Job Information
The Walt Disney Company Technical Director, Model/Rigging in Emeryville, California
A Characters Technical Director is responsible for working with Art Designers and Animators to realize a character in digital form. This includes both shaping the character's 3D geometry and the delivery of a well-designed set of animation controls for manipulating that geometry.
The three main disciplines are modeling, rigging and rig building:
– Modeling covers the spectrum of being able to build humans, robots, toys, etc – Rigging is the process of giving a character controls for movement, therein "articulating" its ranges of motion, we like to think of it as bringing the character to life – Rig building is the process of building and supporting rigs that a group of riggers can apply to a set of characters
A qualified applicant for this position will have demonstrated experience in at least two of these areas. If you have strong artistic skills your two areas of focus might be modeling and rigging. To qualify for rig construction, it is advantageous to have a background in programming and math, combined with an aptitude for modeling and understanding of motion dynamics.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Using modeling software, like ZBrush, to sculpt and refine a neutral 3D model to fit the aesthetic needs of Character Designers
Designing and maintaining a modeling topology conducive to the storyboarded range of deformations
Working closely with Animators to provide and refine an articulation of the full range of expressions and body movement needed to support a character's acting range in the film
A truth to materials, anatomy and animation principles are emphasized, as is patience and a willingness to experiment
Creative use of deformers to achieve a specific deformation called for by Animation with a concise set of animation controls
Designing and maintaining Shared Rigs that can be re-used as a basis for articulating similar characters, or applying existing Rigs to newly created character sculpts
Writing scripts in Python or MEL to facilitate workflow improvements Brainstorming new techniques and ideas for user interfaces, deformation tools, and character specific rigging solutions
Troubleshooting technical issues inherent in maintaining a clean file structure and pipelines for both in-house and 3rd party software
Having proficiency in a programming language and math is advantageous
DEMO REEL GUIDELINES:
Modeling Reel
Examples of digital sculpting of organic forms such as faces or bodies as well as a variety of works and styles
Include a turntable showing the final result and a turntable with the mesh
Include examples of drawings or clay sculpts demonstrating your artistic ability
Bonus for including cloth and/or hair modeling
Rigging Reel
Examples of rigging that support the type of character that is being attempted
A realistic character will have been true to the materials it is made out of
A cartoon type character might have extra exaggeration
Bonus for including examples of animation
Rig Build Reel
Provide examples of systems that can be used to make faces or bodies
Showing how the controls work and the interface for the animators is important
Descriptive text for the technical designs/tools shown on the reel should be provided on a separate breakdown sheet included with your reel/resume
The hiring range for this position in Emeryville is $79,900.00 to $103,400.00 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors.
Job ID: R-03875
Location: Emeryville,California
Job Posting Company: Pixar Animation Studios
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