Senior Artist/Animator

Description

SUMMARY OF POSITION

NetherRealm Studios, a division of WB Games Inc., seeks a Senior Artist/Animator to work closely with the lead animators to maintain and create high quality animations for both real time in game movement and pre-rendered animatics. Assists leads in coordinating the outsourcing efforts to further the quality and quantity of animations.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for animating 3D character models in a realistic game, including working with motion capture data and hand key frame animations.
• Assists in R&D efforts for tools enhancements and prototyping of new technology.
• Participates in departmental meetings to share personal ideas and define the look and feel of areas and characters.
• Work with engineers and designers to prototype new game features.
• Animation Bug fixing.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Minimum of 2-year 2D/3D art degree with an emphasis in character keyframe animation or equivalent work experience.
• A degree with an emphasis on animation desired.
• Must have shipped at least one game in a senior or lead animation position.
• 5+ years game industry experience or related entertainment industry experience.
• Additional Minimum 3 years of complex relevant experience within animation.
• Brings high level of artistic / animation accomplishment to the solution of artistic problems.
• Proven Key Framing Knowledge and Skill set.
• Worked with Motion Capture Data.
• Determines the best method of completing tasks that fall within the scope of normal responsibilities.
• Has development experience with a proven track record of contributions.
• Typically has participated in all phases of full-cycle game development, preferably shipping at least one title.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrates competency in content creation for Animation.
• Ability to work well under pressure and deadlines.
• Must be proficient in one or more types of 3D software but Primarily Motion Builder (Maya, 3D Studio Max, Vicon Blade, Motive, etc.).
• Must have a decent understanding of MEL/Python or Maxscript.
• Takes initiative in pursuing new assignments. May pursue new assignments and identify tasks.
• Strong interest in computer games.
• A portfolio demonstrating proficiency in Animation is required.
• Ability to give and take direction well.
• Strong technical problem solving skills.
• Ability to learn new tools quickly.
• Ability to work well under pressure and deadlines.
• Highly organized. Ability to multitask and manage multiple tasks at once.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work well with others at all levels on the team.
• Strong interest in Video Games, storytelling and Movies.
• Familiar with the Unreal Engine.
• 2D animation experience.
• Acting background/experience.
• Mesh Skinning Vertex weighting experience a plus.
• Facial Rigging and Animation Pipeline.
• Experience in developing martial arts fighting games.
• Experience in developing first person action games.
• Outsourcing coordination experience