Creative and arts

3D Animator – Wildlife Cinematic Short

Twine

New Zealand6 days ago
ContractSenior

What the role involves

  • Creating cinematic animation
  • Animating multiple ants
  • Integrating flood simulations

What they ask for

proven 3D animation experience with a cinematic wildlife or creature portfolio; proficiency in industry-standard 3D software; ability to animate multiple characters using reusable assets; experience editing vertical short-form content

About the job

Bring a dramatic wildlife story to life as a 3D Animator, creating a 60-second cinematic animation for vertical short-form platforms such as YouTube Shorts, TikTok, and Facebook Reels. The project centers on a fire ant colony facing rising floodwaters, showcasing their survival instincts as they form a living raft to protect their queen and young. The animation should feature stylized visuals, believable ant behavior, and a polished, suspenseful narrative arc. Cinematic camera movement, dynamic close-ups, and fast-paced editing are essential to capture viewers’ attention and deliver a compelling story in a 9:16 format. Suitable ant models may be provided or sourced to streamline production.

Deliverables

  • Produce a 60-second stylized 3D animation in 9:16 vertical format, optimized for short-form platforms.
  • Animate multiple ants efficiently using reusable or duplicated models.
  • Integrate cinematic camera movement, dramatic floodwater simulation, and suspenseful pacing.
  • Ensure a strong opening hook and a satisfying narrative conclusion.
  • Deliver polished, high-quality visuals comparable to leading wildlife animation creators.
  • Provide estimated turnaround time, detailed workflow, and relevant examples of cinematic 3D character, creature, or wildlife animation.

Requirements

  • Proven experience in 3D animation, with a portfolio demonstrating cinematic wildlife or creature work.
  • Proficiency in industry-standard 3D software (e.g., Blender, Maya, Cinema 4D).
  • Strong understanding of stylized animation, camera movement, and visual storytelling.
  • Ability to efficiently animate multiple characters using reusable assets.
  • Experience with fluid or environmental simulations is highly desirable.
  • Skilled in editing for vertical, short-form content (9:16 aspect ratio).
  • Excellent communication and ability to meet deadlines.
  • Availability for a single project with potential for future collaboration.

About Twine

Twine is a leading freelance marketplace connecting top freelancers, consultants, and contractors with companies needing creative and tech expertise. Trusted by Fortune 500 companies and innovative startups alike, Twine enables companies to scale their teams globally.

Our Mission

Twine's mission is to empower creators and businesses to thrive in an AI-driven, freelance-first world.

Applying for this job

What to show on your CV

  • It names Blender, Maya and Cinema 4D. Use the same words on your CV for the ones you've used, so a search finds them.
  • For the work it describes, like "Creating cinematic animation", give an example from your own experience, with a result you can talk about at an interview.

Our guides to the New Zealand CV format, cover letters and interview questions cover the rest.

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