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Job Title


Freelance Cinematic & Comedic Layout Artist (Remote)


Company : ELEMENT ANIMATION


Location : newport, midlands


Created : 2025-04-04


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

We are ELEMENT ANIMATION, a small but mighty studio known for creating character-driven stories packed with humour and heart. We create animated content for millions of our own audience, for commercial projects and for global events. Our videos are watched all around the world and we've grown a following in multiple countries. Were passionate about storytelling, comedy, and pushing the boundaries of what a small team can do with big ideas. Our projects combine humor, heart, and innovation, and were looking for a versatile freelance CG artist to join us.Were currently expanding our layout pipeline and are looking for a Layout Artist to help shape the next chapter of our work. This freelance role is ideal for someone who understands that the camera isnt just a tool, its a character. This role starts as a freelance opportunity but has the potential to grow into an ongoing contract, making you an integral member of our team.We understand this role requires a unique set of skills, but above all, were looking for someone with a passion for learning, a collaborative spirit, and the willingness to grow alongside us.Role Overview:As a Cinematic & Comedic Layout Artist, youll be responsible for staging scenes and animating cameras in Maya to bring storyboards and scripts to life. The goal is to create layout sequences that feel entertaining, clearly communicate intent, and nail the comedic rhythm - even in rough form.Youll be collaborating with the team to create clear, funny, and animator-ready sequences.This role isnt a case of "just follow the boards", were looking for someone who thinks about timing, reveal gags, visual punchlines and the camera's performance. If you've ever staged a comedy scene in layout and thought that it was already funny, youre exactly who we're after.Key Responsibilities:Translate scripts, animatics, or storyboards into final camera animation and layout scenes using Maya.Block out character positions and performance staging to support comedic beats and shot clarity.Animate polished, intentional camera moves that enhance the humour and storytelling. Whip-pans, push-ins, snap-zooms, handheld reveals, and awkward holds should feel deliberate and refined.Collaborate closely with the team and director during reviews, bringing your own creative instincts to the table. This isnt just about feedback, its about contributing ideas, making each sequence better and putting your own mark on every project!Work with our TD using and helping us develop our custom pre-built camera rigs, tools and scene templates, so you can focus on performance.Communicate clearly with the director to ensure the timing of each layout sequence feels snappy, reactive, and funny.Youll Be a Great Fit If You:See the camera as a performer, not just a lens.Have experience in staging and camera work for animated content - bonus points if its comedic.Can tell a joke visually - through blocking, composition, or timing alone.Have a good sense of humor and know what makes a shot funny (and what makes it fall flat).Are confident working in Maya, especially with cameras, character placement, and basic scene prep.Have a strong sense of shot flow, spatial logic, and comedic rhythm.Are collaborative, communicative, and love giving and receiving feedback.Are comfortable working remotely and asynchronously with a small, dedicated team.Bonus Points:Experience with handheld-style layout or stylized cinematography.Familiarity with comedic editing, rhythm, or sketch formats.Comfortable doing quick pitch edits or rough timing previews (though not required).Familiar with working on episodic or short-form comedic content.Perks of Working with Us:100% Remote-Work.Flexible hours.Creative freedom to contribute your ideas and styleA chance to work on fun, character-driven projects with a comedic twistA supportive, creative team that values your input.Your work will be seen by millions of people around the world.Potential for a long-term role with ongoing projects.How to Apply:If youre a cinematic layout artist with a flair for comedy and camera storytelling, wed love to hear from you!Send an email to apply@elementanimation.com and include:Your demo reel or portfolio (showcasing staging and camera work - bonus for comedic scenes!)Examples of past projects (if available).A brief note about your availability, interest in long-term collaboration, and hourly/project rates.Any tools or workflows youre especially comfortable with.A quick note about yourself and any hobbies, what do you do for fun? We want to know a little about you and what interests you.Tell us your favourite comedy scene from anything youve ever seen. (Our own content doesnt count. Thats cheating.)If you have any questions before sending an application dont hesitate to ask via the email above.