Freelance Animation TD (6 months)

Are you an experienced Animation TD or Technical Artist with a flair for supporting animation workflows looking for your next gig, if so click apply and let's chat!

REALTIME are on the lookout for an experienced Animation TD to join one of our inflight projects on a freelance basis, helping to deliver one of the most ambitious AAA Gaming projects out there.

As an Animation Technical Director (TD), you will play a pivotal role in enhancing and optimizing the workflow of artists and animators.

You will collaborate with the greater Pipeline Department to ensure smooth coordination between technical and creative workflows. You will be responsible for identifying, developing and maintaining tools to streamline processes and elevate productivity.

You’ll work closely with Producers, Co-Ordinators and Animation Supervisors, providing technical insights and solutions, ensuring alignment with project goals, timelines and creative vision throughout the production process.

Key Responsibilities:

• Tool Development: Design and implement tools, custom features, and add-ons within animation software to enhance efficiency for animators and layout artists. Continuously assess and refine tools to ensure optimal performance.
• Integration: Working with the pipeline team to integrate tools into the current pipeline, enhancing efficiency and workflow while addressing evolving project requirements and technical challenges
• Technical/Production Support: Provide frontline support to animators and layout artists, troubleshooting assets and shots, and assisting with general problem-solving. Address any technical issues effectively.
• Workflow Optimization: Monitor workflows and identify areas for improvement. Collaborate with team members to streamline operations and enhance overall productivity.
• Internal Collaboration: Work closely with animators to provide technical support, develop custom tools, and optimize workflows. Foster seamless collaboration between departments to facilitate project progression.
• External Collaboration: Facilitate integration with our partner’s and clients' pipelines if required by understanding their workflows and adapting our tools and processes to achieve efficient collaboration.
• Tool Maintenance: Maintain and update existing tools and utilities to ensure smooth functionality throughout the production process. Conduct testing and validation of rigs, assets and tools from external partners.
• Production Support: Provide frontline support to animators and layout artists, troubleshooting assets and shots, and assisting with general problem-solving. Address any technical issues effectively.
• Schedule Management: Stay informed about project schedules and deviations, offering advice and solutions as needed to maintain project timelines and quality standards.
• Documenting and mentoring: being able to write documentation and tutorials to share with the team members and guide them in a clear and efficient way.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Proficiency in Animation Software: Extensive experience in Maya, Houdini, MotionBuilder, knowledge of Unreal and Metahuman would be a bonus
• Programming Proficiency: Advanced knowledge of Python with the ability to develop and implement tools effectively.

Knowledge of working with different API’s, including libraries such as FBX, Alembic or USD.

• Production Experience: Proven track record of production experience using Maya to Houdini and Maya to Unreal pipelines. Plus Shotgrid (Flow) and Perforce knowledge.
• Comprehensive Understanding: Full comprehension of the 3D animation pipeline, including rigging, animation and process automation.
• Problem-Solving Aptitude: Ability to think analytically and creatively to identify and resolve technical challenges efficiently, maintaining a positive and proactive approach under pressure.