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Lead 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/

Lead Animator

Job Location: San Francisco, CA

Job Purpose: Partners closely with the Project Director, Producer and Lead Artist to address all issues related the projects animation. Including: defining the stylistic vision for character animation, establishing and maintaining the aesthetic and technical standards related to animation, contributing accurate scheduling information to production department. Additionally, the Lead Animator is responsible for effectively communicating these objectives to the team of project animators on a daily basis

Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the Lead Artist and project director to initially conceptualize and define the animation style for the project.
• Work closely with the project producer to ensure that the defined animation goals are manageable within the context of the overall project schedule and budget.
• Work with Art Lead and Production team, to set the scheduling pace for animation on the project.
• Resolve timeline and artistic discrepancies promptly and professionally with the Lead Artist and Producer.
• Works with Department Manager and Lead Artist to build a team of animators for the project. This may include participation in interview sessions for potential animators.
• Partner with Leads and Storyboard Artist to create animatics.
• Develop animation style guide to help define the personalities of the characters.
• Sets the stylistic and technical standard for the team of animators
• Oversee the work of animation team on a daily basis, effectively communicating animation direction, as well as delivering constructive feedback to work in progress.
• Problem solves and consistently presents solutions to technical issues related to animation.
• Supervise regular team meetings.
• Maintain and communicate a strong knowledge of innovative game production technologies and the capabilities/limitations of these technologies as they relate to the project goals.
• Work with Art Lead and Department Manager while overseeing the bi-annual performance evaluation process for project animators.
• Excel as a team player and strive to maximize team/department performance.
• Perform special projects as assigned.

Qualifications:

• A reel demonstrating outstanding character animation / acting skills; a strong understanding of the principles of animation and a wide breadth of stylistic versatility.
• Minimum of four years of character animation experience in computer gaming or related field.
• Prior experience leading a team of animators is strongly preferred.
• A proven track record in performance especially in the areas of artistic skill, productivity and leadership abilities.
• A BFA (with an emphasis in animation) preferred.
• Prior experience or training in traditional cell animation techniques preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise the work of a creative team.
• Demonstrated expertise working with Maya’s animation tools is required. Additional working knowledge of one or more of the following 3D applications preferred:
• 3D Studio Max
• Lightwave
• Softimage
• Solid working knowledge of 3D character set-up strongly preferred.
• Good overall understanding of 3D computer graphics (modeling, texturing, lighting and rendering)
• A passion for gaming.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to prioritize one’s own tasks and tasks of others.
• Outstanding motivational skills
• Must be responsive to deadlines and work well under pressure.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to mentor less seasoned artist.
• Must be willing to work overtime.


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
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