Staff Animator - LucasArts
LucasArts is a leading publisher and developer of interactive entertainment software for video game consoles and personal computers. Newly based in San Francisco, California, LucasArts was founded by George Lucas to provide an interactive element to his vision of a state-of-the-art, multi-faceted entertainment company. In addition to its gaming division, motion-picture and television production operations, the company's global activities include Industrial Light & Magic and Skywalker Sound, serving the digital needs of the entertainment industry for visual-effects and audio post-production. Check out our new offices in SF on the web! http://www.lucasfilm.com/inside/letterman/
Animator
Job Location: San Francisco, CA
Job Purpose:
The creation of 3D character animation - under the direction of the Lead Artist and Lead Animator - that meets the originality, creative and technical quality standards of LucasArts.
Responsibilities:
Demonstrate a broad range of character animation skills, including a deep understanding of the animation principles and how to best employ them in creating content that supports both the characters and story goals of the game.
The creation of character animation in a variety of stylistic genres, from cartoony to realistic, mechanical to fluid, humanoid to creature.
A fundamental understanding of character rigging, including technical processes, functionality and requirements.
Demonstrate complete mastery of professional development software tools required for character animation.
Maintain and communicate a strong knowledge of innovative game production technologies and the capabilities / limitations of these technologies as they relate to project goals.
Take initiative to resolve art pipeline issues by researching, identifying and implementing solutions designed to streamline the art process and enhance productivity within the studio.
Actively promote and communicate sound solutions to technical and design issues related to animation.
Collaborate effectively with Art leads during art review sessions resulting in the finest artistic look possible.
Act as a mentor and example to less experienced artists, providing them with support, guidance and instruction in areas that provide artistic and professional development.
Meet project deadlines / milestones, as set by project leads, and the production department.
Actively participate in team / department meetings.
Consistently exercises sound judgment in all areas of performance.
Qualifications:
A reel demonstrating outstanding character animation / acting abilities; a strong understanding of the principles of animation; the physics of motion, and a wide breadth of stylistic versatility.
A degree, or equivalent from an animation program, is strongly preferred.
Additional skills in the following artistic disciplines is also preferred:
o Cel animation
o Acting
o Dance
o Figure drawing
o Character rigging
Professional experience working as a 3D animator in computer gaming or a related field.
Passion for games.
Strong command of Mayas animation tools preferred.
Strong technical aptitude related to 3D animation tools and game engine technologies.
A deep understanding of the principles of 3D character set-up.
Demonstrated ability to work with a high degree of self-direction.
Excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills.
Must be receptive to animation direction and perform well within a collaborative team environment.
Must be responsive to deadlines and work well under pressure.
Willingness to work overtime when necessary.
To apply:
Please send a soft copy of your resume to LECwebresumes@lucasarts.com and apply online
http://www.lucasarts.com/jobs/application.htm to ensure your resume is submitted in our database. Be sure to fill out one of our submission release forms http://www.lucasarts.com/jobs/ along with your demo reel submission.
Demo reels can be submitted to:
LucasArts
ATTN: KATIE STOKES
One Letterman Dr.
San Francisco, CA 94129