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The studio responsible for games like Headlander is looking for an experienced animator to take a lead role on Psychonauts 2 alongside the rest of the team at Double Fine's San Francisco HQ.

September 1, 2016

3 Min Read

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Lead AnimatorDouble Fine

Location: San Francisco, CA

Double Fine Productions is currently looking for a highly experienced Lead Animator for its San Francisco development studio. The primary job responsibilities include the creation of in-game animations and cinematics that convey charm and personality as well as managing a team of animators.

The ideal candidate has at least 5 years of experience creating and implementing video game animation, and at least 2 years in a Lead Animator role on a published console or PC title.

Knowledge of the fundamentals of animation is critical, as is the ability to give and accept feedback and work well with a team of animators, producers, and programmers. The ideal candidate has a strong preference for working in a highly creative, innovative, small development environment.

Responsibilities:

  • Use Maya to create player driven keyframe character animation move sets, npc interaction animation as well as real-time cinematics.

  • Work with the technical team to ensure animation assets are properly integrated into the game.

  • Establish animation workflows and best practices for the rest of the animation team.

  • Work with the Technical Directors to ensure the animators have the needed tools for efficient workflow.

  • Work closely with the Project Lead, design team, and Art Director to maintain a consistent vision.

  • Setup and run animation weeklies and give animation critiques to the team.

  • Help to mentor and support a team of senior and junior animators.

  • Contribute innovative and original ideas for the betterment of the entire game.

  • Work closely with the project Producer on scheduling and tasking the animation team.

  • Work with animation outsourcing teams as needed, and prepare assets for those teams as well as giving feedback.

Requirements:

  • At least 5 years of game industry experience, or equivalent experience in film or television.

  • At least 2 years of experience in the Lead Animator role on a published console or PC game.

  • Fluency with Maya for character animation. Modeling and rigging skills are a plus.

  • A strong artistic background, with examples of life drawing and an innate ability for storytelling.

  • Experience working with a design team on player driven animation move sets.

  • Experience translating 2d animatics to 3d layouts including camera work.

  • Self-driven individual with strong written and verbal communication skills.

  • Willingness to accept critiques, and the ability to embrace change.

  • Thorough understanding of animation theory and the principles of animation (squash and stretch, timing, anticipation, staging, appeal, etc.)

  • Exceptional skill in animating bipeds and multi-legged figures, in both action and dramatic acting sequences using keyframe animation

  • Must be able to work full time in San Francisco, CA.

Pluses:

  • Avid gamer with a passion for creating top-quality games.

  • Experience working with the Unreal 4 animation pipeline.

  • Experience working on a 2d or 3d platforming title.

  • Familiarity with film and video script and direction terminology.

  • Acting and cinematography skills.

  • Experience in Photoshop, Premiere, and After Effects.

Due to the immediate nature of this position and current government employment-visa sponsorship restrictions, we are unable to consider foreign candidates.

Interested? Get started here. Are you a recruiter looking for talent? Post jobs here.

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