Animated Short Film for Kids

Job Title: Full-Service 2D Puppet Animator Needed for 4-Minute Kids’ Video (Asset Prep + Voiceover Casting + Animation) Project Description: I am launching a children's YouTube channel and am looking for a talented 2D Puppet Animator (or boutique animation studio) to handle the complete, turnkey production of my first 4-minute short story. I have a complete, exact script and professional, high-resolution 3D-shaded illustration panels. The illustrations are currently flat images. You will need to handle the initial asset preparation (slicing characters, limbs, facial features, and masking backgrounds) before rigging. This project requires rigging existing high-detail illustrations using After Effects, Moho, or similar skeletal puppet-based tools to achieve fluid, organic motion without losing the artwork's depth, textures, and shading. Voiceover Requirements (Included in this Contract): You will be responsible for sourcing, casting, and mastering the professional voiceover talent based on our script. The project requires the following performance vibes: • The Narrator: Warm, engaging, classic children's storybook tone. • Ben (The Chipmunk/Squirrel): Anxious, highly organized, intelligent, and thoughtful. • Arrow (The Labrador Retriever): Warm, friendly, laid-back, and a little bit goofy. (Note: A single voice chameleon artist who can perform multiple roles is highly acceptable). Important Note on Portfolio/Privacy: To protect the intellectual property of this upcoming channel, the full storyboard and script will only be shared with shortlisted candidates after an initial interview and the signing of an NDA. A cropped, watermarked sample of the art style texture is attached to this post to help you judge the rendering complexity. Key Responsibilities: • Voiceover Production: Sourcing voice talent, managing the recording, and delivering a clean, mastered audio track before animation begins. • Asset Prep (Slicing & Masking): Cleanly separate flat image panels into moving character layers (limbs, eyes, mouths) and background layers. • Scene Animation: Deliver fluid character movement, expressions, and environmental parallax layers based on the storyboard pacing. • Visual Effects & Compositing: Apply environmental 2D effects matching the script (e.g., wind, drifting snow, falling leaves). • Sound Design: Source and implement high-quality, royalty-free background music and sound effects (e.g., rustling paper, wind howling, snoring dog). Project Scope & Deliverables: • Video Length: Exactly 4 minutes. • Final Deliverable: Fully edited, high-definition (1080p or 4K, 24fps) MP4 file, ready for YouTube. • Rights: 100% full commercial rights transfer upon final milestone payment. To Apply, Please Provide: 1. A link to your current animation showreel or portfolio. 2. 2–3 examples of puppet/cut-out style character animation you have done. 3. Your estimated fixed-rate project bid (inclusive of the asset slicing, voice actors, and full sound design). 4. Briefly explain how you typically present voiceover options to a client for approval MUTUAL NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT (NDA) This Agreement is between [Your Name] ("Disclosing Party") and [Freelancer Name] ("Receiving Party") regarding the animated kids' video project provisionally titled [Project Working Title, e.g., Pinecone Valley]. 1. Confidential Information: Receiving Party agrees that all scripts, storyboards, artwork, and concept notes shared by the Disclosing Party are confidential proprietary assets. 2. Restrictions: The Receiving Party shall not copy, distribute, publicly display, or share any project assets with third parties without express written consent. 3. Ownership: All intellectual property rights remain 100% with the Disclosing Party. By replying to this message with the phrase "I AGREE TO THESE TERMS", the Receiving Party signs and executes this electronic agreement.