Atlantis Animation is expanding its creative ranks! We are seeking a highly skilled and narratively-driven Layout Artist at either the Mid or Senior level to join our studio in the sun-drenched capital of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. This role is fundamental to the visual architecture of our latest global production, serving as the bridge between 2D concepts and the 3D cinematic world.
As a Layout Artist at Atlantis, you aren't just placing cameras;
you are the cinematographer of the digital realm. You will be responsible for defining the pace, scale, and emotional resonance of each scene, ensuring that our characters inhabit a world that feels both expansive and purposeful.
Job Overview: Layout Artist (Mid to Senior Level)Feature Details
Company Name: Atlantis Animation S.L.
Project Title: Messi and the Giants (Sony Music Vision / Sony Pictures Television Kids)
Position: Layout Artist (Mid to Senior Level)
Location: Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands (100% On-Site)
Contract Type: Fixed-term Full-Time Employee (No Freelance)
Duration: Immediate Start – June/July 2026 (Approx. 3 Months)
Work Schedule: Full-Time (40 Hours/Week)
Language Requirement: Fluent English;
Spanish is a plus
Work Permit: Valid EU / Spanish Work Authorization Required
Estimated Salary Range: Mid: €32,000 – €40,000 / Senior: €42,000 – €55,000 (Gross Annual Pro-rata)
Atlantis Animation is more than a workplace;
it is a collaborative ecosystem located in the "heavenly" Canary Islands. We combine the soul of traditional storytelling with the muscle of high-end technology. Our studio has become a trusted partner for industry titans, having delivered world-class animation for Tara Duncan and Miraculous Ladybug Season 5 (Disney Channel/Disney+).
Our philosophy is built on the "inner magic spark"—that intangible quality that pushes an artist to find the perfect camera angle or the most evocative composition. We offer a fast-paced but deeply rewarding environment where your work will be seen by millions of viewers across the globe.
We are currently in the heat of production for Messi and the Giants, an epic animated series produced by Sony Music Vision, Sony Pictures Television Kids, and Leo Messi Management.
The story follows a young version of the legendary Leo Messi as he is transported from Argentina into a fantastical, high-stakes alternate universe. The visual requirements for this project are immense—ranging from intimate, character-focused moments to gargantuan, epic-scale landscapes. As a Layout Artist, you are the one who determines how the audience perceives this new world. You will translate 2D storyboards into a 3D space, setting the stage for the animators and lighting artists who follow.
The Layout Artist is the first "builder" in the 3D pipeline. Your work sets the technical and creative foundation for every shot. You will work closely with the Director and the Layout Supervisor to ensure that the narrative intent of the storyboard is not only preserved but enhanced in the 3D transition.
Cinematography and Scene Composition
3D Translation: Convert 2D storyboards, sketches, and animatics into a fully realized 3D sequence of shots.
Camera Mastery: Determine camera placement, lens choices, and movement (pans, tilts, tracks, and cranes) that best serve the emotional beat of the script.
Blocking: Create initial 3D blocking for all characters and props to establish timing, spatial relationships, and screen direction.
Perspective: Define the visual perspective of each scene to maximize the impact of the "Giants" and the vastness of the alternate universe.
Environment and Narrative Support
Background Blocking: Arrange environment assets and backgrounds to support the narrative, ensuring that the "world-building" is consistent and visually appealing.
Pre-Visualization: When necessary, create rough pre-visualization models and temporary environments to help the Director visualize complex sequences before final assets are ready.
Spatial Logic: Ensure all scenes adhere to real-world scale and proportions, maintaining the internal logic of the world.
Continuity and Technical Integrity
Visual Flow: Maintain strict continuity between shots within a sequence. You must ensure that eye lines, character positions, and environmental details remain consistent to prevent jarring transitions.
Pipeline Integration: Manage files and scenes with extreme attention to detail. You will be responsible for scene assembly and ensuring that layouts are optimized for performance in downstream departments (Animation, Lighting, and FX).
Asset Management: Proactively collaborate with the asset team to ensure the layout versions of props and environments are up to date and functional.
Feedback Loops: Take direction from the Layout Supervisor and Director, quickly iterating on shots based on creative feedback.
Cross-Department Communication: Proactively communicate with the Animation department to ensure the blocking provides enough "room" for character performance, and with the Lighting department regarding initial light placement and mood.
We are looking for artists who possess a "director's eye" and a "technical mind."
Experience Levels:
Mid-Level: 3 to 5 years of professional experience in 3D Layout or Pre-viz for animation, film, or high-end TV.
Senior-Level: 5+ years of experience with a proven track record of handling complex sequences and mentoring junior staff.
Technical Software Proficiency: Advanced mastery of Autodesk Maya is non-negotiable. You should be comfortable with Maya's camera tools, sequencing tools, and basic rigging/constraints.
Cinematic Knowledge: A deep understanding of real-world cinematography. You should be familiar with focal lengths, depth of field, and how different lenses affect the viewer's perception of a character or environment.
Storytelling Intuition: The ability to read a script or storyboard and understand the subtext. You should know when a wide shot is needed for isolation or when a close-up is required for intimacy.
Organizational Skills: Excellent scene management. In a fast-paced production like Messi and the Giants, clean outliners and logical file structures are essential.
Work Authorization: You must possess a valid EU or Spanish work permit. We cannot sponsor visas for this short-term contract.
On-Site Presence: This role is based at our Santa Cruz de Tenerife studio. While we occasionally consider remote work for candidates already residing and registered in the Canary Islands, the priority for this role is on-site collaboration.
The Tenerife Advantage: Why Join Us?This 3-month contract is an incredible opportunity to "test the waters" of the Canary Islands' burgeoning animation industry.
Breathtaking Location: Work in a city that offers a mix of historic architecture, modern amenities, and proximity to some of the world's most famous beaches and hiking trails.
Tax Incentives: The Canary Islands offer a unique economic environment (ZEC), which has spurred a massive influx of international studios, making it a "Silicon Valley" for animation in Europe.
The Project Pedigree: Adding a Sony/Disney production featuring a global icon like Leo Messi to your portfolio is a significant career milestone.
Atmosphere: We foster a culture of passion. We don't just "make cartoons";
we build worlds. You will be surrounded by like-minded artists who are dedicated to the craft.
Atlantis Animation is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and encourage applications from artists of all backgrounds.
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