Layout Artist

Skydance Media is hiring a Layout Artist based in Madrid to join their animation production team. This role sits within the layout department and is responsible for generating previz, blocking characters, and establishing cinematography across scenes from initial scouting through final camera polish. It’s a strong fit for a 3D generalist who thinks cinematically and is comfortable owning the camera work on an animated feature.

About the Role

The Layout Artist works at the intersection of storytelling and technical 3D construction, translating storyboards into fully staged scenes within the animation pipeline. Day to day, this person is building shots in 3D space, working from animatics, and applying character and environment assets to produce rough layouts that inform the rest of production. The role carries real cinematographic responsibility, not just scene assembly.

Key Responsibilities

• Construct shots in 3D space using Maya, establishing character blocking and acting that communicates the story as defined by the storyboards.
• Handle the full cinematography pipeline from location scouting through final camera polish, maintaining visual consistency across the film.
• Convert storyboard animatics into staged 3D scenes, applying approved character design and modelling assets to produce rough layout passes.
• Break down scenes methodically and manage personal workload to meet production deadlines within the animation studio schedule.
• Stay current with emerging tools and methodologies relevant to the VFX pipeline, including developments in Unreal Engine for layout and previz work.
• Work under the direction of the Layout Supervisor and Lead, incorporating notes and maintaining alignment with the established visual language of the production.

What You Bring

• 3 to 5 years of experience working in VFX or animation production, with at least one year specifically in the animation industry.
• Strong working knowledge of Maya and DaVinci Resolve as core tools within the layout workflow.
• Solid understanding of 3D animation principles, with either a strong artistic eye, a technical foundation, or both.
• Experience working on a Linux-based production environment is a plus, as is familiarity with Unreal Engine.
• English at a medium to high level is required for this role, with Spanish considered an advantage.

Why This Role

Skydance Media has built a reputation across feature film production and genre entertainment, and this Madrid-based position places a Layout Artist inside a production with serious creative ambitions and the pipeline to support them. The scope of the role, from previz through final camera work, means real ownership rather than a narrow task within the animation studio structure.

Apply now for the Layout Artist position at Skydance Media and bring your 3D cinematography skills to a feature animation production in Madrid.