subject: Lead Character Animator , LucasArts

LucasArts is looking for Lead Character Animator
duration - Full Time

Job details: Lead Character Animator 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 that he / she directs on a daily basis.

Major 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.
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 / testing 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.
Work with Art Lead and Production team, to set the scheduling pace for animation on the project.
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:

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 significant and ongoing contribution on at least two LucasArts titles preferred.
A proven track record in performance especially in the areas of artistic skill, productivity and leadership abilities.
A reel demonstrating outstanding character animation / acting skills; a strong understanding of the principles of animation and a wide breadth of stylistic versatility.
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 Mayas 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 ones 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.

Location: San Francisco, CA, United States

Contact info:
LucasArts
Attn: Recruiting
P.O. Box 29908
San Francisco, CA 94129-0908


http://www.lucasarts.com/jobs/descriptions/?ID=20060417_char_anim

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