Rigging Artist

Company Overview

      ICON Creative Studio is Canada’s largest independently owned animation entertainment company, located in the historic Gastown district of Vancouver, BC. Our talented team includes specialists across the entire animation pipeline, working alongside creative and management professionals to deliver outstanding animated content.

Known for our commitment to quality, efficiency, and timely deliveries, ICON has partnered with distributors, broadcasters, and leading streaming platforms worldwide to create and produce noteworthy, impactful projects.

We operate from a holistic philosophy, leveraging the unique skill sets of our team members to maximize production efficiency while maintaining an optimal balance of creativity and quality on-screen.

Why work at ICON?

• Collaborate on top-tier feature and episodic CG franchises for major streaming platforms, including Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, Amazon, Peacock, and Paramount+.
• Be part of a diverse team of artists from around the globe who have joined us here in British Columbia.
• Work with the latest tools and software, ensuring you're always equipped to do your best work.
• Be part of a studio that upholds a premium standard of quality across all productions, putting every resource into what’s on-screen.
• Enjoy flexibility, autonomy, and a supportive workplace culture.
• Access direct deposit and a generous benefits package.
• Grow with us through continuous learning opportunities, mentorship, and empowering you to achieve your professional goals.

Junior Rigging Artist

Job Overview

     As a Junior Rigging Artist, you create high-quality rigs for props, sets, vehicles, and characters, adhering to production requirements using in-house tools. This position requires a proactive and collaborative approach, with a commitment to continuous learning and growth through interactions with fellow rigging artists. You will be taking direction from the Lead Rigger, directly collaborating with the rigging team, and absorbing everything from your team and the wider department. You will play a crucial role in contributing to a positive and efficient work environment, actively participating in the collaborative process of bringing animated content to life.

Responsibilities: 

• Develop high-quality rigging solutions for props, sets, vehicles, and characters in accordance with production requirements.
• Utilize in-house rigging software and tools efficiently to produce a variety of rig types.
• Follow direction from Rigging Lead effectively, ensuring alignment with project goals and timelines.
• Collaborate closely with the Rigging Lead to ensure rigs meet the technical and artistic standards of the project.
• Actively engage in learning from and collaborating with fellow rigging artists.
• Attend all relevant meetings promptly, actively participating in discussions when your presence is required.
• Maintain a polite and respectful demeanour when working with team members within the rigging department and other departments.
• Display openness to feedback, criticism, and comments, using them as opportunities for improvement.
• Develop the skills to communicate more effectively with the team and with the wider department.
• Develop the skills to prioritize tasks and manage workload efficiently to meet project deadlines.
• Demonstrate a proactive attitude by identifying potential challenges in the rigging process and proposing solutions.
• Develop coding abilities to help contribute to the show’s success.
• Cultivate a positive and collaborative work environment by maintaining a constructive and optimistic attitude.
• Uphold a commitment to quality and excellence in all rigging assignments.
• Demonstrate a commitment to professional development by staying updated on industry trends and adopting new techniques.

Qualifications:

• Strong knowledge of Maya
• Strong communication skills
• Experience delivering tasks under deadlines
• Basic anatomy knowledge
• Python experience is a plus
• Knowledge of version control systems like GIT is a plus
• Cloth, Hair, and Muscle experience is a plus

Intermediate Rigging Artist

Job Overview

     As an Intermediate Rigging Artist, you will rig a variety of characters, props, sets, and vehicles with moderate input, showcasing your knowledge of the field. Collaborating closely with Senior Riggers, you will continue to learn and grow, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement. Your role extends beyond rigging, involving the expansion of coding abilities to address technical challenges and assist in departmental development. Effective communication with the Lead Rigger, active participation in meetings, and proactive problem-solving are integral aspects of this role. As an Intermediate Rigger, you will not only elevate the quality and efficiency of our rigging processes but also play a key role in mentoring Junior Riggers and fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Rig characters, props, and vehicles proficiently, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of rigging principles and techniques.
• Utilize in-house rigging software and tools efficiently to produce a variety of rig types.
• Achieve a higher quality of work at an accelerated pace compared to Junior Rigging standards.
• Collaborate closely with Senior Riggers to further enhance your skills, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Expand coding abilities to contribute to departmental development efforts and address technical challenges.
• Maintain regular and open communication with the Rigging Lead, providing updates on project status, challenges, and solutions.
• Participate actively in all relevant meetings, ensuring punctuality and engagement.
• Demonstrate a proactive approach to problem-solving, taking the initiative to address challenges and optimize rigging workflows.
• Assist Junior Riggers in troubleshooting and problem resolution, sharing knowledge to promote team success.
• Exhibit leadership qualities by fostering a positive work environment, emphasizing teamwork, and promoting a constructive atmosphere.
• Encourage a culture of acceptance and constructive feedback, embodying a positive attitude in all interactions.
• Stay on top of industry advancements and emerging technologies to bring innovative solutions to rigging processes.

Qualifications

• Have at least 2 years of related experience
• Strong knowledge of Maya
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Good understanding of anatomy
• Good understanding of organic and mechanical kinematics
• Basic Python knowledge is required
• Comfortable delivering tasks under deadlines
• Previous experience in an episodic or feature animation work environment
• Knowledge of version control systems like GIT is a plus
• Cloth, Hair, and Muscle experience is a plus

Senior Rigging Artist

Job Overview

     The Senior Rigging Artist role is the pinnacle of expertise in our animation production, embodying mastery in tackling the most challenging rigging tasks on the show. As a leader in the rigging domain, you play a vital role in elevating the overall quality and efficiency of our rigging processes. Beyond executing complex rigging assignments, you provide mentorship and support to Mid and Junior Rigging artists, sharing your wealth of knowledge and contributing to their professional development. Your responsibilities extend to scripting and technical leadership, where you actively contribute to the evolution of tools and methodologies within the department. Operating with a high degree of autonomy, you demonstrate exceptional problem-solving skills and take a lead role in ensuring the seamless integration of rigging elements across projects. As a Senior Rigging Artist, your positive attitude, strong work ethic, and commitment to excellence set the standard for rigging excellence in our dynamic animation team.

Key Responsibilities

• Tackle the most challenging rigging tasks on the show, showcasing a depth of expertise in solving complex rigging problems.
• Set and maintain the highest standards for rigging quality, influencing and elevating the overall output of the rigging team.
• Provide guidance and assistance to Mid and Junior Rigging artists, helping them navigate technical challenges and fostering their professional growth.
• Act as a mentor, sharing your wealth of knowledge and experience to enhance the skills of the entire rigging team.
• Write and maintain scripts for the rigging department and specific show requirements, contributing to the development of tools that optimize workflow efficiency.
• Demonstrate technical leadership by staying ahead of industry trends, adopting new technologies, and contributing to the department's technical evolution.
• Work autonomously on complex tasks, demonstrating the ability to handle difficult rigging challenges with minimal supervision.
• Exhibit a proactive and self-driven approach to problem-solving, ensuring the timely and successful resolution of technical issues.
• Actively participate in all necessary meetings, ensuring punctuality and contributing valuable insights to the decision-making process.
• Foster a positive and collaborative work environment by maintaining politeness, respect, and openness to comments and criticism in all interactions.
• Take a leadership role in driving the rigging aspects of the project, collaborating with other departments to ensure seamless integration of rigging elements.
• Lead by example, promoting a positive attitude, high work ethic, and a commitment to excellence.

Qualifications

• Have at least 5 years of related experience
• Expert knowledge of Maya
• Strong Python knowledge is required
• Proficient knowledge of version control systems like GIT
• Strong understanding of human and animal anatomy
• Strong understanding of kinematics for both organic anatomy and mechanical systems
• Experience delivering tasks under deadlines
• Experience in an episodic production or feature animation environment
• Proficient with Cloth and Hair tools
• Knowledge of Muscle simulation is a plus

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The wage range for this role reflects compensation across all of ICON’s projects. The final salary will be determined based on the specific position, the current show assignment, and the applicant’s experience and portfolio. This range accounts for varying levels of experience and responsibilities.

In compliance with British Columbia provincial mandates, we are posting this broad wage range to meet wage transparency requirements.

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ICON Creative Studio is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.