Job Description
- Studio: LANTHR
- Project Type: 2D Animated Character Trailer / Proof of Concept
- Runtime: Approximately 3–4 minutes
- Position Type: Freelance / Contract
- Compensation: Paid flat rate — $200+ negotiated based on experience and agreed scope
- Target Start: January 2027
- Target Completion: End of February 2027
- Location: Remote
About the Project
LANTHR is seeking a Storyboard Artist for an approximately 3–4 minute character trailer for Just Your Average Nekomancer, an original anime-inspired fantasy project currently in development.
The trailer will serve as a proof of concept for the larger project.
The Storyboard Artist will work closely with the Director to translate the screenplay into a visually compelling sequence that captures the project’s intended atmosphere, emotion, and cinematic identity.
They are looking for someone who understands Japanese anime cinematography and visual storytelling. This includes not only dynamic camera angles and action sequences, but also the use of composition, pacing, character acting, and stillness to communicate emotion.
The ideal candidate will be comfortable contributing creative ideas while working within the Director’s established vision.
Responsibilities
- Work with the Director to establish shot composition, camera angles, visual pacing, and cinematic presentation.
- Translate the approved screenplay into clear, cohesive storyboards suitable for a 2D anime-inspired production.
- Apply Japanese anime cinematography techniques, including dynamic framing, expressive close-ups, atmospheric compositions, and effective use of stillness.
- Develop visually engaging action sequences with clear choreography, spatial continuity, and readable movement.
- Communicate character emotions and intentions through staging, posing, expressions, and visual composition.
- Maintain continuity between shots, including screen direction, character placement, and environmental consistency.
- Prepare a comprehensive shot list identifying individual shots, camera directions, major actions, and relevant production notes.
- Assemble a timed animatic using approved storyboard panels to establish the trailer’s pacing, shot durations, and transitions.
- Collaborate with the Director and Animation Director to ensure the proposed sequences are achievable within the production’s resources.
- Participate in scheduled feedback sessions and implement agreed-upon revisions.
- Provide organized storyboard files and production materials for use by the animation team.
- Help identify and resolve visual storytelling or staging issues before animation production begins.
The Storyboard Artist is encouraged to propose alternative compositions, transitions, and visual approaches when they believe these will strengthen the scene.
Major creative changes must be discussed with the Director before implementation. Final creative approval remains with the Director.
Qualifications
Required
- Strong understanding of cinematic storytelling, shot composition, framing, staging, and visual continuity.
- Strong familiarity with Japanese anime cinematography, including its visual conventions, shot language, pacing, and approaches to dramatic and action-oriented storytelling.
- Ability to translate a written screenplay into clear, coherent storyboard sequences.
- Strong drawing fundamentals, including perspective, anatomy, posing, and character expressions.
- Ability to communicate character emotions and narrative information through visual storytelling.
- Understanding of camera movement, screen direction, spatial relationships, and continuity.
- Ability to storyboard both character-driven dramatic scenes and action sequences.
- Ability to accept feedback, make revisions, and collaborate with other members of the production team.
- Ability to work remotely and communicate reliably throughout pre-production.
- Portfolio or other examples demonstrating relevant storyboard and cinematic composition skills.
Preferred
- Previous experience as a Storyboard Artist or in a similar visual storytelling role.
- Professional experience with anime or anime-inspired animation.
- Familiarity with Japanese storyboard production practices, including e-konte (絵コンテ).
- Experience creating timed animatics.
- Experience working on independent or small-team animation productions.
- Familiarity with 2D animation production pipelines and the needs of downstream animation departments.
- Experience storyboarding fantasy, supernatural, or action-oriented productions.
- Familiarity with Japanese Storyboard layout/Storyboard Pro, Clip Studio Paint, or comparable software.
Professional experience working directly on Japanese anime productions is not required.
Candidates with strong visual storytelling skills and a demonstrated understanding of anime as a cinematic medium are encouraged to apply.
Work Structure
This is a flexible, project-based position. The Storyboard Artist is not expected to maintain traditional full-time hours or treat the project as their primary employment.
The work will primarily take place during pre-production, beginning in January 2027 and concluding by the end of February 2027, with deliverables completed according to an agreed-upon schedule.
The expected deliverables are:
- Storyboards: A complete visual breakdown of the approved trailer screenplay, including camera framing, character staging, actions, and relevant visual directions.
- Shot List: An organized breakdown of the individual shots, including shot identification, approximate duration, camera movement, and relevant production notes.
- Animatic: A timed assembly of the approved storyboards demonstrating the intended pacing, shot durations, transitions, and overall flow of the trailer.
The animatic is intended to establish timing and visual direction. Fully animated movement, polished effects, and final sound design are not expected.
The Storyboard Artist will work directly with the Director and coordinate with the Animation Director when necessary
Regular progress updates and feedback meetings will be required. Revision expectations, delivery milestones, and final file formats will be established before work begins.
All contracted deliverables are expected to be completed by February 7, 2027.
Final creative approval remains with the Director.
Compensation
This is a paid flat-rate contract position starting at $200 USD. Final compensation will be negotiated with the selected candidate based on experience and the agreed scope of work.
The agreed compensation will cover the storyboards, shot list, animatic, and specified revision rounds.
Additional work or substantial changes outside the original agreed scope will be discussed and compensated separately.
Successful collaboration may lead to additional paid work on future Nekomancer projects.
How to Apply
Applications may be reviewed as they are received. The application deadline is December 1, 2026.
Email lanthrbusiness@gmail.com with:
- Your name
- A link to your storyboard portfolio or other relevant work
- Resume
- A brief summary of your relevant storyboarding experience
- Examples demonstrating your understanding of Japanese anime cinematography
- General availability from January through February 2027
Please use “Nekomancer Storyboard Artist Application” as the email subject. No cover letter please.
Applicants do not need previous professional Storyboard Artist credits to be considered. Artists with strong visual storytelling abilities, an understanding of anime cinematography, and a willingness to collaborate are welcome to apply.
Requirements
- Strong understanding of cinematic storytelling, shot composition, framing, staging, and visual continuity.
- Strong familiarity with Japanese anime cinematography, including its visual conventions, shot language, pacing, and approaches to dramatic and action-oriented storytelling.
- Ability to translate a written screenplay into clear, coherent storyboard sequences.
- Strong drawing fundamentals, including perspective, anatomy, posing, and character expressions.
- Ability to communicate character emotions and narrative information through visual storytelling.
- Understanding of camera movement, screen direction, spatial relationships, and continuity.
- Ability to storyboard both character-driven dramatic scenes and action sequences.
- Ability to accept feedback, make revisions, and collaborate with other members of the production team.
- Ability to work remotely and communicate reliably throughout pre-production.
- Portfolio or other examples demonstrating relevant storyboard and cinematic composition skills.
- Familiarity with Japanese Storyboard layout/Storyboard Pro, Clip Studio Paint, or comparable software.
Offer includes
Salary
$200 USD +
