Senior Artist/Animator

Description

SUMMARY OF POSITION
NetherRealm Studios, a division of WB Games Inc., seeks a Senior Artist/Animator to work closely with the lead animators to maintain and create high quality animations for both real time in game movement and pre-rendered animatics. Assists leads in coordinating the outsourcing efforts to further the quality and quantity of animations.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for animating 3D character models in a realistic game, including working with motion capture data, hand key frame animations and facial/lip synch animations.
• Outsourcing coordinator responsible for taking notes in motion capture shoots, creating packages of assets needed to be sent out, communicating feedback and creating notes or video captures for revisions, approving and polishing animations that are at an acceptable quality level.
• Assists in R&D efforts for tools enhancements and prototyping of new technology.
• Participates in departmental meetings to share personal ideas and define the look and feel of areas and characters.
• Animation Bug fixing.
• Work with engineers and designers to prototype new game features.

• Minimum of 2-year 2D/3D art degree with an emphasis in character keyframe animation or equivalent work experience.
• A degree with an emphasis on animation desired.
• Must have shipped at least one game in a senior or lead animation position.
• 5+ years game industry experience or related entertainment industry experience.
• Additional Minimum 3 years of complex relevant experience within animation.
• Brings high level of artistic / animation accomplishment to the solution of artistic problems.
• Proven Key Framing Knowledge and Skill set.
• Worked with Motion Capture Data.
• Determines the best method of completing tasks that fall within the scope of normal responsibilities.
• Has development experience with a proven track record of contributions.
• Preferably experience with outsourcing assets and providing feedback.
• Typically has participated in all phases of full-cycle game development, preferably shipping at least one title.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrates competency in content creation for Animation.
• Ability to work well under pressure and deadlines.
• Must be proficient in one or more types of 3D software but Primarily Motion Builder (Maya, 3D Studio Max, Vicon Blade, Motive, etc.).
• Must have a decent understanding of MEL/Python or Maxscript.
• Takes initiative in pursuing new assignments. May pursue new assignments and identify tasks.
• Strong interest in computer games.
• A portfolio demonstrating proficiency in Animation is required.
• Ability to give and take direction well.
• Strong technical problem solving skills.
• Ability to learn new tools quickly.
• Ability to work well under pressure and deadlines.
• Highly organized. Ability to multitask and manage multiple tasks at once.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work well with others at all levels on the team.
• Strong interest in Video Games, storytelling and Movies.
• Desired Skills and Pluses :
• Familiar with the Unreal Engine.
• 2D animation experience.
• Acting background/experience.
• Mesh Skinning Vertex weighting experience a plus.
• Facial Rigging and Animation Pipeline.
• Experience in developing martial arts fighting games.
• Experience in developing first person action games.
• Outsourcing coordination experience.