Cultural Context and Statistics

Lighthouse Studios is more than a workplace; it is a creative ecosystem. Based in the neo-Gothic Kieran’s College, we pride ourselves on a culture that is as diverse as the content we produce.

Diversity and Inclusion Data:

• Nationalities: 25+ countries represented within our Kilkenny studio.
• Equal Opportunity: We maintain a strictly non-discriminatory hiring process. Statistics show that diverse teams in animation lead to a 35% increase in creative problem-solving efficiency compared to homogenous groups.
• Gender Parity: Lighthouse actively works toward gender balance across technical and leadership roles in an industry that has traditionally skewed male in technical departments.

The Benefits of Joining the Lighthouse Crew

Lighthouse Studios believe that to create the best content, our artists must be supported, challenged, and valued.

• In-House Development: Access to our bespoke learning and development programme. Whether you want to transition toward Lead roles or broaden your technical skills in Harmony, we provide the roadmap.
• Holistic Wellness: We offer a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) , health benefits, and a robust pension plan to ensure your future is secure.
• The Kilkenny Experience: For those choosing our hybrid model, you will work in one of Ireland’s most beautiful cities—a hub of arts, culture, and medieval history.
• Global Reach: Your work will be showcased on the world’s largest streaming platforms, providing high-visibility credits for your professional portfolio.

How to Apply and Accommodations

Lighthouse Studios is an equal opportunities employer. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, regardless of age, ethnicity, gender identity, or neurodiversity.

Application Instructions:

1. Portfolio: Provide a link to your current reel, specifically highlighting Toon Boom Harmony rigged work.
2. Cover Letter: Clearly state your availability for the specified dates and your comfort level regarding 16+ mature content.
3. Residency Proof: Confirm you are currently residing in or moving to the Republic of Ireland for the duration of the contract.

Reasonable Accommodations: If you require any support during the recruitment process due to a disability or neurodivergent requirement, please reach out to View email address on festybay.com . Any information shared will be treated with the strictest confidentiality and will have no negative bearing on your candidacy.

The Lighthouse Spirit

Lighthouse Studios value artists who see solutions where others see problems. In the fast-paced world of television animation, things change quickly. We need crew members who are adaptable, communicative, and passionate about the craft.

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