Overview

SENIOR MODELER (ORGANIC) – 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 Organic Modeler is responsible for delivering high quality assets in a quick and efficient manner. They will act as an example to and mentor junior artists and will deliver all tasks within the required timeframe. They will have practical experience in all areas of Organic modeling and an understanding of Hard Surface modeling. Senior Organic Modelers will be able to apply briefing notes with minimal direction for 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 workload require it. Senior Organic Modelers will be complete all aspects of organic work on assets across multiple shows, and create high quality assets at varying levels of difficulty.

In addition, Senior Organic Modelers will assist the Leads and Asset Supervisor to flag issues. They will potentially assist in the Lead role on a short term basis in the event of an absence or production needs require it. They will participate in team meetings when necessary.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Create complex 3D organic models to be used in production
• Apply client notes to all plates with minimal guidance
• Identify solutions and approaches to solve difficult tasks
• Communicate successes and challenges faced by the team to the Organic Leads
• Process requests from other departments in the pipeline
• Use time management skills to schedule meetings and tasks effectively
• Manage time and resources to meet weekly targets
• Occasionally required to work on hard surface model assets as needed
• Determine the broad technical and creative approach, in conjunction with the Organic Leads
• Participate in bidding new projects
• Work within a defined pipeline
• Promote interdepartmental collaboration
• Ensure all email correspondence and scheduling is up to date, responding to emails in a timely manner
• Produce the highest quality work possible within a given amount of time
• Work with Modeling team, as required, to maintain continuity; as well as, support other departments (Texturing, Look Dev, etc) to ensure information is communicated up and down the pipeline
• Mentor and help train Jr modelers
• Utilize multitasking ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• 5+ years’ experience creating high quality organic models for visual effects for film
• Demonstrated proficiency in creating photo-realistic organic assets
• Thorough understanding of traditional art skills (Form, architecture, anatomy, topology, color theory)
• Excellent attention to detail when finalizing, approving or quality controlling assets
• Ability to balance quick turnaround while achieving a high degree of aesthetic quality

SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Technical skills

• Expert level experience in Maya
• Experience with UV Mapping
• Proficiency in Zbrush
• Mari and Mudbox is preferred
• Experience with LINUX/UNIX is an asset
• Photoshop is desirable

Core skills

• Ability to assist in the bidding process
• Ability to troubleshoot and deal with competing priorities and projects
• Ability to take direction positively, work well within a diverse group, and thrive under the pressure of tight production deadlines
• 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