MPC Vancouver: Texturing TD

Position Summary:

With an emphasis on the aesthetics and techniques of photo-realistic effects, the Texturing TD will be responsible for painting photo-real textures and relevant maps for other surface effects to be mapped to 3D objects. These will eventually be rendered through a variety of off the shelf and proprietary renderers. Textures can be created from scratch or sampled from photos, scanned reference or any other artwork necessary to create new objects or to match the surfaces of existing live action. A strong understanding and sympathy for real world materials is essential and must be demonstrated in the work on your reel. Texturing TDs work closely with the Modelling and Shading artists and therefore must have a thorough knowledge of the practices of each discipline.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Ability to demonstrate proficiency in creating photo-realistic textures
  • Develop the look of the sequences with the supervision team
  • Work in partnership with Lighters and Compositors to ensure shots are delivered to the very highest standard

Requirements:

  • Strong artistic skills
  • Thorough working knowledge of Body Paint, Maya, Renderman, Zbrush or Mudbox and Photoshop
  • At least 3 years of proven experience in feature film/broadcast visual effects production
  • Good understanding of the entire visual effects process, from shooting to modelling to animation and rendering
  • A traditional arts background with emphasis on photo-realistic character work and environments would be an advantage

Details:

  • Location: Vancouver, Canada
  • Start Date: Immediate and through 2011
  • Duration: Project based

If this position sounds of interest then please get in touch, sending your reel and resume to: vancouver-jobs@moving-picture.com

We look forward to hearing from you!

The Reality of Santa (2010) – A Holiday Special

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrroP6QAfnw

Santa has been a very naughty boy this year.

As the town of Spokane, Wa celebrate the Christmas festivities, the Williams family cry boo-hoo. It appears that Santa has taken away all of their presents, leaving behind lumps of coal. Is Santa Clause the one responsible for taking away the presents from the good people of Spokane, or is someone else responsible?

Software to Hardware Question

Hi everyone, I have a question regarding software to hardware.

I have a Macbook Pro with the Intel Core i7 (2.66 GHz) processor and 4GB of RAM (soon to be upgrading to 8GB).

I was wondering if this is suitable enough to run Maya, Matchmover, Compositing programs, etc? I’m going to be studying animation soon, so I’ll probably be using Maya the most but I would also like to learn other various special effects programs as well.

Compositors @ Double Negative

Department: 2D
Location: London
Reports To: Head of 2D
Direct Reports: 2D Supervisor and Line Producer

Key Purpose of the Job

To seamlessly integrate all the layers or elements of a shot, including live-action and computer graphic elements. Compositors work closely with Visual Effects Supervisors and 2D Supervisors to composite the numerous elements that complete a visual effects shot.

Needs To Do

Blue/green screen extractions
Seamless integration of live action, miniature and CGI sources
Take part in client reviews
Follow production methodologies and develop creative approaches and problem-solving
Performing all aspects of composite fx design

Needs To Know

You must have a minimum of 4 years VFX industry experience
Experience in using Nuke
A knowledge and interest in photography and practical lighting is helpful
Critical eye for detail, and strong communication skills

Needs To Be

Pro-active
Team oriented
Adaptable
Accept change
Calm under pressure

Measures of Performance

Quality of final VFX shots
On time delivery
Continuous improvement

If you are interested please apply online at http://www.dneg.com/jobs/

We look forward to hearing from you!

CGI/VFX artist in the North West UK

Flipbook are looking to fill a position for an experienced CG generalist/VFX artist in the new year. We’re starting to go places and would like an enthusiastic, creative artist to join us to those places.

Ideal candidates would have a good knowledge of 3Dsmax including its particle systems. Be good with most aspects of the software from modelling to texturing to lighting to rendering.

They would also have knowledge of integrating the CG into live action with a compositing package (preferably Digital Fusion) although this aspect is not a must.

Finally 3-5 years of experience in the broadcast and film areas are desired for the role.

If you are a good all rounder who enjoys the freedom that brings and want to be part of an up-coming CGI company in the north of the UK please email with you CV and showreels.

Please email ben@flipbookstudio.co.uk – if you don’t have a reel online then email me for our address.

Software Developer

Description

MPC is one of the world’s leading post production facilities creating high-end digital visual effects for the television and feature film industries. Working at the cutting edge of visual effects requires the research and development of new techniques and this is the responsibility of our Software team.

We now seek to appoint a Software Developer into this team in our London facility to develop new tools for some exciting upcoming feature film productions.

Primary Responsibilities:
• Working with artists to understand production needs
• Researching new techniques to meet those needs
• Developing new artist tools to fit into MPC’s VFX pipeline
• Maintaining and updating existing tools
• Technical and end user documentation
• Supporting artists during shot production.

Skills and Experience:
• Degree in Computer Science or equivalent
• Previous development experience in a production environment
• Good understanding of physics, 3D math, simulation technologies
• Excellent knowledge of C++
• Experience with Linux-based debuggers and profilers
• Development experience using Maya’s API
• A good knowledge of Python is an advantage as is knowledge of other 3D software packages
• Evidence of a good eye for aesthetics is desirable.

This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced VFX developer or someone looking to break into VFX from the games industry to work on some of the most exciting major feature films in production today. If you are interested please apply online.
http://www.moving-picture.com/index….cruitment.html

Senior Roto Prep Artist @ MPC London

Description

MPC is looking to recruit talented artists to join their facility in London.

Overview
Paint/Prep Artists prepare 2D digital plates for compositing. Typical tasks range from wire and rig removal, cleaning greenscreens, through to plate recreation. Artists employ various techniques including compositing, painting, and projecting.
Artists at this level should have flawless and quick rotoscope capabilities. You should understand and evaluate what needs to be rotoscoped, and quality-check your own work. Basic painting and prep skills will start to be refined in this role, and artists will use software packages including Silhouette, Shake, Nuke, Mocha, Photoshop, amongst others. Artists should have a basic understanding of how to properly implement matchmove cameras to help with projecting.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience:

* Knowledge of Nuke and basic knowledge of Unix.
* At least 2+ years Roto Prep Exp
* Ability to roto in Silhouette, and import tracks from Boujou and other programs
* Compositing mattes to check paint/prep work, using Shake or Nuke
* Painting and prep skills in various software packages
* Working knowledge of projecting for paint/prep tasks
* A strong eye for detail and precision.
* Ability to organize your time, collaborate and effectively communicate with your supervisors and team mates, and be able to take direction.
* Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
* Ability to deliver on schedule while working under pressure if required.

Salary: Competitive remuneration package
Location: London
Application Closing Date: Ongoing recruitment

This is an exciting opportunity to work in the dynamic world of visual effects. If you are interested please apply online.
http://www.moving-picture.com/index….cruitment.html

Roto Anim @ MPC London

Description

Roto Animation Artist – Mid

A Roto Animation Artist is responsible for delivering high quality character and object roto-animation for feature films. They would be working closely alongside Matchmove Artists and Animators to create animation that matches the movement of the selected character / object on the film backplates and that also moves realistically in 3D space. Successful applicants should have the ability to work well as part of a team and be capable of delivering work to meet deadlines.

Primary Responsibilities

* To roto-animate a variety of characters and / or objects that match the film backplates for various film projects and maintain consistent shot quality
* To work closely with Roto Animation Supervisors / Leads to create convincing performances and motion of characters and objects in both screen and 3D space within the animation package for the addition of CG effects.
* To be able to follow direction and take ownership of your tasks.
* To be able to confidently flag when there are issues and lack of clarity of your tasks informing relevant supervisors and production managers.
* Do their best to stay positive and accept direction changes in an intense production environment.
* To be conscious of continuity between scenes when working with other Roto Animation Artists on the same character / rig.
* To organize their time, collaborate, and effectively communicate with their supervisors and team mates.

Experience and Skills required

* Relevant experience in a similar role, preferably within feature films.
* The candidate must thrive in a team environment and enjoy working with other artists.
* Candidates should demonstrate a good eye for detail and precision with strong problem-solving skills
* Able to deliver results to a high standard with the aid and direction of the Roto Animation Leads / Supervisors.
* Ability to be adaptable and accepting of changes in a production schedule.
* An understanding of the computer graphics production process and other departments/disciplines needs and requirements.
* Aware of project schedules and capable of delivering work to deadlines.
* Knowledge of 3D animation toolsets (preferably Maya).
* An understanding of animation principles and work methods.
* Good communication skills both technically and creatively.
* Animation/drawing/sculpting skills a plus.

Please Apply online: http://www.moving-picture.com/index….cruitment.html

VFX Producer @ MPC London

Description

MPC is looking to recruit experienced VFX Producers to work on a number of exciting feature film projects due to begin in the coming months.

Key Producer Responsibilities:

* The Producer role carries significant responsibilities both internal and external to the facility. From the bidding process through to driving a production schedule and managing a budget, being effective in this role is crucial to a well organised project.
* Forming a partnership with the VFX Supervisor to carefully manage both the client relationship and internal team priorities while always ensuring the best standard of work is being produced at all times.
* Representing MPC as the key client liaison on the project, handling this responsibility and relationship with diplomacy and professionalism.
* Working closely with the Production Manager to create and drive a schedule of deliverables and accurate resource requirements over the project duration.
* Managing show budget and finances.

Skills and experience:

* The ideal candidate will have proven experience as a Producer on feature film projects in an established VFX facility.
* Proven ability to manage and cater for client expectations is essential.
* Business acumen and an ability to balance financial responsibilities and negotiations in what is at times a very demanding environment.
* Thorough understanding of CG production pipelines and post production in general is essential.
* Outstanding organisational skills and attention to detail coupled with exceptional people skills and the ability to work within a team environment.
* Strong skills in communication – both written and verbal.
* Good understanding of Filemaker Pro and Excel.

Salary: Competitive remuneration package
Location: London
Application Closing Date: Ongoing recruitment

This is an exciting opportunity to work in the dynamic world of visual effects. If you are interested please apply online.
http://www.moving-picture.com/index….cruitment.html

Senior DMP Artist @ MPC London

Description

Position Summary:
With an emphasis on the aesthetics and techniques of photo-realistic image creation, the DMP artist will be responsible for painting photo real environments, elements and textures for matching into live action plates or to stand on their own as DMP plates.
These Digital Matte Painting’s may also be used in a 3D environment and may be mapped onto 3D objects. These will eventually be rendered through a variety of off the shelf and proprietary renderers.

DMPs can be created from scratch or sampled from photos, scanned reference or any other artwork necessary to create new objects or to match the surfaces of existing live action. A strong understanding and sympathy for real world materials and lighting is essential and must be demonstrated in the work on your reel. DMP artists may work closely with the compositors, modelling, look-dev and lighting artists and therefore must have a basic knowledge of the practices of each discipline.

A Senior Digital Matte Painter works under the guidance and direction of the project Lead, Head of Department and the show Supervisors.

Duties and Responsibilities:
• Proficiency in creating photo-realistic DMPs.
• Assisting and developing the look of a shot or sequence with the supervision team.
• Work alongside the production team to establish schedules and technical requirements.
• Works in partnership with look-dev artists, lighters and compositors to ensure that the shots are delivered to the very highest standard.

• Design and construct Maya and Nuke environment scenes to develop and animate the 3D digital matte paintings, according with the visual and technical standards defined with the Environment Lead.
• Check and release the renders, or the Nuke scripts for the comp department to gather.
• Regularly release dailies so that progress on a shot can be assessed.
• Attend dailies sessions and obtain feedback from supervisors.
• Report any day-to-day problems or concerns to the lead Environment TD on the show and any software issues to the appropriate support list.
• Work with the Environment HOD to improve the feature set and stability of our tool set.
• Improve his or her knowledge and understanding of MPC’s Environment tool set and pipeline.
• Needs to be proactive and fairly autonomous.
• Act as a mentor to Junior and Mid-Level DMP artists in the department, aiding them in developing their creative and technical abilities and knowledge.
• Adequately document Environment practical methods, and ensure that documentation is available centrally for use by the 3D DMP Department as a whole.

Experience, Skills and Abilities Required at Minimum:
• A Senior DMP should have at least five years experience in creating matte paintings for commercials, TV or feature films.
• Proficiency with Adobe Photoshop.
• Knowledge of traditional art skills and techniques: composition, colour, lighting; drawing, painting, photography.
• Basic understanding of Renderman compliant renders and LINUX.
• Deep understanding of UV texturing and camera mapping techniques.
• Autodesk Maya: Basic knowledge of hard surface modelling and general software interface.
• Good knowledge of The Foundry Nuke (or any other node based compositing software).
• Capacity to work collaboratively with other Matte Painters, Technical Directors and Compositors.
• Excellent learning and communication skills.
• Strong organizational and follow through skills with the ability to handle complex projects within a fast paced, dynamic, deadline driven environment, according to leads and supervisors expectations.
• Creative problem solving.
• Proactive and open to comments and critics approach.
• Proficiency with Eon Vue, Autodesk Mudbox or Pixologic Zbrush is a plus.
• Mel or Python scripting is a plus

Please Apply online to: http://www.moving-picture.com/index….cruitment.html