Teaching Fac I - 3D Lighting & Rendering

Department

The Florida State University College of Motion Picture Arts was created with the mission of preparing students for successful careers in the motion picture industry and it is one of the most highly ranked film schools in the United States, described by the Hollywood Reporter as "one of the world's best," the New York Times as "one of the top motion picture schools in the nation," and honored by the Directors Guild of America for its "distinguished contribution to American culture through the world of film and television." The College of Motion Picture Arts is renowned for the number of Student Oscar®, Emmy®, and notable national and international awards its students earn each year. The faculty comprises award-winning industry experts with a combined 400+ feature film credits who share a gift for teaching students the art, craft and business of storytelling in the motion picture industry. 

The College of Motion Picture Arts curriculum is hands-on and project centered, allowing students to learn while creating a series of short films. The College's academic programs are highly competitive and enrollment is limited to 30 new undergraduate and 30 graduate students per year. With over 20 full-time faculty members, this keeps student-teacher ratios low and allows for a conservatory-style approach to teaching and learning. Over the past several years, the College has been growing its capacity to support animation and visual effects. We now have several faculty members who specialize in these areas and we offer a BFA in Animation and Digital Arts. The candidate we are seeking will focus on supporting this BFA program while also contributing to the other academic programs offered by the College.

Qualifications

* Terminal degree in Film/Art/Animation (or related field) or equivalent professional experience as demonstrated by portfolio, curriculum vita, and motion picture, television, or commercial credits.  

* Teaching experience at college or equivalent industry level.

* Experience and strong understanding of 3D lighting, surfacing, and rendering methodologies using Maya and Mental Ray.

* Expertise in Shading, Lighting, and Rendering, with advanced knowledge of and ability to problem solve in other roles (e.g. Animation, Modeling, Compositing). 

* Expertise in industry-standard applications including Maya, Mental Ray, Nuke, After Effects, and Photoshop.

* Expert knowledge of production workflows including render strategies and farm optimization.

* Outstanding portfolio of personal and professional work.

* Excellent communication and teaching skills.

Preferred

* Practicing artist or educator within the field of visual effects and/or animation.

* 3+ years of professional industry experience.

* 3+ years of full-time teaching experience.

* Experience with pipeline development.

* Experience working with or leading production teams. 

* Experience in Character rigging, hard-surface modeling, organic modeling, basic animation, character animation, and camera tracking.  

* Experience in software applications including ZBrush, Mudbox, Modo, Boujou, PFTrack, SynthEyes, Katana, Arnold, V-Ray, RenderMan, Mari, RV, and/or Shotgun.

* Knowledge of mel/python scripting. 

* Understanding of the principles of cinematography including depth of field, density, use of filters, and lens choices. 

* Knowledge of color theory and understanding of composition.

* Ability to light CG characters, assets, and/or environments in order to match live-action plate photography. 

* Ability to light fully animated scenes in order to convey perceived realism based on style and direction. 

* Strong track record of developing innovative teaching methods and materials in the field of CG lighting and rendering for a higher education setting.

Other Information

It is a full-time position to begin Fall 2014 at the rank of Assistant Teaching Professor. This is a 12-month, renewable, non-tenure earning position. The start date is May or August, 2014 (depending on the availability of the candidate).

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be able to: develop curricula and teach courses in 3D lighting and rendering (introductory-to-advanced levels); contribute to the planning and development of the college's visual effects and animation pipeline; mentor, advise, and evaluate students; and, periodically teach courses in other aspects of visual effects and/or animation (depending on programmatic needs and the candidate*s areas of expertise). 

Typical responsibilities include: teaching approximately two studio courses per semester; mentoring and advising students; contributing to curriculum/program development, including serving on committees, researching industry trends, and advising on classroom facilities, tools, and technology; participating in the review of prospective students, entrance interviews, and the academic evaluation of students; and, participating in campus recruiting, orientation, and graduation events. In addition, all full-time faculty members are expected to pursue creative work, research, and/or professional engagements that contribute to the educational mission of the college.

How To Apply

If qualified and interested in a specific vacancy as advertised, apply to Florida State University by clicking on the apply button. 

Applicants are required to complete the online application with all applicable information.  Applications must include work history and all education details (if applicable) even if attaching a resume.

Additional materials required:

* Letter of application addressing interest in the position, qualifications, and teaching philosophy

* Curriculum vita or resume

* Professional portfolio/reel (include links on resume.

* Sample teaching materials and student evaluations for review are desirable

* List of three references with title, phone, and e-mail contact information

Final candidates will be required to have three letters of recommendation (to be sent separately by the referees)

Equal Employment Opportunity

An Equal Opportunity/Access/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled & Veteran Employer. 

FSU's Equal Opportunity Statement can be viewed at: http://www.hr.fsu.edu/PDF/Publications/diversity/EEO_Statement.pdf

Tobacco Free Campus

Effective January 1, 2014, tobacco use, including simulated tobacco use, is prohibited on property, interior and exterior, owned or managed by Florida State University. This policy applies to all Florida State University students, employees, consultants, contractors, visitors, and external individuals.