How to Get Hired at Atomic Cartoons
Atomic Cartoons is one of Vancouver’s leading TV animation studios under Thunderbird Entertainment. This guide covers their 2D/CG animation pipeline, hiring process, Vancouver salary ranges, and how to build a showreel that gets noticed.
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Art Style and Pipeline
Atomic Cartoons produces TV and streaming animation with a strong mix of 2D and 3D-assisted production. Their pipeline covers everything from character animation to complex FX and matte-painted environments.
2D Character and FX Animation
TV Series ProductionHand-drawn style animation produced in Toon Boom Harmony. FX animation covers fire, water, smoke, and impact effects that integrate seamlessly with character performance.
- Toon Boom Harmony scene rigging and deformation
- FX timing that reads against fast TV broadcast playback
- Secondary animation and particle-style 2D FX
- Cross-discipline shot review with directors and layout artists
CG-Assisted Production
Mixed Media SeriesMany modern TV productions blend 2D animation with CG environments, vehicles, and crowds. Atomic uses Maya for 3D elements that composite with 2D character work.
- Maya animation and rendering for hybrid productions
- 3D environments lit to match 2D background painting style
- Crowd systems and vehicle animation for action sequences
- Alembic and FBX handoffs between departments
Background and Matte Painting
Streaming OriginalsBackground artists and matte painters create the environments that frame every shot. Photoshop-based painted backgrounds and extended digital matte environments.
- Stylised background painting in Photoshop from art direction sheets
- Perspective and depth for 2D camera rigs
- Colour script consistency across episodes and arcs
- Extension paintings for VFX compositing shots
Layout and Staging
All ProductionsLayout artists bridge storyboard and animation departments. They establish final camera angles, character positioning, and scene geometry for every shot.
- Scene staging from storyboard thumbnails to final layouts
- Multi-plane camera setups with parallax and depth cues
- Continuity and screen direction across cut sequences
- Collaboration with animation directors on pacing and timing
The Hiring Process
Showreel Submission
Submit your showreel and CV through Thunderbird Entertainment’s careers portal or directly to Atomic Cartoons via their website. Keep reels to 90 seconds maximum with your strongest work first.
Online applicationReel Review
The animation director and department leads review reels. FX animation quality and timing are assessed against current production needs. Response can take 2-4 weeks depending on active hiring.
2-4 weeksInterview Call
A call with the department supervisor or animation director. Covers your software proficiency, experience with TV production timelines, and how you approach specific FX or layout challenges.
Video or in-personTest Scene
Some departments assign a short test. FX animators may receive a brief to animate a specific effect. Layout artists may be asked to stage a sequence from a storyboard panel.
4-8 hoursOffer and Contract
Successful candidates receive an offer as either a permanent employee or project-based contractor. IATSE 938 union membership is discussed at offer stage for applicable production roles.
Offer stageSalary Ranges
| Role | Location | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| 2D FX Animator (Junior) | Vancouver, BC | CAD $45K-$62K/yr |
| 2D FX Animator (Mid) | Vancouver, BC | CAD $62K-$82K/yr |
| 2D FX Animator (Senior) | Vancouver, BC | CAD $82K-$115K/yr |
| CG FX Artist (Mid) | Vancouver, BC | CAD $65K-$88K/yr |
| Layout Artist (Senior) | Vancouver, BC | CAD $78K-$110K/yr |
| Layout Lead | Vancouver, BC | CAD $105K-$130K/yr |
Portfolio Tips by Discipline
2D FX Animation Reel
- Open with your most complex and technically impressive effect
- Show variety: fire, water, smoke, magic, impacts, and secondary debris
- Include pencil tests alongside finished composited versions
- Demonstrate that your FX respects character space and screen hierarchy
CG FX Portfolio
- Houdini simulations with render-ready outputs are the strongest signal
- Show the Houdini network alongside the rendered result
- TV-scale FX: fast, readable, optimised for production budgets
- Include Maya particle or nCloth work if Houdini is not your primary tool
Layout Portfolio
- Include staged scenes from script or storyboard to finished layout
- Show depth, parallax, and multi-plane camera awareness
- Cinematography variety: wide establishing shots, close-ups, dynamic angles
- TV series fan layouts or published animation staging analysis helps
Project-Based Contracts Are Common
Atomic Cartoons uses project-based contracts for many production artists. You may be hired for the duration of a specific series and then face a period between productions. Senior and lead roles are more likely to be permanent. Before accepting a contract role, ask about the expected production length, whether renewal is likely, and whether the role could transition to permanent staff.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What shows has Atomic Cartoons produced?
Atomic Cartoons has worked on numerous streaming originals and TV series for Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, CBC, and other broadcasters. They have produced kids, family, and adult animation across a range of visual styles.
Is there a junior or intern program at Atomic Cartoons?
Atomic Cartoons participates in the Moving Image Arts training initiative under IATSE 938. Some junior and intern positions are posted during production ramp-ups. Checking their careers page during new series announcements is the best timing.
Does Atomic Cartoons do feature animation?
Atomic Cartoons primarily focuses on TV series and streaming content rather than theatrical features. Their production scale and pipeline are optimised for episodic production volume.
How does IATSE 938 affect working at Atomic Cartoons?
IATSE Local 938 is the animation union covering British Columbia. Union membership affects minimum rates, overtime rules, and benefits for covered roles. Not all positions are union-covered, but production animation roles typically are.
What is the best way to get a job at Atomic Cartoons without any credits?
A strong showreel is everything. Atomic Cartoons and other animation studios evaluate you on what you can do on screen, not what you have shipped. A 2D FX reel showing clean timing, varied effects, and technical proficiency in Toon Boom Harmony will open doors at the junior level even with no professional credits.
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