Insomniac Games is looking for a Senior Animator to join our growing Animation Department. As a Senior Animator you will be responsible for the realization of complete and sophisticated character performances for both real-time and cinematic delivery. This is achieved through the creation of high-quality animation, creation of reference materials, direction of other animators and active collaboration with designers and programmers. If this sounds like you, read on!
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:
Consistently creates high-quality, appealing animations that directly contribute to the realization of successful game characters and cinematic sequences
Sets the bar for quality, speed, and communication that inspires other animators as the foundation for complete character development
Takes ownership of assigned animated work from early previsualization to final polish; responsible not only for creating sophisticated character performances but also creates all blend trees and nodes responsible for the technical implementation in game
Actively continues to develop cinematography and editing skills
Actively contributes to developing the animation style and direction of new projects.
Maintains deep understanding of tools, and continues growing proficiency with tools and expands ability to problem solve animation pipeline issues
Actively contributes to the continued development of the techniques and practices of the animation team; maintain an understanding of industry and craft best practices, identifying opportunities for improvement and development within our work environment
Collaborates directly with technical animators, designers, programmers, and other artists to ensure that the work of the team is created in the most efficient and technically responsible manner
Identifies opportunities for improving the development pipeline as well as ensuring that animators receive responsive and appropriate technical support
Communicates effectively with the Animation Director and Project Management to ensure progress is correctly reported and deliverables are completed on time
Maintains effective cross-department communication to ensure that Designers and Programmers are aware of creative direction of the delivered animation as well as identifying the complete list of animation assets that will be required for a character
Collects, creates, and studies applicable reference material to remain informed about animation techniques and helps to educate other team members in the creative and technical approaches to the development of successful animation
Other duties may be assigned
Supervisory Responsibilities: This position has no supervisory responsibilities; however, this position may contribute to the mentoring, training, and development of animation staff. This can be accomplished by giving presentations on animation techniques and reviewing animators' work.
Education/Experience:
Eight plus years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
Ability to demonstrate significant involvement in the development of several large scale, complete game projects a plus
Strong knowledge of Maya, Insomniac proprietary tools (preferred)
MotionBuilder and Adobe Premiere a plus
Knowledge of common state machine flow in any game engine a plus