Technical Director, Character Rigging/Model - Resident

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Using modeling software, like ZBrush, to sculpt and refine a neutral 3D model to fit the aesthetic needs of Character Designers

• Designing and maintaining a modeling topology conducive to the storyboarded range of deformations

• Working closely with Animators to provide and refine an articulation of the full range of expressions and body movement needed to support a character's acting range in the film

• A truth to materials/anatomy and animation principles is emphasized, as is patience and a willingness to experiment

• Creative use of deformers to achieve a specific deformation called for by Animation with a concise set of animation controls

• Designing and maintaining Shared Rigs that can be re-used as a basis for articulating similar characters, or applying existing Rigs to newly created character sculpts

• Writing scripts in Python to facilitate workflow improvements

• Brainstorming new techniques and ideas for user interfaces, deformation tools, and character specific rigging solutions

• Troubleshooting technical issues inherent in maintaining a clean file structure and pipelines for both in-house and 3rd party software

• Having proficiency in a programming language and math is important

DEMO REEL GUIDELINES:

Modeling Reel

Examples of digital sculpting of organic forms such as faces or bodies as well as a variety of works and styles

• Include a turntable showing the final result and a turntable with the mesh

• Include examples of drawings or clay sculpts demonstrating your artistic ability

• Bonus for including cloth and/or hair modeling

Rigging Reel

Examples of rigging that support the type of character that is being attempted

• A realistic character will have been true to the materials it is made out of

• A cartoon type character might have extra exaggeration

• Bonus for including examples of animation

Rig Construction Reel

Provide examples of systems that can be used to make faces or bodies

• Showing how the controls work and the interface for the animators is important

• Descriptive text for the technical designs/tools shown on the reel should be provided on a separate breakdown sheet included with your reel/resume

The hiring range for this position in Emeryville is $65,450.00 to $84,700.00 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors.