How to Get Hired at WildBrain
What WildBrain actually looks for in artists, how their hiring process works, salary data, and how to build a portfolio that passes their bar.
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About WildBrain
WildBrain is a Canadian animation studio producing award-winning 2D and CG series for Netflix, Apple TV+, and global broadcasters. Known for Sonic Prime, the Peanuts specials, Carmen Sandiego, and Strawberry Shortcake, WildBrain employs over 300 artists across its Vancouver studio.
What WildBrain Looks For
Understanding the type of work WildBrain produces is the most important step in targeting your application correctly.
Kids & Family CG
Broad Appeal AnimationWildBrain produces CG series that balance character expressiveness with efficient TV production pipelines. Houdini FX is used for simulation work on higher-budget productions like Sonic Prime.
- Strong character performance and appeal reading
- Clean topology suited to rigging and deformation
- Understanding of stylized proportions vs realistic
- Efficient asset creation for TV episode turnaround
2D/Harmony Animation
Traditional TV AnimationWildBrain uses Toon Boom Harmony for its 2D productions. Clean line quality and understanding of the cut-out and paperless animation pipeline are essential for these roles.
- Harmony rigging and deformation knowledge
- Clean, on-model line quality
- Understanding of TV animation frame rates and staging
- Strong timing and secondary motion
The Hiring Process
What to expect from application to offer at WildBrain.
Portfolio Review
Art directors review reels before HR screens. For CG roles, open with your strongest shot. For Harmony 2D, show clean on-model work from an existing production or fan project. FX roles should include Houdini sims with breakdowns.
Typical duration: 1-2 weeksRecruiter Screen
20-30 minute call covering availability, Canada work authorization, and general experience. WildBrain hires primarily for on-site Vancouver roles.
Typical duration: 1 weekDepartment Interview
Video call with the department lead. Expect reel walkthrough and technical questions about your pipeline and software workflow.
Typical duration: 1-2 weeksArt Test (if required)
Some roles receive a short take-home test. These are 4-8 hours and specific to WildBrain production style.
Typical duration: 1 weekOffer
Contracts are typically production-linked (6-12 months). Canada work authorization is generally required for on-site Vancouver roles.
Typical duration: 1 weekSalary Ranges
| Role | Level | Salary | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| CG Animator | Mid-Level | Not publicly disclosed | Vancouver, CA |
| FX Artist (Houdini) | Senior | Not publicly disclosed | Vancouver, CA |
| Technical Artist | Mid-Level | Not publicly disclosed | Vancouver, CA |
WildBrain does not publicly disclose salary ranges. Figures listed reflect industry benchmarks for similar studios in the same region.
Portfolio Tips by Discipline
CG & FX Artists
- Open your reel with your strongest, most complete shot
- Include Houdini node graph screenshots for FX roles
- Show clean rigging-ready topology, not just beauty renders
- For Sonic Prime-style work, study the show carefully before applying
2D/Harmony Artists
- Show clean on-model Harmony animation from a real or practice project
- Include line quality examples and rig screenshots
- Demonstrate understanding of WildBrain TV turnaround pipelines
- Reference specific WildBrain shows in your cover note
Canadian Work Authorization
Most WildBrain production roles require you to work legally in Canada. A Canadian passport, PR, or valid work permit is typically required. WildBrain does sponsor some senior roles — confirm during the recruiter call.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get hired at WildBrain?
WildBrain hires through their careers page and LinkedIn. For CG roles, a strong demoreel with character or environment animation is expected. For Houdini FX roles, breakdowns showing simulations and technical problem-solving carry significant weight.
What software does WildBrain use?
WildBrain uses Toon Boom Harmony for all 2D animation production, Houdini for FX, Autodesk Maya for CG, and Gaffer/Nuke for lighting and compositing.
Are WildBrain roles remote or on-site?
WildBrain production roles are primarily on-site in Vancouver, BC. Canada work authorization or a valid work permit is typically required.
What shows has WildBrain produced?
WildBrain has produced Sonic Prime (Netflix), Peanuts specials (Apple TV+), Carmen Sandiego, Strawberry Shortcake, and Chip and Potato.
Does WildBrain pay for art tests?
Art test policies vary by role and seniority. Confirm during the recruiter screen. Senior and lead roles are more likely to have compensated tests.
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