Location: Los Angeles or Redwood City, CA
The Character Technical Director is responsible for constructing 3D character rigs and animation interfaces, and establishing muscle, skin, hair, fur and/or clothing behaviors which range from broad squash and stretch to realistic physical simulations.
[b]Essential Duties and Responsibilities [/b]
·[font="] [/font]Design, create, test and maintain character set ups
·[font="] [/font]Work with Modeling to create a model that meets technical needs
·[font="] [/font]Work with R&D to design, debug and evaluate new tools
·[font="] [/font]Collaborate with animators to design motion controls
·[font="] [/font]Develop and maintain character motion and deformation systems
·[font="] [/font]Develop new techniques and processes to solve character production challenges
·[font="] [/font]Work with PE and/or Dept TDs to integrate and maintain setups
·[font="] [/font]Work with FX and CharFX to provide them with information needed to integrate characters and digital effects
·[font="] [/font]Work with Lighting to achieve final model for rendering
·[font="] [/font]Write utility scripts and programs to streamline the setup process
·[font="] [/font]Communicate information about new tools and techniques to others on show and across shows
·[font="] [/font]Facilitate communication between all departments mentioned above
·[font="] [/font]Work with production management to prioritize tasks
·[font="] [/font]Keep supervisors informed of progress, changes, roadblocks and other critical issues
·[font="] [/font]Participate in training, recruiting and other global department tasks as requested
Qualifications, Education and/or Experience
·[font="] [/font]3+ years production experience
·[font="] [/font]Knowledge of traditional animation techniques and the principles of character motion
·[font="] [/font]Knowledge of anatomy
·[font="] [/font]Training in visual arts and understanding of form, geometry and movement
·[font="] [/font]Knowledge of academics such as linear algebra, trigonometry, geometry, calculus and differential geometry
·[font="] [/font]Knowledge in programming and software development skills
·[font="] [/font]Unix experience desired
·[font="] [/font]Excellent communication and presentation skills
How to apply: Please paste/copy resume into the body of an email with “Character/Rigging TD” in the subject line. Then send to jobs@dreamworks.com. Do not send attachments due to virus concerns.
[font="]www.dreamworksanimation.com[/font]