Animator

A animator is a person who creates images that move. There are many types of animation such as; stop motion, computer animation and traditional animation. The animator is usually found at the production and post-production stage of a animation. They also contribute toward the script writing from time to time. The animator will use key frames which are used to join the images together to make the content move within a sequence. Editors also use keyframes during editing.

To be in this line of work you will need have a good understanding of the programmes used to make an animation. An animator can be found is various forms of media from video game production to feature film production. The animators often work in groups as animation takes a lot of time. An animation director will work closely with the script writer and director to make sure everything is in order.

An animator will often use pre-shot video footage and add animation to it. This happens mostly in the opening sequence of a programme or film.  During pre-production the layout artist and the story board artist will sit down and draw each individual shot so that the animation team know what they are doing.

In a team of animator there often people with different roles. A Character animator will work on the movement and the dialogue of a character, making sure that the voice acting fits the movement of the character's mouth. A special effects animator is an animator that focuses mostly on visual effects such as the weather and lighting changes.