Animation jobs in Method Studios

HOUDINI FX ARTIST
SENIOR TRACKING/MATCHMOVE ARTIST
PIPELINE TD
FEATURES VFX PRODUCER
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR
PIPELINE ATD
LIGHTING ARTIST (MID TO SENIOR)

HOUDINI FX ARTIST

Duties and Responsibilities

• Design and animate high-quality, photo-real effects (dust, fire, smoke, explosions, debris, clouds, etc.) that meet all technical and aesthetic standards for the project
• Work within the show structure and production deadlines to complete all tasks
• Integrate the created elements into scenes with lighting, shadows, reflections, etc.
• Work closely with Lighting Artists and Compositors to ensure that all effects will work smoothly within the show pipeline
• Produce look-tests based on provided reference materials

Qualifications

• Proficiency using Houdini 5 years
• Bachelor's degree in Animation, Arts, Fine Arts, or equivalent production experience
• Knowledge of any and/or all of the following:
• rigid body and particle dynamics
• volume modeling and rendering
• procedural geometry generation
• fluid dynamics
• Strong understanding of physical dynamics and natural phenomena
• Experience with one or more other professional software packages such as Maya and Nuke, a plus
• Proficiency in shading and rendering techniques, ideally using both Mantra and Renderman
• Requires strong technical knowledge and organizational skills
• Scripting proficiency using Python, a plus
• Good communication skills and able to take exact direction from FX Leads and FX TDs

Apply online

SENIOR TRACKING/MATCHMOVE ARTIST

Description

The primary focus of this position is in the integration of on-set data, tracking details, Previz, animation support, layout scenes, and Outsource Material unification.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Work with Production to create matchmove schedules and project targets for designated show
• Define any specific matchmove tools required for the show and identify any additions or modifications
• Responsible for camera tracking, matchmove and layout work on shots, object tracking, Rotomation, and Previz, when needed
• Tracking shots in Syntheyes
• Utilization of Layout in Maya
• Operate in facility pipeline, supervising the logistics of cameras and layouts from tracking/layout to the other studio departments

 Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years experience in large pipeline Feature Film and Commercial VFX Production environment
• Proficiency in Syntheyes and Maya
• Proven skillset in camera-tracking, object matchmove, character rotomation, and scene layout
• Must be able to model and manipulate geometry for scene reconstruction and to aid tracking
• Must demonstrate an eye for detail and precision with strong problem-solving skills
• Must have a solid understanding of camera movement and filming techniques
• Knowledge in 3D tracking software (3D Equalizer, Pftrack, and/or Boujou) and Nuke, a plus
• Knowledge of Nuke and/or tracking experience using Nuke an advantage. experience with other tracking software such as Matchmover also an asset
• General understanding of Linux/unix-based operating systems
• Strong critical-thinking on layout and pipeline procedures and future implementations
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
• Overall commitment to excellence and a willingness to work in a team environment, achieving goals and efficiently completing projects

Apply online

PIPELINE TD

Description

Method Studios is currently in search of Pipeline TD to join the production team. 
The primary focus of this position is in the creation and ongoing support of a large, high-end visual effects pipeline and asset/project management system.

Responsibilities and Duties

• designing and developing software to address evolving production demands.
• helping maintain existing workflow and asset management tools.
• providing production support to artists needing assistance to solve challenging problems and package-specific scripting.
• conducting research, designing, implementing, testing and optimizing production pipeline tools.
• developing and maintaining leading-edge proprietary tools/shaders/plugins/scripts or recommending relevant external alternatives.
• creating UI for artists, providing tools for user-friendly controls.
• ensuring that developments are consistent with overall software strategy.
• expected to keep current on new research and industry developments, and maintain up-to-date knowledge in relevant fields.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate/Graduate degree or a diploma in Computing Science, or related disciplines
• at least 3 years proven experience developing in a Linux environment
• proficiency coding in Python is required
• knowledge of C++, HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, PyQt are an asset
• experience of technologies relating to GUI design and content or asset management an advantage, as is knowledge of RDBMS such as MySQL
• experience in the design of process management and collaborative workflow software across a distributed environment
• knowledge of developing with 3D packages (Maya, Houdini) is a requirement
• previous experience in post-production, VFX, and CG is a highly desirable asset
• OSX knowledge and scripting an asset
• experience with SQL databases an asset
• experience writing shaders for V-Ray, Renderman, Mantra, Mental Ray or other production renderers an asset
• experience with Massive is an asset 
• experience with MongoDB, Postgres; Qube, Rush are an asset
• experience scripting or writing plugins for Houdini, Maya, Lightwave or Nuke an asset
• excellent problem-solving and communication skills
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Apply online

FEATURES VFX PRODUCER

Description

Method Studios is currently in search of a VFX Producer to join its Production team. 
Candidate will be responsible for managing all aspects of the production, including initial bidding and breakdown, scheduling and resource planning, and the timely completion of the visual effects work on budget and to the client's and Method's expectation. 
Partnered with the VFX Supervisor, the VFX Producer will manage the client relationship on a daily basis and ensure the highest standard of work is produced at all times.


Responsibilities and Duties

• Working with the VFX Supervisor and production management team to formulate project bids and breakdowns
• Creating and maintaining the overall production schedule and project databases
• Managing the client relationship and expectations in a diplomatic and professional manner
• Overseeing production coordinators to ensure the accurate production tracking of all shots through the pipeline to completion and client delivery
• Managing the day-to-day resource requirements of the team and project, reporting to the Head of Production on all resource needs
• Overseeing all client deliverables, and ensuring milestones are met successfully
• Producing internal progress and external client reports
• Monitoring the team's performance and maximizing their creative potential

Qualifications

• A minimum of 5-6 years experience as a VFX Producer on feature film projects in an established VFX facility
• Proven abilities in project management including competent communication and time management skills
• Diplomacy in clarifying strategic requirements and managing client expectations
• Strategizing skills to aid with maximizing resource efficiency
• Leadership competency in terms of managing internal and external project reviews and the clear and timely reporting of status to management staff
• Skills in organization and production of project documentation including bids, schedules, budgets and deliverables
• Numerical competency in terms of budgets
• A well-developed sense of good visual aesthetics and the ability to communicate creative ideas at all levels
• Technical knowledge of VFX production (2D and 3D) including software/hardware and methodologies
• Proven track record of managing cross disciplinary teams from set to delivery
• Keen attention to detail in the timely delivery of projects adhering to client and industry standards
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to handle a busy workload with high productivity
• A passion for the post industry and a pro-active outlook in terms of generating new business opportunities
• A positive and friendly demeanor, staying calm under pressure
• A knowledge of the local freelance market is an advantage

Apply online

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

Description

Method Studios is currently in search of a Production Coordinator to join its Production team. 
The Production Coordinator is responsible for the assignment and tracking of tasks for assigned area of responsibility. They will facilitate the movement of shots between teams, coordinate daily reviews, and communicate status updates ensuring the delivery of shots on schedule.

Responsibilities and Duties

• provides administrative support to the production management team and show supervisors.
• Under the guidance of the DP or DPM, schedules and tracks progress of tasks for assigned artists or sequences in the production system
• tracks and maintains database of revisions, omits, and shot length changes; notifies the affected crew as needed
• partners with other Production personnel to ensure shots are scheduled and delivered in a timely manner
• follows up with artists on a daily basis to ensure task deliveries remain on schedule, communicating any scheduling changes to the appropriate Artists, Supervisors and Production team as needed
• coordinates all client deliveries, both physical deliveries and digital deliveries via FTP, with Production Services department
• maintains log of all deliveries
• manages meeting schedule and walkthroughs for Supervisors, taking and publishing notes for the team as needed
• responsible for setup of dailies and all client review sessions in the Screening Room and view stations
• leads nightly production update for assigned area of responsibility
• acts as primary point of contact for internal Editorial team
• completes reference research for elements for Supervisors
• oversees run requests and petty cash
• this is a cross-departmental position that will require management of pipeline issues, even across multiple Studios in liaison with other Production Coordinators

Qualifications

• minimum 3 years experience in visual effects production or feature animation
• BA or BS degree in film, art, communications, or related field strongly preferred
• strong comprehensive knowledge of Microsoft Office suite and apps
• experience with some production tracking software and asset management software, preferably Shotgun
• must have experience with heavy schedule management in an extremely time-sensitive atmosphere
• demonstrable experience in highly technical, dynamic departments
• must be able to make decisions independently with a high level of ingenuity
• must possess a high level of written, verbal, negotiation, and analytical skill
• must have the ability to influence and coach others through effective communication and the promotion of a positive team environment
• must possess highly developed communication skills to facilitate interdepartmental needs and schedules required, exhibiting a consistent standard of excellence in all business communications

Apply online

PIPELINE ATD

Method Studios is an international visual effects company, with recent credits including: Iron Man 3, Robocop, Divergent, and The Maze Runner.  We are looking for talented, ambitious individuals to join out team as Assistant Technical Directors (ATD’s) and eventually proceed into full TD or development positions within the company.

 Some of the duties as an Assistant Technical Director:

• * Work closely with production teams, artists, and supervisors to gather information.
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• * Diagnose technical issues and address them directly or escalate to the pipeline team.
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• * Debug problematic scenes in Maya, Houdini, Nuke, and other packages.
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• * Validate issues of artists and clearly express technical issues that come from artists in a way that is reproducible.
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• * Develop scripts to optimize various tasks for production.
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• * Monitor bug reports filed by production.

 Job Requirements:

• * Programming experience, preferably in Python, C++, MEL, Java.
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• * BS or Masters Degree, ideally in a technical field.
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• * Good interpersonal skills.

 Bonus experience:

• * Experience in our core applications: Maya, Houdini, Nuke.
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• * Experience with database programming, either relational or NoSQL.
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• * Familiarity with Unix operating systems.
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• * High level of technical aptitude.
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• * Web programming experience using JavaScript or PHP

Apply online

LIGHTING ARTIST (MID TO SENIOR)

Description

Method Studios Los Angeles is currently in search of a Lighter to join the 3D animation team. 
Candidate must have expert level experience working with V-ray and good knowledge of Maya and the use of V-ray within Maya.

Responsibilities and Duties

• responsible in maintaining lighting pipeline and workflow as dictated by project
• properly assess the appropriate balance of lighting and compositing for a given shot
• properly economize renders while still achieving required quality
• closely work with the artistic leads to ensure creative direction is achieved
• Qualifications
• expert knowledge of V-ray
• minimum 4 years experience working in Feature Film and Commercial animation
• advanced understanding of lighting and advanced shading networks
• advanced knowledge of Fusion or similar node-based compositing package
• good knowledge of Maya, and the use of V-ray within Maya
• solid knowledge of general modeling, animation, texturing, choreography, FX and surfacing
• good balance between artistic and technical skill
• thorough understanding of linear workflow

Apply online

COMMERCIALS EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

Description

• Method Studios is currently in search of a Executive Producer to join its Commercials Production team. 
• The ideal candidate has a strong history of launching and/or overseeing the production and post-production aspects of Features and Commercial jobs. 
• The position entails partnering with and executing on the vision as set by Clients and Creative Directors on new productions.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Act as company representative to clients, agencies, vendors, production companies and strategic partners.
• Working and coordinating with (and possible management of) existing internal and external sales and marketing personnel.
• Creating appropriate and accurate bids (working with creative teams) with an emphasis on creativity to meet budgetary constraints of clients.
• Closing deals with clients and executing negotiation for production agreements.
• Partner with lead producers and creatives to ensure and be accountable for a creative, efficient, world-class client experience, from the bid process through to final delivery of each project.
• Maintain an active awareness of current trends in commercial/design work, and possess the drive to push beyond them.
• Maintain an active awareness of client/agency accounts, specifically in regard to account reviews and accounts won both locally and nationally.
• Partnering and maintaining strategic relationships with outside production companies.

Qualifications

• minimum 6 years experience in Film/Commercial VFX production
• Bachelor's degree in a directly related field, or equivalent experience
• superior client interaction skills
• an existing rolodex of potential agency and production company clients
• knowledge of the specific market, demographics, and competition
• knowledge of accounting related to budget preparation and maintenance
• ability to initiate and maintain effective professional relationships internally and externally
• ability to work in a team environment
• ability to travel both in the U.S. and abroad
• possesses critical-thinking, negotiating, and logical reasoning skills, especially under pressure

Apply online