Previs Animator

Position: Previs Animator

Hiring Range: $93,600 to $109,200/year for a 40 hour work week

Term Contract:  TBC

Company Benefits: Extended healthcare from day 1, premiums 100% covered by Image Engine, up to 8 paid Health and Wellness days per year.

Candidates are required to be based in British Columbia

ABOUT IMAGE ENGINE

Image Engine is a world-class VFX studio based in Vancouver, BC, that has built a reputation for excellence in the visual effects industry since 1995. We specialize in crafting stunning visual effects for feature films and television with an award-winning portfolio that includes The Book of Boba Fett, The Mandalorian, Game Of Thrones, Lost in Space, Jurassic World, and District 9.

We offer a full range of visual effects services, from concept designs and pre-visualization to CG animation, compositing, and explosive volumetric digital effects. Our crew is passionate about storytelling and pushing the artistic and technical boundaries to deliver the highest quality work on every project. R&D is central to our philosophy of driving creativity through innovation and we're committed to continually evolving our robust production pipelines.

At Image Engine, we value diversity and teamwork, and we're proud to foster a workplace culture that is supportive, respectful, and empowering. We believe that our success is a reflection of our exceptionally talented team, and we're always looking for passionate and dedicated individuals to join us on our mission to create unforgettable visual experiences. Join our team and be part of something extraordinary.

POSITION PURPOSE

The Previs Animator is responsible for delivering quality work in a quick and efficient manner. They will apply notes provided by the Image Engine and Client Previs Supervisors. They will manage their time effectively to ensure tasks are completed within the assigned timeframe while paying close attention to the continued manual organization of files within the Image Engine network. They will identify and troubleshoot problems as needed and will ask for assistance when necessary to ensure effective use of time and resources.

They will focus on maintaining the principles of camera composition and animation while being mindful of the unique time restrictions of a previs show; finding the appropriate balance between detailed animation and the requests of the Client Previs Supervisor. They will be available for Client Previs Supervisor meetings when necessary.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work independently with the support of the Previs Supervisor and fellow Previs Artists to create convincing performances and motion of character/non-character assets with accompanying camera moves and framing
• Animate dynamic, believable, and script based action with characters/non-character assets as directed by the Client Previs Supervisor with minimum supervision
• Communicate with the Previs team to maintain continuity and consistent performance across sequential shots in terms of visual look, staging, etc.
• Manage time and resources to meet targets
• Help the team maintain organization of documentation and file management within the Image Engine network
• Provide input regarding tools and interfaces to improve efficiency
• Attend team meetings with the Client Previs Supervisor as required
• Accurately address critique and comments from Previs Supervisors, and ensure that revisions are completed in a timely manner

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• 3+ years of experience animating character and non-character assets for VFX, full CG, and/or Previs shows
• Knowledge of traditional animation principles, acting, film production and compositional design
• Ability to animate multiple types of character/non-character assets from simple to complex
• Strong visual storyteller and well-versed in cinematography: camera angles, composition and continuity

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Technical skills

• Strong knowledge of Maya
• Working familiarity with Shotgrid
• Working knowledge of Motion Capture, Modelling, FX Simulations, and/or Rigging is a plus

Core skills

• Strong ability to show flexibility with unexpected developments in the project due to the unstructured nature of Previs/Postvis shows
• Ability to maintain a positive and communicative attitude in a more independent work environment
• Ability to deal and communicate any issues with competing priorities
• Ability to adapt quickly to new technologies and applications
• Basic level of technical confidence to try to troubleshoot issues that may occur with the inherent lack of technological/pipeline support in Previs/Postvis
• Strong ability to maintain a balance between detail of animation vs scheduling needs
• Excellent attention to detail and organization to maintaining internal file structures