Rigger - Mid - Contract until December, start as soon as possible
_Candidates are required to be based in British Columbia and eligible to work in Canada_
ABOUT IMAGE ENGINE
Image Engine is a world-class VFX studio based in Vancouver, BC, that has built a reputation for excellence in the visual effects industry since 1995. We specialize in crafting stunning visual effects for feature films and television with an award-winning portfolio that includes The Book of Boba Fett, The Mandalorian, Game Of Thrones, Lost in Space, Jurassic World, and District 9.
We offer a full range of visual effects services, from concept designs and pre-visualization to CG animation, compositing, and explosive volumetric digital effects. Our crew is passionate about storytelling and pushing the artistic and technical boundaries to deliver the highest quality work on every project. R&D is central to our philosophy of driving creativity through innovation and we're committed to continually evolving our robust production pipelines.
At Image Engine, we value diversity and teamwork, and we're proud to foster a workplace culture that is supportive, respectful, and empowering. We believe that our success is a reflection of our exceptionally talented team, and we're always looking for passionate and dedicated individuals to join us on our mission to create unforgettable visual experiences. Join our team and be part of something extraordinary.
POSITION PURPOSE
The Mid Rigger is responsible for delivering high quality assets across multiple shows in a quick and efficient manner. They will apply notes provided by the Asset Supervisors/Rigging Leads. They will manage their time effectively to ensure tasks are completed within the assigned timeframe and to the specifications requested by Image Engine clients. They will identify and troubleshoot problems as needed and will ask for assistance when necessary to ensure effective use of time and resources.
They will begin quality checking their own work and assisting Senior artists to develop new concepts and approaches to improve work quality. They will participate in all team meetings when necessary.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Process requests from pipeline departments
- Use time management skills to schedule meetings and tasks effectively
- Manage time and resources to meet weekly targets
- Construct 3D character rigs and animation interfaces and controls for assigned characters
- Create and maintains motion controls including skeleton and body animation, body deformations, tight clothing and wrinkles, facial animation, facial deformations, skin and hair set up and dynamics
- Support characters throughout all phases of production to ensure animators have tools to meet the Director's vision
- Work within the defined pipeline Work with Rigging team, as required, to maintain continuity; as well as, support other departments (Animation, Modeling etc) to ensure information is communicated up and down the pipeline
- Provide input regarding existing tools and interfaces for Rigging pipeline and provide solutions for technical problems that may arise in an asset/ shot
- Write utility scripts to help other riggers, animators and pipeline developers
- Produce the highest quality work possible within a given amount of time
- Work closely with the other departments in the asset team
- Promote interdepartmental collaboration
- Ensure all email correspondence and scheduling is up to date, responding to emails and Shotgrid messages in a timely manner
- Mentor and help train Jr Riggers
- Participate in meetings and asset reviews
- Utilize multitasking ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- 3+ years’ experience creating high quality rigs for visual effects for film
- Proficiency in creating photo-realistic hard surface assets
- Thorough understanding of traditional art skills (Form, architecture, topology, color theory, and UV mapping)
- Strong understanding of human anatomy
- Strong understanding of some animal anatomies (dogs, birds, etc) and a desire to learn more depending on the requirements of the project
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Technical skills
- Experience in Python
- Understanding of the Maya rigging tool sets
- Experience with LINUX/UNIX
- Ability to come up with creative and efficient rendering solutions
Core skills
- Ability to provide Leads with estimate of time of task completion to support Supervisor in the bidding process
- Ability to troubleshoot and deal with competing priorities
- Ability to take direction positively, work well within a diverse group, and thrive under the pressure of tight production deadlines
- Ability to adapt quickly to new technologies and applications
- Ability to complete quality control on individual work
- Excellent time management and communication skills
- A strong understanding of Animator requirements
- Eye for detail