Studio: nDreams Studio
Job Opening: Lead Animator
Location: Farnborough, Hampshire, England
Type: Full-Time
Responsibilities:
- Lead the animation team in the creation of visually stunning animations that both closely capture the “look” and artistic style of the project, as well as efficiently satisfy all technical engine and design requirements.
- Champion standards and best practices to maintain the visual style and quality throughout the development cycle of a project.
- Manage risk against potential visual gains, and clearly communicate and reason decisions to the production team on a larger scale.
- Lead animation-related technical discussions with internal and external stakeholders.
- Become the bridge of communication between the animation team and the project team.
- Collaborate with the Art Director to deliver technical & visual briefs for outsourcer vendors.
- Oversee the team’s output and delivery through regular reviews and feedback.
- Work with Production to own the schedule & planning for the animation team and define the animation team’s roadmap for the project.
- Play a key role in creating pipelines and workflows with an advanced understanding of the scope and limitations of the project and create solutions adapted to those constraints.
Qualifications & Skills:
- Advanced knowledge of the principles of key-frame and motion capture and demonstrable skills in creating believable key-framed performances for humans and/or creatures and creating facial animation.
- Solid background in cleaning up and enhancing motion-captured performances.
- Advanced knowledge of Maya, Motion Builder, Adobe Premier, and complimentary software.
- Experienced in Unreal Engine with a strong understanding of blueprints, sequencers, and blend spaces.
- Great time management skills and can communicate with clarity and conviction to inspire and motivate the animation team.
- Able to promote team spirit and consider the well-being of the team, being aware of the mental state of the team.
- At least 6 years experience in the games industry, preferably with several published products within the Console, PC, VR or Mobile space, with at least one project in a leadership position.
- Have proactively identified potential conflicts and implemented strategies to prevent them.
- Experienced project cycles enabling you to build trust with stakeholders by demonstrating expertise and delivering results.
- A strong portfolio of animations in a variety of styles, highlighting timing, spacing, weight and believability.
- You will be comfortable in mentoring and supplying training to all levels of the Animation team.
