This position has been filled

Overview

Are you a Character Finalling Lead interested in working with us in our Vancouver studio?! The Character Finalling Lead will motivate and lead of team of Character Finalling Artists, working closely with a variety of departments including; R&D, Modelling, Rigging, Animation, and Character FX to develop, implement character shot based clean-up and deformation effect post Animation.

What you’ll get to do:

  • Understand the overall brief and goals of a project and communicates this clearly to each member of the team
  • Lead a team under the creative direction from the Animation Supervisor and production team; mentor less experienced digital artists
  • Prioritize and break down a project into organized parts; delegate work responsibly to ensure successful completion of shots across team members of all skill levels
  • Manage shot based deformation enhancements post Animation. This includes:
    • Deformation clean-up due to rigs pushed beyond capability
    • Adding deformation effects simulating interaction
    • Working with Animators and Riggers on how to best handle key deformation requirements
  • Drive team reviews and offer creative/technical feedback on reviewed shots
  • Support open communication between departments
  • Ensure conflict is identified early and work with Artist Management to put constructive solutions in place to resolve/diffuse
  • Communicate production information to both the artists group and Production Management
  • Document new techniques and distribute updates
  • Participate in brainstorming and problem solving to create and maintain production pipeline(s) and support AL’s overall technical goals as required
  • Work with the Animation Supervisor, Leads, and the production team to prepare bids and pitches as required
  • Participate in the recruiting and interview process for new employees as required
  • Assist Production Management in preparation of final show reports as required

What you bring:

  • 7+ years’ experience in feature animation, VFX, and/or animated television with a focus in Character Finalling
  • Proven leadership experience within feature animation or VFX, extensive Senior Artist experience may be considered
  • Proficiency demonstrated through past project work and/or reel/portfolio
  • Strong and production proven knowledge of Character Finalling in either Maya, XSI, Houdini, or other relevant software
  • Expert knowledge of human/animal anatomy and form
  • Solid knowledge in pipeline, process, tools and techniques with a high level understanding of industry standards, conventions, formats and common practice
  • Proven ability to create and deliver high-level shot based deformation correction in a timely manner
  • Proven solid technical and visual skills, excellent attention to detail
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to efficiently organise and prioritise work across multiple areas
  • Ability to work well with others in a team environment and to pass knowledge to other staff members
  • Excellence in problem solving and balancing quick turnaround with long term quality
  • Ability to effectively work and communicate with all personality types
  • Ability to take direction and feedback and apply this to assets or shots
  • Ability to inspire, mentor, and motivate the team
  • Ability to coach and guide your team, working together to pass on knowledge and disseminate information

The following would be considered a bonus:

  • Experience with sculpting package (i.e. Z-brush) helpful but not mandatory
  • Knowledge of both mechanical and organic type rigs in a production environment is a bonus
  • Software development experience using Python, and relevant application API is a plus

Animal Logic is currently in production on Peter Rabbit 2 and Super Pets. Recent productions include Captain Marvel, The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part, Peter Rabbit, The LEGO Ninjago Movie, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and Alien: Covenant. Other film credits include: The LEGO Movie, Avengers: Age of Ultron, The Great Gatsby, Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole, 300, Happy Feet and The Matrix.

If you want to create GREAT WORK with GREAT PEOPLE then come and join us at Animal Logic, Vancouver.

About Animal Logic

Animal Logic is an independent Australian company that has been at the forefront of creating digital content, award winning design, visual effects and animation for the film and television industries for over 25 years. With creative studios in Sydney and Vancouver and offices for the company’s development arm, Animal Logic Entertainment, in Sydney and Los Angeles, Animal Logic continues to forge new partnerships and collaborations with leading studios and filmmakers to develop and produce stories that resonate with a global audience.

 

If you want to create GREAT WORK with GREAT PEOPLE then come and join us at Animal Logic!