Animation
Animation technical director (TD)
Also known as: Technical director, Technical producer
What does an animation TD do?
Animation TDs program digital tools to improve and speed up the workflow of artists in the animation department of a project.
Animation TDs work with the animation software, developing and testing tools, custom features and add-ons, and making sure it does the best job possible for the animators and layout artists.
They also make themselves available to solve their colleagues’ problems. If an animator or layout artist has a technical problem, they turn to the animation TDs for advice on how to fix it.
Animation TDs need to have a good understanding of how the various artist roles in an animation department use animation software. They use analytics to monitor the workflow of the company or studio and streamline operations.
Animation TDs are usually employed by animation studios.
Watch and read
- Disney Animation: Technical Direction
- Technical Directors: The secret behind Visual Effects
- Technical Director in Visual Effects, Animation and Games
What's an animation TD good at?
- Problem-solving: think analytically to identify problems and come up with creative and efficient solutions, find ways to overcome obstacles and deliver the project
- Support: offer guidance to more junior artists, give face-to-face technical help to all animation staff, communicate well, have a positive attitude
- Knowledge of all parts of animation pipelines: have a strong understanding of all jobs within a pipeline, what these involve, the needs and challenges of the roles
- Knowledge of 3D animation programs: be adept at using relevant programs such as Adobe After Effects, Blender, Cinema 4D, Maya, MotionBuilder, RenderMan and 3ds Max
- Programming and coding skills: have advanced knowledge of programming in Python and C++ with a very high level of technical ability using a variety of relevant software used across the project such as Maya, Houdini and Nuke
Who does an animation TD work with?
Animation TDs work with all artists in the animation department, such as animators and layout artists. They also work with the art director as the image assets are assembled during the production of an animation project. They also collaborate with TDs in other departments, such as rigging.
How do I become an animation TD?
Technical directors are senior positions. Typically, you need to have at least a couple years of experience working in animation or VFX before you can become a TD. It’s useful to start in more junior positions in the animation or VFX sectors and work your way up. In order to become an animation TD you need to learn programming. There are degree courses available in computer programming, computer science or computer animation, which would all provide you with useful experience and background knowledge.
At school or college:
An ideal background to this role is the combination of drawing skills with science. If you can take A-levels or Highers in maths, computer science, biology or physics and add art or art and design to the mix, it’s ideal. Or you might want to take a level 3 vocational qualification in those subjects. Look at what your local college offers such as:
- OCR Technical Diploma in Digital Media (Moving Image and Audio Production)
- UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production and Technology
- T level Media, Broadcast and Production
- UAL Applied General Diploma in Art and Design
- UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma in Art and Design
- OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma in Art and Design (3D Design)
- OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma in Art and Design (Graphic Design)
- OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma in Art and Design (Photography)
- T Level Digital Software Development
Get an apprenticeship:
An apprenticeship is a job with training, so it’s a great opportunity to earn as you learn. See if you can find an apprenticeship a junior animator or as an assistant technical director as a first step to becoming an animation TD. Check out What’s an apprenticeship? to learn more about apprenticeships and Find an apprenticeship to learn how to find one in your region, or approach companies directly.
Build a portfolio:
Learn animation and video editing software, experiment with practical stop-motion and start creating work that you can show to admissions tutors or employers. Create your own short film or films. This is essential. Go to Build your animation portfolio to learn how. Watch ScreenSkills’ advice on VFX showreels for help and inspiration.
Get a degree:
Have a look at ScreenSkills’ list of recommended courses and select one in animation, computer programming or computer science. We recognise courses with our ScreenSkills Select award where they offer training in the relevant software, dedicated time to building a portfolio and have strong links with the animation industry.
Look outside the industry:
See if you can get a job as a runner with a VFX company. This will help you build contacts, skills and knowledge related to 3D animation. Look for jobs as a generalist programmer in the games industry. Alternatively, look for computer programmer jobs in any industry or sector, as these roles can be found everywhere.
Take a short course:
Hone your skills in programming by taking a specialist course. Go to the list of training courses recommended by ScreenSkills and see if there is one in programming.
Search for jobs:
Research animation companies that you’d like to work for. Animation UK has a directory of animation companies. Go to their websites and check if they are advertising for animation TD roles. You can also send in a speculative CV and ask employers to keep it on file so they can consider you if any suitable jobs come up. Search job websites for animation TD roles and apply for positions.
Meet people in the industry:
Go to ScreenSkills’ events, follow your local film office and get to know people in the animation industry by attending events. Meet industry professionals and ask them questions about their work, while demonstrating interest and knowledge in the industry. Offer to provide them with your professional contact details and try to stay in touch with them. Go to how to network well to learn how to do this.
Network online:
Create a LinkedIn profile. See if there’s a Facebook page or other social media group for people making films or videos in your area. Join it and take part. Create a ScreenSkills profile.
Explore ScreenSkills Resources:
ScreenSkills careers information:
The your career hub has a wealth of resources designed to help you start or progress your career.
ScreenSkills e-learning:
ScreenSkills has a suite of free e-learning modules for those who are over 18 which can improve your knowledge. The ScreenSkills Passport modules also prepare you as they are essential for some production roles. Some modules are available for those under 18. For anyone wanting advice about first steps, the Getting into the screen industries modules are very useful.
ScreenSkills skills checklists:
If you would like more detail about the tasks, responsibilities and skills required for many key roles in film and TV drama, children’s TV and unscripted TV you can look at our skills checklists.
You might also be interested in...
Being a graphics programmer or another kind of programmer in the games industry. You might also want to work for a VFX company as a pipeline TD or an effects (FX) TD. Or you could be an FX TD in the animation industry.
