Studio: PitStop Productions
Job Opening: Freelance 3D Animator
Location: Remote
Type: Short-term 4 – 6 weeks freelance
Responsibilities:
- Provide 3D animation support to current and future projects within the Penelope VFX team, working with other creatives across multiple disciplines to meet the project vision.
- Create 3D media content for use in animation and game engine platforms.
- Work within Unreal Engine using existing animation, gameplay, audio, and other bespoke blueprint systems to fulfill the game direction and enhance the gameplay experience.
- Coordinate workloads both independently and within a wider team by prioritizing tasks and working within time constraints to meet set deadlines.
- Problem-solve and devise creative solutions to complex challenges that can arise within the 3D creation pipeline, optimization, and integration into the engine.
- Troubleshoot and resolve issues in collaboration with external creative and development teams, while maintaining excellent standards of communication.
- Learn and adopt client workflows to support the 3D application of projects across multiple levels.
- Assist the wider department by offering specialist support to other teams with relevant project requirements.
- Continue to develop current skill sets and show willingness to widen creative skills and knowledge as needed to support the Penelope VFX team and other internal departments.
Qualifications & Skills:
- Strong portfolio of animation examples showcasing understanding of principles of animation.
- Proficient with at least one industry standard 3D animation software including Maya or Blender, preferably both.
- A good understanding of Unreal Engine 5 including level design and scene establishment, lighting, rendering and cameras, rigging, animation, and blueprints.
- Experience with keyframe animation and working with motion capture data.
- Ability to rig and animate basic character models in Maya or Blender, with knowledge of optimization and transition to Game Engines such as Unreal Engine 5.
- Proficient with the Adobe CC suite including Photoshop, Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Illustrator.
- Experience with practical and computer-generated visual effects processes and systems.
- Hands-on knowledge of the 3D development pipeline, working from concept to 3D application through to texturing and game engine optimization, specifically in Unreal Engine 5.
- Logical mindset with a technical ability to apply to the creative process.
- Adaptability and eagerness to learn new software, processes, tools, and techniques relating to 3D Design and Game Development.
Desirable:
- Strong portfolio of other CGI work including but limited to sculpting, modeling, texturing, and lightning.
- Knowledge and experience with camera animation and cinematography.
- Advanced rigging skills in relevant 3D software.
- Video editing and graphic design skills using Adobe CC suite.
- Traditional artistic talent with proven ability to produce concept and illustrative content.
- Ability to create storyboards and animation that clearly showcase the direction of animation.
- Knowledge of Unreal Engine 5 systems including Metahumans and Niagara.
- Understanding and experience with version control software including Perforce and Github.
Apply for the Job Online: To apply, send our portfolio to jobs@pitstopproductions.co.uk