Lead Compositor

Starz Animation located in downtown Toronto is looking for a Lead Compositor to work on a stereoscopic live action feature film. This role plans out sequences for the assigned project, influences the technical and aesthetic aspects of the final composited shots and works to resolve technical issues. This is a 5-6 month contract position.

Duties and Responsibilities:
· Lead assigned team in ensuring that all compositing deliverables are completed fully and in line with production schedule and Director’s overall vision
· Support team members by providing compositing direction and assisting with technical difficulties
· Assign work to team members based on individual specialties, and oversee individual progress and performance
· Maintain production schedules for project and provide regular team progress updates for Assistant Production Manager
· Monitor rendering efficiencies of comp networks
· Review and ensure sequence continuity for all compositing shots prior to review by Compositing Supervisor/Director/Clients
· Composite personally assigned quota of key shots and production shots based on direction from Compositing Supervisor and VFX Supervisor
· Ensure that personally assigned shots are completed according to schedule, and communicate timeline and delivery schedule issues to the appropriate stakeholder(s)
· Build compositing networks to be used for propagation
· Attend compositing/lighting reviews for assigned sequences
· Ensure resolution of technical issues
· Troubleshoot and debug shot problems
· Escalate technical issues as required
· Work with look development artists if needed for assigned project and plan out assigned sequences
· Assist with Lead visual development work and testing if needed
· Collaborate with members of other departments as necessary to ensure proper completion of shots and to ensure a smooth production
· Ensure efficient organization of individual work/files
· Remain current and up-to-date in compositing techniques through industry research and training

Skills and Experience:
· 5+ years of CG/VFX compositing experience in a Maya production environment, with proven knowledge of and skills (prior Lead experience an asset)
· Feature Film experience required
· Stereoscopic experience is an asset
· Working knowledge of various renderers including Mental Ray is an asset
· Advanced knowledge of Fusion, Nuke or similar node-based compositing package
· Strong background in traditional art / photography with an excellent sense of light and colour theory is nice to have
· Completed post-secondary education classical or 3D animation, art fundamentals, or other relevant area of study
· Superior creative and technical problem solving skills with the ability to check own work
· Python and UNIX knowledge an asset
· Strong leadership skills
· Strong communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with key stakeholders
· General understanding of animation styles and techniques as well as an excellent comprehension of animation production for film and/or television
· Great understanding of the animation production pipeline as a whole with an understanding of adjacent department workflows as well as how the Lighting and Compositing Department interacts with the overall production process
· Ability to learn quickly and comprehend custom in-house production tools
· Demonstrated ability to work productively and willingness to take initiative in a team environment
· Ability to prioritize tasks, meet tight deadlines, and perform to standard in a fast-paced environment
· High level of independence and strong sense of reliability

Qualified applicants can apply online to Starz Animation at www.starzanimation.com/careers Please ensure you attach a link to your demo reel including your reel breakdown and resume.

We would like to thank all applicants however only those considered for an interview will be contacted.

Graphics Programmer – Full Time

OOOii Realtime is a premiere Visual Effects and Technology Developer located in Hollywood, CA and we are in the process of building a new team that will be using game technology for very high-end visual effects development. As an instrumental part of a new era in the company’s successful 14-year history, this new team will be responsible for enhancing cutting edge game engine technology to create compelling cinematic sequences in some of Hollywood’s highest profile blockbusters. Being part of the OOOii team will put you into face to face collaboration with top Hollywood directors such as Steven Spielberg, Michael Bay, and JJ Abrams.

OOOii is seeking a talented Graphics Programmer to work on OOOii’s distributed realtime renderer targeting Hollywood movie aesthetics on multiple displays at resolutions well beyond HD. The successful candidate will first work with the graphics lead in developing image-based human tracking software based on Z-depth cameras and GPU compute shaders. This work will lead into developing realtime visual effects and shaders within the renderer.

To apply to the following position, please submit your resume, link to your online website/portfolio and salary requirements to:
Andy Cheren | Director of Staffing
Email: andy.cheren@ooo-ii.com

NO PHONE CALLS OR DROP-INS PLEASE

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with lead to develop an image-based human tracking system
  • Maintain tracking system and evolve into coding one or more areas of the renderer such as buffer management, LOD/runtime data processing, front-end culling/sorting lighting model, particle system, lighting model, shader effects, physics (hair, water) effects.
  • Tackle unfamiliar problems through research and experimentation
  • Must be responsive to pressure and tight deadlines
  • Must be available to work on-site with core team during company core hours

Experience

  • 4+ years C++ experience
  • 2+ shipped titles in a graphics role
  • Experience with full-vertical integration of graphics features from content authoring to pixel shader and optimization
  • Familiarity with deferred rendering techniques
  • Thorough understanding of realtime rendering data structures
  • Competence with Perforce and Visual Studio a must

Preferred Skills

  • Ability to accurately and realistically break down complex tasks into smaller points of achievement
  • Ability to complete tasks in a predictable manner with a high degree of quality
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills to contribute to the creative process as well as take direction from creative directors and leads
  • Prior experience with industry leading game engines such as UE3, CryEngine, idTech and/or proprietary 1st Party engines would be a plus.

Senior Technical Artist – Full Time

OOOii Realtime is a premiere Visual Effects and Technology Developer located in Hollywood, CA and we are in the process of building a new team that will be using game technology for very high-end visual effects development. As an instrumental part of a new era in the company’s successful 14-year history, this new team will be responsible for enhancing cutting edge game engine technology to create compelling cinematic sequences in some of Hollywood’s highest profile blockbusters. Being part of the OOOii team will put you into face to face collaboration with top Hollywood directors such as Steven Spielberg, Michael Bay, and JJ Abrams.

OOOii is seeking talented and experienced technical artist to build an asset pipeline and keep the artistic staff productive through the development of tools and the troubleshooting of importer and modelling technique challenges. The successful candidate will have an in-depth knowledge of trade tools such as Maya, Z-Brush, Photoshop and Motion Builder and be motivated to learn about the Unreal Engine 3 (UE3) pipeline and develop a plan to improve it.

To apply to the following position, please submit your resume, link to your online website/portfolio and salary requirements to:
Andy Cheren | Director of Staffing
Email: andy.cheren@ooo-ii.com

NO PHONE CALLS OR DROP-INS PLEASE

Responsibilities

  • Support the OOOii art team by identifying sources of inefficiency and developing tools and scripts
  • Identify bugs and generate reproducible tests cases for programmers
  • Work with programmers to create more useful and efficient tools
  • Manage licenses and computer installs for contract artists
  • Work with development leads on creating a pipeline for a next-gen distributed post-DX11 renderer capable of directly importing Hollywood assets
  • Tackle unfamiliar problems through research and experimentation
  • Must be responsive to pressure and tight deadlines
  • Must be available to work on-site with core team during company core hours

Experience

  • 2+ shipped AAA games in a technical artist role
  • 5+ years experience with Maya, Photoshop
  • 2+ years experience with Z-Brush
  • Proven ability to multitask and prioritize competing demands
  • Deep knowledge of art concepts and their practical applications
  • Solid understanding of game or movie creation processes & dependencies
  • Experience with modern video game engine and/or modern Hollywood content creation tools
  • Demonstrable interest in creation processes: how other movies and/or video games were built, what worked, and what did not work, etc…
  • Competence with Perforce a must

Preferred Skills

  • MEL, Python, LUA, or self-starting ability to quickly learn these or other pertinent tools
  • C++ or C# (formally or non-formally trained) coding a big plus
  • Must be able to generate at least placeholder/debug rigged models, animations and textures
  • Strong problem solving abilities
  • Ability to accurately and realistically break down complex tasks into smaller points of achievement
  • Ability to complete tasks in a predictable manner with a high degree of quality
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills to contribute to the creative process as well as take direction from creative directors and leads
  • Prior experience with industry leading game engines such as UE3, CryEngine, idTech and/or proprietary 1st Party engines would be a plus.

Texture Artist (VFX) – Full Time

OOOii Realtime is a premiere Visual Effects and Technology Developer located in Hollywood, CA and we are in the process of building a new team that will be using game technology for very high-end visual effects development. As an instrumental part of a new era in the company’s successful 14-year history, this new team will be responsible for enhancing cutting edge game engine technology to create compelling cinematic sequences in some of Hollywood’s highest profile blockbusters. Being part of the OOOii team will put you into face to face collaboration with top Hollywood directors such as Steven Spielberg, Michael Bay, and JJ Abrams.

OOOii is currently seeking a talented Texture Artist. This artist will be actively involved in generating high quality models for top Hollywood IP. This person should be experienced in creating textures with a high level of detail and high level of accuracy in respect to the reference art.

To apply to the following position, please submit your resume, link to your online website/portfolio and salary requirements to:
Andy Cheren | Director of Staffing
Email: andy.cheren@ooo-ii.com

NO PHONE CALLS OR DROP-INS PLEASE

Responsibilities

  • Generate photo-real textures from original art or photography
  • Work with other artists and programmers to generate textures for advanced materials
  • Adapt to various art styles
  • Tackle unfamiliar problems through research and experimentation
  • Must be responsive to pressure and tight deadlines
  • Must be available to work on-site with core team during company core hours

Experience

  • 2+ Feature Films / Games
  • 5+ years experience with Photoshop
  • Proven ability to multitask and prioritize competing demands
  • A strong understanding of UV layout and texturing for games
  • Solid understanding of game or movie creation processes & dependencies

Preferred Skills

  • Excellent understanding of normal, specular, diffuse, AO, detail, transmission, displacement, and alpha maps required
  • Understanding of animated sequenced texture maps
  • Good understanding of color composition, especially when targeting modern display devices
  • Ability to UV map a plus
  • Ability to self manage time and give realistic estimates for project completion
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills to contribute to the creative process as well as take direction from creative directors and leads

3D Rigid Body Artist (VFX) – Full Time

OOOii Realtime is a premiere Visual Effects and Technology Developer located in Hollywood, CA and we are in the process of building a new team that will be using game technology for very high-end visual effects development. As an instrumental part of a new era in the company’s successful 14-year history, this new team will be responsible for enhancing cutting edge game engine technology to create compelling cinematic sequences in some of Hollywood’s highest profile blockbusters. Being part of the OOOii team will put you into face to face collaboration with top Hollywood directors such as Steven Spielberg, Michael Bay, and JJ Abrams.

OOOii is currently seeking a talented 3D Rigid Body 3D Artist. This artist will be actively involved in generating high quality models for top Hollywood IP. This person should be experienced in creating a wide range of models with a high level of detail and high level of accuracy in respect to the reference art. Modeling tasks may include buildings, vehicles, props, furniture and other environmental elements.

To apply to the following position, please submit your resume, link to your online website/portfolio and salary requirements to:
Andy Cheren | Director of Staffing
Email: andy.cheren@ooo-ii.com

NO PHONE CALLS OR DROP-INS PLEASE

Demo Requirement

Must provide a demo portfolio with a detailed shot breakdown – please include the following:

  • 360 Turntable of models without texture lit
  • Wireframe versions
  • Time of completion per model or asset

Responsibilities

  • Create 3d assets within the scope of the reference material
  • Must be able to create a wide variety of models at photo-realistic detail
  • Ability to take a style guide and generate assets within a unified style
  • Modify and/or simplify VFX source assets for optimized rendering
  • Tackle unfamiliar problems through research and experimentation
  • Must be responsive to pressure and tight deadlines
  • Must be available to work on-site with core team during company core hours

Experience

  • Prior shipped or completed experience in the Feature Film or Video Game Industry
  • 5+ years experience with Maya, Photoshop
  • 2+ years experience with Z-Brush/Mudbox
  • Proven ability to multitask and prioritize competing demands
  • Solid understanding of game or movie creation processes & dependencies

Preferred Skills

  • Ability to self manage time and give realistic estimates for project completion
  • Attention to detail in organization of model
  • Ability to model with good practices with an ability to use or not use certain Maya feature sets
  • Careful modeling style to create watertight meshes
  • Ability to provide a fully UV mapped final asset

Character Artist – VFX (Full Time)

OOOii Realtime is a premiere Visual Effects and Technology Developer located in Hollywood, CA and we are in the process of building a new team that will be using game technology for very high-end visual effects development. As an instrumental part of a new era in the company’s successful 14-year history, this new team will be responsible for enhancing cutting edge game engine technology to create compelling cinematic sequences in some of Hollywood’s highest profile blockbusters. Being part of the OOOii team will put you into face to face collaboration with top Hollywood directors such as Steven Spielberg, Michael Bay, and JJ Abrams.

OOOii is currently seeking a talented 3D Character Artist. This artist will be actively involved in generating high quality models for top Hollywood IP. This person should be experienced in creating characters with a high level of detail and high level of accuracy in respect to the reference art. The artist should also be deeply familiar with building models that can easily be rigged for animation.

To apply to the following position, please submit your resume, link to your online website/portfolio and salary requirements to:

Andy Cheren | Director of Staffing
Email: andy.cheren@ooo-ii.com

NO PHONE CALLS OR DROP-INS PLEASE

Demo Requirement

  • Must provide a demo portfolio with a detailed shot breakdown – please include the following:
  • 360 Turntable of models without texture lit
  • Wireframe versions
  • Time of completion per model or asset

Responsibilities

  • Create 3d characters based on Hollywood film reference material
  • Must be able to create a wide variety of characters at photo-realistic detail from futuristic robots and monsters to real life people.
  • Modify and/or simplify VFX source assets for optimized rendering
  • Work with animators to bring life to the character.
  • Tackle unfamiliar problems through research and experimentation
  • Must be responsive to pressure and tight deadlines
  • Must be available to work on-site with core team during company core hours

Experience

  • Prior shipped or completed experience in the Feature Film or Video Game Industry
  • 5+ years experience with Maya, Photoshop
  • 2+ years experience with Z-Brush/Mudbox
  • Proven ability to multitask and prioritize competing demands
  • Solid understanding of game or movie creation processes & dependencies

Preferred Skills

  • Strong understanding of anatomy
  • Solid foundation for designing expressive characters
  • Attention to detail in organization of model
  • Ability to model with good practices with an ability to use or not use certain Maya feature sets
  • Careful modeling style to create watertight meshes
  • Ability to provide a fully UV mapped final asset

On Set VFX Supervisor: (Burbank/LA)

We are a Boutique VFX and Post house located in Burbank, CA. We service features, TV shows and documentaries for all stages of VFX and picture post processing using streamlined Final Cut Pro workflows.

We currently have an opening for a full time VFX Supervisor/VFX artist for a TV series commencing on/around Jan 14th 2011 and running through to mid-August. In this position you will act on our behalf as the hands-on go to person on set for all on set VFX work. You will also be required to complete VFX shots during times where on set VFX supervision is not required.

You must have excellent production communication and liaison skills between the main production players and our team.

As a highly organized and energetic problem solver you love constructing and updating VFX breakdowns, constantly being part of the on-set VFX consultation/coordination and will have a solid understanding of the VFX production workflow requirements to keep our team within budget and schedule.

Requirements:
• At least 3 years in either a VFX Supervisor and/or Lead VFX Generalist/Artist on various productions.
• An undergraduate degree in computer science or related field an asset.
• Extensive knowledge of all major VFX software programs
• Strong and clear communication and management skills – both written and verbal.
• A proven sense of both artistic and technical abilities

Duties:
• Attend and participate in both series producer and vfx team production meetings as required.
• Create VFX breakdowns for each script to determine maximum VFX shot list allowance with production.
• Consult with production to determine VFX resource requirements.
• Work closely with all departments to provide on set technical direction to ensure VFX sequence shots are set up, as well as to obtain asset and element creation.
• Work closely with lead VFX Artist to setup an specific element requirements for any given sequence in an episode.
• Assist pipeline and systems departments to test and implement new VFX tools and develop new methodologies for the series.
To apply, please submit a cover letter/resume and weekly salary requirements with a link to your online website/portfolio to:

institutionjobs@gmail.com

Due to the number of anticipated responses, only qualified applicants will be contacted.

NO PHONE CALLS OR DROP-INS PLEASE.

VFX Artist w/ media management skills (Burbank)

We are a Boutique VFX and Post house located in Burbank, CA. We service features, TV shows and documentaries for all stages of VFX and picture post processing using streamlined Final Cut Pro workflows.

We currently have an opening for a Media Manager/VFX Artist for a TV series as commencing on/around Jan 14th 2011 and running through to mid-August.

In the position of Media Manager/VFX Artist you will act as our hands-on, go to person for receipt, organization and distribution of all incoming and outgoing media materials.

Duties will include rendering and distributing regular VFX string-outs and collection/distribution of digital assets to our main VFX artist and rendering completed shots. As part of your role, we would also like you to assist the key artists with rotoscoping, prepping some 2D and 3D effects as well as completing less complex shots for the production.

As we are a small business excellent organizational, technical problem solving and communication skills is a must and your ability to be flexible in order to meet deadlines will be required.

In exchange for this you will have the opportunity to contribute your skills and knowledge into constructing cutting edge time and cost efficient vfx and post workflows which are essential to staying competitive in the TV and film industries.

Requirements:
• At least 1 year working as VFX artist with knowledge of all major VFX software programs
• Working knowledge of FCP systems and software
• Great trouble shooting skills with offline hardware and software.
• Experience with rendering completed shots and creating Quicktime string outs of in process shots.
• Strong and clear communication and management skills – both written and verbal.
• A proven sense of both artistic and technical abilities.
• Ability to work on flexi-time to meet deadlines and solve technical issues.

Duties (list is not exhaustive here):
• Rendering, prep, upload of vfx
• Working knowledge of FCP systems and software
• Great trouble shooting skills with offline hardware and software.
• Experience with rendering completed shots and creating Quicktime string outs of in process shots.
• Strong and clear communication and management skills – both written and verbal.
• A proven sense of both artistic and technical abilities.
• Ability to work on flexi-time to meet deadlines and solve technical issues.
• Some running, when required.
• Additional VFX and post duties as and when required.

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume and salary requirements with a link to your online website/portfolio to:

institutionjobs@gmail.com

Due to the number of anticipated responses, only qualified applicants will be contacted.

NO PHONE CALLS OR DROP-INS PLEASE.

Luma Pictures – Hard Surface Modelers

___________

– Modeling/Texturing Artists
(focusing on hard surface modeling and texturing)

Luma Pictures is looking for Model/Texture Artists

LUMA PICTURES, located in Venice Beach, CA. is looking for the best Character and Hard Surface Model/Texture artists out there to add to our talented team for a number of high profile upcoming projects. Luma attracts some of the best in the business and many talented Artists who have worked with us on a project basis have made Luma their home. We pride ourselves on providing a challenging environment with plenty of room to stretch your wings and be your best.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
• polygonal modeling of creatures, props and environments from photo reference
• optimization of UV’s for maximum efficiency
• developing multilayered photo-real textures for use in multipass rendering.

QUALIFICATIONS:
• Artist must be well versed with Maya and Z-Brush skills are a plus
• Artist must have an understanding of pipeline based productions and multi-pass rendering methods
• Artist must submit show reel demonstrating their ability to model and texture photo-real creatures, characters, props or environments
• Artists must be able to take direction and work in a team focused environment, good communication skills are a must
• Relocation assistance may be available subject to negotiation

SUBMISSIONS: If you think you fit the bill and want a quick response, email your resume, a link to your online reel/portfolio and a shot breakdown to jobs10@luma-pictures.com. Please make the email subject "ATTN: Recruiting – Model/Texture Artist" . Do not attach images or movie files to your email because they will get filtered out. If you prefer to send hard copies, you can submit a resume, reel, shot breakdown and cover letter to:

ATTN: Recruiting – Model/Texture Artist
Luma Pictures
248 Westminster Ave
Venice, CA 90291

Submitted materials will not be returned and no phone calls please.
www.luma-pictures.com

___________

Luma Pictures – Jr Comp.

– Jr NUKE Compositor
(focusing on feature film compositing)

Luma Pictures is looking for JR Nuke Compositors

LUMA PICTURES, located in Venice Beach, CA. is looking for the best compositors out there to add to our talented team for a number of high profile upcoming projects. Luma attracts some of the best in the business and many talented artists who have worked with us on a project basis have made Luma their home. We pride ourselves on providing a challenging environment with plenty of room to stretch your wings and be your best.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
• compositing of both digital and live action elements to create groundbreaking visual effects shots for blockbuster films
• Collaborate with fellow artist and supervisors to meet challenging production deadlines in a positive work environment

QUALIFICATIONS:
• Must be versed in Nuke (background with Shake considered a plus)
• Should have a good understanding of 3d multi-pass rendering techniques and colorspace concepts
• Ability to take direction positively, work well within a team and thrive under the pressure of tight deadlines
• An understanding of stereo (3D) and anamorphic compositing in Nuke
• Artists must be able to take direction and work in a team focused environment, good communication skills are a must
• Relocation assistance may be available subject to negotiation

SUBMISSIONS: If you think you fit the bill and want a quick response, email your resume, a link to your online reel/portfolio and a shot breakdown to jobs10@luma-pictures.com. Please make the email subject "ATTN: Recruiting – Compositor" . Do not attach images or movie files to your email because they will get filtered out. If you prefer to send hard copies, you can submit a resume, reel, shot breakdown and cover letter to:

ATTN: Recruiting – JR Compositor
Luma Pictures
248 Westminster Ave
Venice, CA 90291

Submitted materials will not be returned and no phone calls please.
www.luma-pictures.com