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Insomniac is looking for a Sr Character TD to work with the team to design, implement and maintain the animation and rigging pipeline, and create character setups.

August 29, 2019

3 Min Read

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Character TD (Rigger/Technical Animator), Insomniac Games

Location: Burbank, California

We are looking for a Sr Character TD. This exciting role is responsible for working with the team to design, implement and maintain the animation and rigging pipeline, and create character setups. This person is also responsible for creating Python tools and basic animations as needed. One will work with other departments to solve art related production needs and create production systems and methods to attain production goals. It's important to also be keeping abreast of industry trends and techniques for this role. Read on if you are interested!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:

  • Creates high quality animation rigs, systems, setups and workflows that help to define the standard for the industry

  • Designs, develops and continuously improves the character set-up process and systems, including facial setups and animation transfer tools, as it relates to the animation pipeline

  • Rigs characters in preparation for animation in Maya

  • Writes Python scripts that expedite the character setup and animation processes

  • Contributes to the design and development of the animation pipeline and production process

  • Works with the Core Dept on improving engine and tools features to advance the state of the art of the in game and cinematic character performances

  • Works with the Art Department on modeling practices to facilitate set-up process and to advance the visual fidelity of the character performances

  • Helps coordinate the delivery of assets to the Animation Department and help Leads schedule and assign rigging tasks

  • Completes the work assigned at the highest quality possible, while staying on schedule

  • Assists the animation team in troubleshooting setup and animation problems as they arise

  • Works with the tools department to recommend and evaluate new tools for expediting the animation process

  • Acts as an intermediary between the animation and programming teams to elucidate the workflows, needs, and terminologies of each team

  • Understands (and assist when technical needs arise) the entire process of creating cinematics including set construction, camera setup, character blocking, character animation, animation troubleshooting, and help ensure that scenes run properly on the real-time game engine

  • Creates sample animations for the purpose of testing new and existing systems, and animate cameras and simple objects for gameplay and cinematics as necessary

  • Maintains an expert understanding of skeletons, facial animation methodologies, constraints and other Maya tools and systems used for character animation

  • Other duties may be assigned 

There are no supervisory responsibilities; however, this position assists with supervising more junior level Character TD's.

Education/Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university; or five to seven years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

  • One to four years of experience in character setup, Python scripting, a familiarity with MEL and a comprehensive understanding of all technical aspects of Maya animation.

  • One to two years of animation training covering all basic animation principals.

  • Extensive knowledge of Maya

  • Strong working knowledge of Python scripting as it applies to character setup and animation.

  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.

Other Skills: The ability to articulate thoughts and ideas effectively both verbally and in writing.

If this sounds like the opportunity that you have been looking for- we'd like to hear from you. Please use the link to apply directly to the role. Thanks!

Interested? Apply now.

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