Overview

SENIOR ANIMATOR TD: Image Engine, Vancouver, BC
CONTRACT: Starting May 2016
PROJECT: TBD

ABOUT IMAGE ENGINE
Well known for our work on Neill Blomkamp’s District 9, Image Engine has gone on to create numerous incredible creatures, epic environments and extraordinary digital effects for a broad range of feature films! We are led by a team of creative and passionate individuals who are committed to furthering the art of visual storytelling, and helping our exceptionally talented crew to push the boundaries of artistic and technical achievement at our studio.
 
POSITION PURPOSE
The Senior Animation TD is responsible for facilitating the creation of high quality animation for film hand high end TV. They act as the liaison between animation, pipeline and rigging and act as an ambassador for technical requirements. The Senior Animation TD will create the tools and resources to ensure the successful delivery of animation shots. They will be well versed in Animation and be able to understand and communicate technical needs and solutions They will act as an example to and mentor junior artists and will deliver all tasks within the required timeframe. Senior Animation TDs will be able to apply briefing notes with minimal direction from team Leads or Supervisors. They will quality check all of their work and occasionally will assist the Leads to quality check the work of junior artists should the Lead need assistance.
In addition, Senior Animation TDs will help the Leads and Asset Supervisor to flag issues, the will take the initiative to identify critical issues before they arise and develop tools and technical solutions to increase creative ability. They will participate in team meetings when necessary. They will maintain a positive attitude in times of high stress and will maintain motivation levels.
 
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Manage time and resources to meet weekly targets
  • Proactively develop technical solutions to identify tools in advance of need
  • Update and improve existing animation tool sets as well as develop new tools, procedures and interfaces for use during current and future productions
  • Aid in the optimization of the animation pipeline as defined by Animation Supervisor/Leads
  • Assist Animators and artists with any technical assistance they may require including, but not limited to, troubleshooting and debugging any day-to-day production shot issues that may arise
  • Represent the Animation team as a technical communication conduit with the Rigging, Modeling Transformation and Tool Development teams
  • Assist the Animation team by performing animation tasks that are more technical in nature
  • Coach/train Animation team on existing and new animation tools
  • Ensure the team has the tools and information they need to carry out their tasks

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

  • 5+ years’ of experience developing animation tools in VFX feature films
  • Ability to balance quick turnaround while achieving a high degree of aesthetic quality

SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Technical skills

  • Expert level knowledge of Maya
  • Expert level Python/MEL Scripting experience
  • Strong understanding of animation workflow
  • Ability to animate character/non-character assets is a plus

Core skills           

  • Ability to help with bidding; determine the timeframe and scope required for each project
  • Ability to troubleshoot and deal with competing priorities and projects
  • Excellent problem solver who can focus on detail while maintaining a view of the whole picture
  • Ability to adapt quickly to new technologies and applications
  • Ability to teach new techniques and apply new approaches to push assets to the next level
  • Excellent time management and communication skills