Art Lead, Animation

Description

SUMMARY OF POSITION

For over 20 years Monolith has been obsessed with delivering unique gaming experiences for our fans. Combining innovative gameplay, cutting edge technology and AI, inventive narratives and stunning visuals to create award winning and best-selling games. Starting with our first game, Blood through to our most recent title, Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor which has been awarded with numerous Game of the Year Awards, including Gamespot, Joystiq and IGN as well as Best Action/Adventure Game at the 2014 Game Awards.

We are dedicated to ensuring that our next game is our best yet, and to achieve that we need the best and brightest talent the industry has to offer.

Monolith Productions seeks an Art Lead, Animation for the art department. The Lead Animator is responsible for leading a team of animators in the creation and implementation of highest quality game animation. This person will work directly with the Director of Art, Director of Technical Art, Design Leadership, and Character Lead to help create and define the animation style, define best practices, and to maintain the highest artistic standards and proper technical requirements for animation production. The Lead Animator is responsible for creating exceptional AAA animation while providing clear direction, feedback and mentorship to the animation team and ensuring that production goals are met.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Create animation as required, working with mocap data, keyframed animations and facial/lip synch animations, to set a quality bar for other animators to follow.
• Help design, construct, document and enforce pipeline procedures to deliver competitive, cutting edge assets.
• Coordinate and update production assignments for the animation team.
• Create, document and communicate guidelines, directories and procedures.
• Motivate, mentor and inspire animation team, guiding them through various stages of production with clear direction.
• Regularly review animation assets.
• Assist TAD in R&D efforts for tools enhancements and prototyping of new technology.
• Accountable for animation team deliverables, ensuring that they meet the defined objectives, and scheduled requirements.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• BA in art or related field or equivalent experience.
• 6+ years of game development character animation experience with 3+ years as Animation Lead.
• A minimum of 2 published AAA games as Lead Animator on last gen consoles ( PS3, XBox360).
• Experience in development of current gen consoles ( PS4, XboxOne). Preferably with one shipped current gen title.
• Proven excellence in realistic hand keyed and mocap animation.
• Experience in animation development for feature film a plus.
• Experience in animation outsourcing pipeline a plus.
• Experience in development of AAA Action Adventure title(s) a plus.
• Expert knowledge of one or more types of 3D animation software (Maya, Motion Builder, 3DS Max).
• Solid knowledge of Photoshop, After Effects, Premier and other 2D packages.
• Excellent key frame and mocap animation skills.
• Effective management and motivation of team members.
• Strong understanding of game development process and limitations.
• Thorough understanding of animation theory and technique.
• Solid body and facial rigging skill and an understanding of MEL/Maxscript.
• Solid experience and understanding of character and animation pipelines and character setup.
• Strong understanding of a variety of combat techniques.
• Up to date knowledge of current animation techniques and development processes.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, both taking and giving direction.
• Able to work with engineers and technical art dept to establish animation pipeline and improve existing technology.
• Able to communicate effectively, verbally as well as visually.
• Able to work well under pressure and deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Able to provide training and mentoring to animators.
• High capacity to learn new tools and research potential technology.
• Diligence with individual and team tasks, schedule and adherence to budget limitations.
• Solid organization skills with adherence to optimization and asset management.
• A positive attitude and a desire to bring new ideas to the team.
• Strong understanding of modern pop culture trends within the entertainment industry with an ability to successfully apply to animation style as needed.
• Traditional art skills and creativity a must.
• Passion for making and playing great games, with an awareness of current titles and industry trends.
• Portfolio/website demonstrating exceptional art/animation skills, strong design sensibilities, and attention to detail.

The Warner Bros. Entertainment Group of Companies is an equal opportunity employer and considers all candidates for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, marital status, military or veteran's status (including protected veterans, as may be required by federal law), sexual orientation or any other category protected by law.