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Character Animators use the computer to bring characters to life. To be a successful candidate, these artists may have backgrounds in any of the following animation disciplines in addition to their computer training: traditional (hand drawn), stop motion, or claymation. Prior training should cover anatomy, perspective and composition, including solving problems in weight, balance, movement, space, construction and proportion. An understanding of the technical aspects of character setup directly benefits the Animator/TD relationship. Previous experience animating on a full length feature production in Maya is required.
Effects Artists add the forces of nature to an animated film, as well as rigging set and prop elements. An understanding of physical dynamics and natural phenomena is key, as it aids in producing a believable world and setting the mood for the story. An Effects Artist must take direction easily, work well with an artistic team and deliver scenes in a timely fashion. Knowledge of Maya (or equivalent 3D package) and Unix is necessary.
Modelers are responsible for creating complex, organic models needed for character animation, prop elements for effects, and environmental sets. Applicants must have strong expertise in complex 3D modeling package(s) such as Maya.
Look Development Painters work with other Look Development staff to achieve the look of a more complex CG element (i.e. principle characters) in the show. This could include painting texture maps (eg. color maps, specular maps, displacement maps, etc.), working with TDs to enhance the look, and creating lighting setups. This artist typically has previous production experience and has demonstrated exceptional skills/abilities in CGI artwork.
Lighting/Compositing Artists have an understanding of color, contrast, and lighting design, along with a solid familiarity with 3D lighting in a production environment. Also a strong visual sense and the ability to distinguish subtle differences that affect the matching of elements created in multiple mediums are imperative.
Character Technical Directors are responsible for constructing 3D character rigs and animation interfaces, and establishing muscle, skin and clothing behaviors which range from broad squash & stretch to realistic physical simulations. Traditional drawing, design and sculpture abilities are applicable, as is knowledge of anatomy, kinematics and physical behaviors.
Look Development Technical Directors work as part of a Look Development team that defines all the technical aspects needed to create the look of a 3D element. This may include the development and writing of custom shaders, and applying texture maps, or developing other custom software to accomplish the art-direction goals of an element or environment.
Assistant Technical Directors work in any artistic department on a production supporting a wide range of digital artists and/or TDs. ATDs must possess a working knowledge of Unix, the ability to work in an collaborative environment, as well as a basic understanding of modeling, lighting, compositing and animation. Taking direction from TDs and/or artistic supervisors, an ATD will be expected to execute one or more of the following procedures: muscle and skin dynamics simulations, particle simulations, cloth simulations, Shell or Mel scripting, shader writing/support and implementation of a rendering pipeline.
Visual Development Artists are hired to visually explore a literary or musical property under consideration for and adaptable to animated films. These artists will experiment with the diverse elements of film presentation to manipulate dramatic-comic story moments (and plot thrust), moods, character conflict, place-time motifs and possible stylizations for maximum emotional effect in communicating that story's theme. Qualifications include a rich imagination, a sense of caricature and design, a strong color sense, mastery of human and animal anatomy, ability to work in different media and the versatility to conceptualize visually in a variety of techniques. Children's book illustration can be a plus.
Storyboard Artists have the ability to visualize a film script in a series of panels somewhat like a comic strip. Ability to quick sketch, a mastery of human and animal anatomy, a filmic sense and a design-caricature ability are all necessary requirements.
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