Chris Duncan

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 What is your name?
Chris Duncan

What would you say has been your primary job in animation?
Background painter, but because I was a digital artist before that was mainstream I was lucky enough to do a little of everything like some 3D, promotional stuff, design and editing.

What are some of the crazier jobs you had before getting into animation?
Right out of High School I was a technical illustrator at General Dynamics working on build and repair manuals for cruise missiles and they’re launchers while working with a bunch of old grumpy ex-Navy guys. When I first moved to LA I worked on a drill crew Continue reading

Layout Artist- Blizzard Entertainment

Layout Artist

Employer: Blizzard Entertainment
Location: Irvine,CA
Date Posted/Updated: 12/16/16
Job ID: 129507

Apply HERE.

Job Description:

Blizzard Entertainment is currently seeking an experienced 3D generalist to join our cinematics layout department as a layout artist (temp). The layout department is the -hub- of cinematics, facilitating the flow of assets from modeling, surfacing and rigging, as well as assembling and helping to compose shots from previz, working through animation, simulation and FX, all the way to lighting and compositing. The temp layout artist will work with previz, modeling, and rigging to translate rough scenes into production-ready shots, support animation and camera with environments, continuity, and troubleshooting, and coordinate with modeling, animation and FX with shot by shot set dressing and crowd population. Broad technical and artistic understanding of 3D pipelines, shot composition, and film language are all important.

Responsibilities
– Using Maya, assisted by internal tools and python scripts, translate previz scenes into scenes ready for animation.
– Support animation at various stages, managing layouts, caching and assembling characters with look variants, and rendering for review.
– Add or adjust shot set dressing, crowd cycles, static character poses, and continuity changes.
– Fill in any additional gaps, and catch and solve technical and artistic problems revealed through assembly that are not handled by other departments or through typical pipeline procedures.
– Organize and manage assets, and work closely with programmers to develop, improve, or fix tools that not only serve the layout department, but the cinematics department as a whole.
– Work with artists, programmers, leads, supervisors, directors, and production staff on multiple projects simultaneously, balancing the needs of each and ensuring communication between them.

Requirements
– A minimum of 3 years’ experience in production or feature film in a 3D generalist role, such as layout or previz.
– Depth of knowledge in 3D pipelines, both technically and artistically.
– Strong understanding of the principles of storytelling, film, and composition.
– Basic skills in modeling, rigging, animation and cameras.
– Some experience with lighting, rendering and compositing.
– Data administration skills and interests (e.g. asset management, scene building, tools, etc.)
– Familiar with scripting, especially within a 3D environment.
– Strong, proactive communicator and problem-solver able to learn and work independently and creatively with diverse personalities under resource and time-limited conditions.

Pluses
– Extensive experience with Maya
– Proficiency in python scripting
– Knowledge of RenderMan and/or Redshift renderers
– Some experience with 3dsmax and Nuke
– Expert organization and communications skills, both written and oral
– A thirst for learning and a knack for efficiency
– A passion for Blizzard games, stories, characters and worlds

Daniel Zettl

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What is your name and your current occupation?
My name is Daniel Zettl and I’m currently senior animator at Weta Digital
What are some of the crazier jobs you had before getting into animation?
To financially support my animation internship after high school, I worked in the halls of the biggest german provider for postal services and was sorting letters and packages every night for a couple hours. Met some pretty quirky people there 😉
What are some of your favorite projects you’re proud to have been a part of?
Very proud to have been a part of James Cameron’s Avatar and currently of Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit.
How did you become interested in animation?
I started out with drawing a lot, doing design jobs and lots of graffiti. At some point the still image, or the single drawing wasnʼt enough anymore and I was searching for something that could unlock whatʼs hidden in me. It had to get it out and on that search I
stumbled over Continue reading

Jobs: Technical Director at Stereo D

StereoD

Technical Director

Summary: This role will work with the other Engineers, Developers and Artists to support and troubleshoot pipeline issues including debugging of files and creating tools.

Responsibilities:

Work with artists, leads, and supervisors to debug and problem solve innovative solutions in our film studio workflow.

Collaborate with Designers, Developers, and TAs to optimize workflow and tool integration.

Support production and artist concerns including debugging, troubleshooting and managing fixes.

Qualifications:

  • Strong Python skills
  • Experience with Nuke, Maya or equivalent preferred
  • Ability to work with a team to deliver high quality software in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
  • Ability to work onsite during business hours and additional onsite hours as needed for production support.
  • 3+ Year College Diploma in Computer Science, Engineering, Game Development Program, professional work experience or equivalent

Deluxe Entertainment Services Group Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

If you are interested, please apply using the link below!

https://stereod.catsone.com/careers/index.php?m=portal&a=apply&jobOrderID=5288806&portalID=38845

About Stereo D:
Stereo D is the recognized leader in high-quality conversions of 2D theatrical content into stereoscopic 3D imagery, working with major motion picture studios, directors, cinematographers, and VFX supervisors to bring their vision of 3D storytelling to the screen. Stereo D has completed work for such films as JURASSIC PARK, IRON MAN 3, STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS, TITANIC in 3D, THE AVENGERS, AVATAR, CAPTAIN AMERICA, and JACKASS 3D. The company also provides end-to-end 3D production services on feature films, television productions and commercials.  Stereo D is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Deluxe Entertainment Services Group Inc., (www.bydeluxe.com) which is a wholly owned subsidiary of MacAndrews & Forbes Holdings Inc.

Stereo D is a business run by filmmakers, valuing artistic excellence and speaking the language of film. Our production teams and artists are among the best in the business, driven by an innate passion for all things film. Our unique artist-centric environment enables our people the creative freedom to conceptually support the creative visions of directors, delivering the finest, most dynamic 3D imagery in entertainment. We currently have an opening for a Technical Director.

 

Christina Chiusano

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What is your name and your current occupation?
Christina Chiusano, Compositing Supervisor on Penguins of Madagascar.

What are some of the crazier jobs you had before getting into animation?
My first Job out of college was a game tester at EA

What are some of your favorite projects you’re proud to have been a part of? 
When I started working at Nickelodeon for the CG department there were less then 15 people working here. Seeing this department grow from one show to more then 5 in production has been really rewarding.
How did you become interested in animation? 
I have always been passionate about cartoons and movies. When I was little I was always Continue reading

Steve Nichols


What is your name and your current occupation?
Steve Nichols,  Animation Supervisor currently at Digital Domain on the Fox Feature Film “The Watch”.

What are some of the crazier jobs you had before getting into animation?
I was a bit of a goth so I took a job at the local Funeral Home as a groundskeeper….not the best place to increase your social circle.  I also worked at a “mom and pop” Video Store Clerk and loved it.

What are some of your favorite projects you’re proud to have been a part of?
There’s a bit on each film.  But, I’d have to say working on District 9 was epic for me.  I’m so proud of everyone’s hard work, the director was Fantastic and the budget rivaled the craft service budget for Avatar.   Go team!

How did you become interested in animation?
The first time I saw a Ray Harryhausen film.  The Golden Voyage of Sinbad on late night TV.  I was hooked.  The monsters were filled with empathy, and I had never seen anything like that before—I was hooked..  I also used to Continue reading