Layout Artist (Feature Animation)

This is a Full Time Job

Cinesite Montreal is seeking Layout artists for Feature Animated Films. Ideal candidate should be highly organized and motivated with the desire to work within a top-quality and fast paced animation team.

Duties

• Work with the Layout Lead and the Director to create sequences that convey the story through traditional camera principles in a stereoscopic environment

• Based on the storyboards, establish camera positioning, shot composition, and basic character blocking.

• Be able to create and maintain shot continuity both of camera and objects across a series of shots

• Understand and establish how camera enhances and serves the story at a specific point in the film

• Deliver assignments based on the established quotas and as per the schedule

• Work with the animation and asset build departments to fix any technical issues

Skills

• Strong Maya knowledge with good problem solving skills and a solid understanding of a stereoscopic feature animation pipeline.

• Good attention to detail and a proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues in order to maintain continuity within the sequence.

• Previous experience of scene layout to match previs or storyboard reference is preferred.

• Technical problem solving is key to the role so basic Mel and Python scripting is ideal but not required.

• Excellent Maya skills and a strong knowledge of the principles of cinematic staging, blocking and camera work.

• A working knowledge of stereoscopic cameras and shot-to-shot depth continuity.

• Previous film industry experience is preferred.

• Strong background in feature CG character animation a plus.

• Excellent Maya skills, and a good understanding of how to best use facial and body pose libraries.

• Ability to work within an established pipeline and learn to use custom tools.

• Thorough understanding of the feature animation pipeline from modeling through rigging, animation and rendering.

• Ability to work well in a team and solve shot specific issues independently.

• Ability to project requirements and work within a deadline.

• Possess a basic understanding of rigging techniques.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Degree and/or diploma in fine arts, animation or equivalent experience preferred.

• Organized and methodical.