Exciting animation job opening in Toronto

Arc production Hiring Riggers and layout Artist

Arc Productions, a Canadian based CG animation and visual effects facility located in downtown Toronto. With over 250 artists and technical directors and the most up to date resources available, we bring the vision to both major Hollywood studios and independent producers to life in a wide array of formats: theatrical features, television, DVDs, shorts and game cinematics.

Layout Artists

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Layout Artist stages shots and plots the action that will take place within each scene using Maya and prepares these shots for presentation to the show's Director. This position must anticipate, communicate, and troubleshoot any creative or technical issues, and perform additional duties as required.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Stage shots and plot the action that will take place within each scene using Maya, ensuring continuity and flow within and between shots and sequences
• Block in the position of characters and major shots within assigned scenes, using storyboards as reference
• Select camera angles and plot camera moves
• Rework and change rough timing of shots as necessary
• Maintain a convention of file naming structures for all shots that is compatible within Arc Productions pipeline
• Prepare assigned shots for presentation to Director
• Present material and outline relevant details to Director and other relevant parties
• Note required revisions and amend shots as necessary
• Anticipate, communicate, and troubleshoot any creative or technical issues with assistance from key stakeholders
• Perform additional duties as required

REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• 3+ years relevant layout experience, preferably in CG animation
• Completed post-secondary education in classical or 3D animation, art fundamentals, or other relevant area of study
• Strong working knowledge of Maya
• Strong knowledge of constraints in Maya
• General knowledge of MEL scripting or Python an asset
• Working knowledge of cinematography, composition, film structure, and screen direction
• Strong traditional art skills including a strong sense of composition and perspective
• Strong creative problem solving skills
• Good understanding of the possibilities and limitations of CG animation
• Ability to perform to standard under tight deadlines
• Ability to handle feedback and constructive criticism well
• Working knowledge of Adobe Premiere or other video editing software
• Rough lighting skills an asset 

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Rigging Artist

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

•  Utilize Maya to create flexible and efficient rigs (including facial shapes) for an assigned show that meet all technical and creative requirements and are compatible within the production pipeline
• Maintain a convention of naming structures and animation control structures for all rigs and ensure that Maya files are clean and optimized
• Anticipate, communicate, and troubleshoot any model performance issues with assistance from key stakeholders
• Provide support to more junior team members by providing artistic direction and assisting with technical difficulties
• Ensure overall adherence to all Arc Productions pipeline protocols
• Keep up to speed with current industry trends

REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• 3-4 years CG rigging experience in a Maya production environment, with proven rigging abilities
• Completed post-secondary education in 3D animation or other relevant area of study
• Full working knowledge of Maya’s rigging techniques
• Strong background in traditional art with a good sense of perspective, form, proportion, and scale
• Strong understanding of character anatomy (including facial expressions), and an artistic understanding of motion and behaviour
• General understanding of animation styles and techniques as well as a good comprehension of animation production for film and/or television
• Good comprehension of the animation production pipeline as a whole with an understanding of adjacent department workflows as well as how rigging interacts with the overall production process
• Good creative and technical problem solving skills with the ability to check own work
• Ability to learn quickly and comprehend custom in-house production tools
• Good communication skills with the ability to work productively and willingness to take initiative in a team environment
• Ability to prioritize tasks, meet tight deadlines, and perform to standard in a fast-paced environment
• Basic modeling skills
• Scripting and programming skills an asset

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