MARCH 8, 2010
Got a whole bunch of posts from Starz today! Scroll though and see if something clicks
1) The Match Move & Tracking Artist uses match moving techniques to capture camera movement to enable computer graphics geometry to fit accurately and convincingly into live action plates, extracts camera motion information from and measures key objects in live action shots and matches those movements in the 3D software environment, and manipulates the software camera to align objects and meet the physical dynamics of the scene. This role must maintain a convention of file naming structures, ensure that all individually assigned deliverables are completed according to schedule and art direction, and perform additional duties as required.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Use match moving techniques to capture camera movement to enable computer graphics geometry to fit accurately and convincingly into live action plates
Extract camera motion information from and measure key objects in live action shots and match those movements in the 3D software environment
Manipulate the software camera to align objects and meet the physical dynamics of the scene
Maintain a convention of file naming structures for all shots that is compatible within the Starz Animation production pipeline
Work with direct supervisor to ensure that all individually assigned deliverables are completed fully and in line with the production schedule and the Director’s overall vision
Develop solutions and techniques that meet art/technical direction
Attend reviews for assigned shots
Perform additional duties as required
REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
2+ years experience as a Match Move & Tracking Artist, or suitable combination of education and CG animation production experience
Completed post-secondary education in classical or 3D animation, art fundamentals, or other relevant area of study
Strong background in traditional art with a keen eye for detail
Good creative and technical problem solving skills
Working knowledge of cinematography, composition, film structure, and screen direction
Demonstrated interest in working in animation production
2) The Senior Surfacing Artist establishes the look and qualities of characters, props , and environments for assigned assets, creates UV’s, textures, and shaders for models supplied by the Modeling Department, maintains a convention of file naming structures for all shots that is compatible within the Starz Animation pipeline, and maintains tidiness and organization of working files. This role anticipates, communicates, and troubleshoots creative and technical issues, provides support to more junior team members, and collaborates with other departments as necessary. The Senior Surfacing Artist must maintain awareness of the broader show needs as they relate to the Surfacing Department, keep up to speed with current industry trends, and perform additional duties as required.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Establish the look and qualities of characters, props, and environments for assigned assets with direction from the VFX Supervisor, Art Director, and Surfacing Supervisor, and ensure that Surfacing files are complete and ready for lighting
Create the following for models supplied by the Modeling Department
UV’s
Textures
Shaders
Maintain a convention of file naming structures for all shots that is compatible within the Starz Animation production pipeline
Maintain tidiness and organization of working files (directories, .ma scenes, .iff textures, Photoshop PSDs)
Anticipate, communicate, and troubleshoot any creative or technical issues with assistance from key stakeholders
Provide support to more junior team members by providing artistic direction and assisting with technical difficulties
Collaborate with other departments as necessary to ensure proper completion of assets and to ensure a smooth production
Maintain awareness of the broader show needs as they relate to the Surfacing Department (schedule, complexity of setups, etc…)
Keep Surfacing Lead aware of any production problems
Keep up to speed with current industry trends
Perform additional duties as required
REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
5+ years of high-end CG animation production experience (feature film experience an asset)
Strong painting skills with an artistic eye for detail
General understanding of animation styles and techniques as well as an excellent comprehension of animation production for film and/or television
Solid understanding of the animation production pipeline as a whole with an understanding of adjacent department workflows as well as how the Surfacing Department interacts with the overall production process
Demonstrated ability to debug complex shader networks
Strong uv-ing skills required
Working knowledge of the following:
Mental Ray as a renderer
Polygonal texturing image maps
Construction of shaders and utilities
Photoshop
Mudbox or ZBrush
Hair systems
Bodypoint experience a bonus
Some experience with MEL Scripting an asset
Openness to existing workflows with the ability to learn quickly and comprehend custom in-house production tools
Ability to solve problems independently and check own work
Strong sense of initiative with the capacity to work well in a team setting
3) The Rotoscope Artist uses rotoscoping and/or digital painting techniques to isolate and remove non-conforming or unwanted elements from frames of shots, ensures that voids left from removed objects are filled to a seamless match surrounding environment, and improves direct and reflected lighting and shadows. This role must maintain a convention of file naming structures for all shots, ensuring that all individually assigned deliverables are completed fully and in line with the production schedule, and performs additional duties as required.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Use rotoscoping and/or digital painting techniques to isolate and remove non-conforming or unwanted elements (i.e. wires, markers, etc…) from frames of a shot to create final images that meet art direction
Ensure that voids left from removed objects are filled to seamless match surrounding environment
Improve direct and reflected lighting and shadows
Maintain a convention of file naming structures for all shots that is compatible within the Starz Animation production pipeline
Work with direct supervisor to ensure that all individually assigned deliverables are completed fully and in line with the production schedule and the Director’s overall vision
Develop solutions and techniques that meet art/technical direction
Attend reviews for assigned shots
Perform additional duties as required
REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
2+ years experience as a Rotoscope Artist or Compositor, or suitable combination of education and CG animation production experience
Completed post-secondary education in classical or 3D animation, art fundamentals, or other relevant area of study
Working knowledge of Shake, Nuke, Digital Fusion, or any other node-based software
Working knowledge of Photoshop
Strong background in traditional art with a keen eye for detail
Strong painting and drawing skills an asset
Good creative and technical problem solving skills with a demonstrated ability to “fix” multiple types of shots
Ability to follow direction
High degree of focus and patience for detailed work
Working knowledge of cinematography, composition, film structure, and screen direction
Interest in photography and digital manipulation an asset
Good UNIX skills (Linux preferred) an asset
Demonstrated interest in working in animation production
4) The Effects Artist creates effects for assigned shots using Maya and works with the Lead Effects Artist to ensure that all individually assigned Effects deliverables are completed fully and in line with the production schedule and the Director’s overall vision. This role attends Effects reviews for assigned sequences, troubleshoots and debugs shot problems and escalates technical issues as required, and maintains a convention of file naming structures for all shots that is compatible within the Starz Animation pipeline. The Effects Artist is required to remain current and up-to-date in effects techniques through industry research and training, and perform additional duties as required.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Create effects for assigned shots using Maya, ensuring continuity and flow within and between shots and sequences
Work with Lead Effects Artist to ensure that all individually assigned Effects deliverables are completed fully and in line with production schedule and Director’s overall vision
Attend Effects reviews for assigned sequences
Troubleshoot and debug shot problems and escalate technical issues as required
Maintain a convention of file naming structures for all shots that is compatible within the Starz Animation production pipeline
Remain current and up-to-date in effects techniques through industry research and training
Perform additional duties as required
REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
3+ years CG visual effects experience in a Maya production environment
Feature film experience an asset
Completed post-secondary education classical or 3D animation, art fundamentals, or other relevant area of study
Good working knowledge of Maya FX tools, Houdini, and Real Flow
Experience with Maya particles/dynamics and particle expressions
Background in traditional art an asset
Basic understanding of animation styles and techniques and the animation production pipeline as a whole
Good creative and technical problem solving skills
Ability to learn quickly and comprehend custom in-house production tools
Ability to prioritize tasks, meet tight deadlines, and perform to standard in a fast-paced environment
Experience with Maya Fluids as well as some knowledge of the development and design of FX water
Working knowledge of any or all of the following a plus:
Cloth dynamics (NCloth and/or Syflex)
Compositing principles (preferably using Fusion)
Any scripting language
5) The Set & Environment Designer creates visual direction for sets and environments as assigned for use by various departments. This role creates texture callouts for use by the Surfacing Department, designs set elements for the Modeling Department, and may create shot guides & set dressing for the Layout Department. This position must work in adherence to budget and schedule constraints while maintaining the show’s overall look and mood, and troubleshoot creative and technical issues as they arise.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Create visual direction for sets and environments as assigned for use by various departments within the pipeline
Gather suitable reference material from various sources
Produce concept art either manually or digitally
Revise work as per Show Director and/or Art Director feedback
Provide creative input where appropriate
Design set elements for the Modeling Department
Create texture callouts for use by Surfacing Department
May create shot guides & set dressing for use by Layout Department
Work in adherence to budget and schedule constraints while maintaining the show’s overall look and mood
Troubleshoot creative and technical issues as they arise
REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
2+ years of Art Department experience, preferably within the feature animated film industry
Completed post-secondary education in classical animation, art fundamentals, or other relevant area of study
Strong drawing & painting skills with the ability to produce visually appealing artwork
Advanced 2D skills in Photoshop, with 3D experience, preferably in Maya
Good understanding of the possibilities and limitations of CG animation
Ability to adapt working style to varying budget and schedule parameters
High level of creativity, with the ability to perform to standard under tight deadlines
Ability to handle feedback and constructive criticism well
Proficient understanding of architecture and/or environmental design an asset
6) The Surfacing Artist works with the Surfacing Supervisor or Lead to establish the look and qualities of characters, props, and environments for assigned assets, creates UV’s, textures and shaders for models supplied by the Modeling Department, maintains a convention of file naming structures for all shots, and maintains tidiness and organization of working files. This role is required to keep the Surfacing Lead aware of any production problems and to perform additional duties as required.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Work with Surfacing Supervisor or Lead to establish the look and qualities of characters, props, and environments for assigned assets with direction from the VFX Supervisor, Art Director, and Surfacing Supervisor, and ensure that Surfacing files are complete and ready for lighting
Create the following for models supplied by the Modeling Department
UV’s
Textures
Shaders
Maintain a convention of file naming structures for all shots that is compatible within the Starz Animation production pipeline
Maintain tidiness and organization of working files (directories, .ma scenes, .iff textures, Photoshop PSDs)
Keep Surfacing Lead aware of any production problems
Perform additional duties as required
REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
2+ years of high-end CG animation production experience (feature film experience an asset)
Strong painting skills with an artistic eye for detail
Basic understanding of animation styles and techniques as well as an excellent comprehension of animation production for film and/or television
Basic understanding of the animation production pipeline as a whole
Good problem-solving skills
Strong uv-ing skills
Working knowledge of the following:
Mental Ray as a renderer
Polygonal texturing image maps
Construction of shaders and utilities
Photoshop
Mudbox or ZBrush
Bodypaint experience a bonus
If you are interested in applying for any of these positions, please submit a demo reel of your best work and a resume to: sat.jobs@starz.com.
We thank everyone for their interest in advance, but given the high volume of responses we will be unable to reply to everyone in person. We will be in contact if we’re interested in pursuing your candidacy for our open position. Thank you.
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