This job might no longer be available.
3D Animation Lead (New role in studio)
1 year ago
We’re looking for someone to join our experienced team and take the lead on all things 3D animation in a full time and permanent capacity. We’ve previously managed with our existing team of multi-talented artists but new projects require us to step up our game (pun intended).
Our eclectic mix of games (Moving Out, SP!NG, No Way Home, RISK, Thumb Drift, Death Squared, OTTTD, One More Line and One More Dash) showcase how we don't like to rest on our laurels.
This is a chance to establish how SMG does animation from pipeline, workflow and approach. And over time, hire more people to work under your supervision and direction.
We’re looking for someone with a passion for character animation and making people laugh.
We’re working on a high profile family console title for Q4 2024 release that will entertain, excite and make millions of people laugh. Your animation work will be central to this. You will also advise and help across our other titles like Moving Out.
This is a game you’ll be excited and proud to be part of with an amazing team that respects creativity and quality.
People from diverse backgrounds or those from under-represented groups are encouraged to apply.
What you will do: (we're happy to discuss this JD with candidates to craft something that works for the right talent/skill set)
- This is a highly creative role. This is for someone who WANTS to be part of the creative process with us
- Concept and workshop ideas for all things animated and work with the various teams to bring to life gameplay ideas through animation
- Keyframe animate characters, creatures & contraptions (vehicles, robots, environmental props) for various gameplay needs.
- Work with programmers to mix in procedural animation and keyframe animation to get the best end result.
- Work with existing or create your own rigs as needed. Ot talk “rigger” to the tech art team to explain what you need
- Plan, concepting, storyboard, block out and animate cutscenes to convey story, jokes and instructions to players
- Create multiple variations of highly used animations to surprise players with each play through
- Integrate with voice over and provide feedback on scripts to ensure VO is used for maximum effectiveness
- Suggest ideas on how animation can make our games funnier and more interesting
- Collaborate with programmers and designers to enable a functional workflow to create quality animations
- Give and receive constructive feedback on your work and the work of others
- Integrate animations into Unity
- Manage yourself independently, working effectively and efficiently.
- Maintain and strive for the highest production quality possible while also knowing where to put the energy in for maximum effect and ignoring stuff that no one will see or care about. Seriously, we're not perfectionists, we focus on what’s important.
- Later help recruit, mentor and nurture others in the team to grow and improve their skills
Requirements:
- Ability to animate multiple styles and unique characters
- Experience in Maya or Blender with a pipeline into Unity
- Highly collaborative
- Quick-thinking, personable, flexible and adaptive
- Keen sense of humor.
- An understanding of technical needs & quirks of animating for games
- Experience with Unity
- Experience working with a team on a commercially released game title or animated series/film
- Ability to work remotely with our team in Sydney.
- A +- 4hrs with SYDNEY timezone
- Experience working on animated family films a bonus
Non Technical Skills:
- Great work ethics, and a problem solving attitude.
- Good English, written and verbal.
- Confidence & capability (emotional intelligence) to communicate ideas, solutions & potential issues
- Diligent and respectful.
- Good time estimation of effort.
- No ego
- A passion for constantly making things better and mastering your craft.
The Team:
We're a tight and experienced team from all around the world including Finland, Russia, Mexico, Brazil, France, Italy, UK, USA, Germany and even NZ!
We’ve shipped 10 titles, won multiple awards and are proud of our long tenure with 10 people serving over 10+ years with the team. We also have more parents in the team than < 25 and embrace flexibility to help people spend time with their kids & family.
Benefits
- 5 weeks annual leave after 2 years
- 3 wellness days leave
- One day a year paid charity volunteer day (One Day for Change)
- Increased paid primary carer's leave from 12 weeks to 16 weeks
- Superannuation is paid on any unpaid leave (up to 52 weeks)
- Increased paid secondary carer's leave from 2 weeks to 4 weeks
- Paid learning workshops across a variety of topics (Project Management, Resilience & Stress Management and Time Management)
- Flexibility to work from home anywhere in the world (we are 90% WFH now) or office in Sydney or Melbourne within a +-4 hrs to SYDNEY timezone
- Free counseling . Employee Assistance Program, 24 hours | 7 days.
- Health insurance discounts from Medibank Private (AU only)
- Vehicle discounts. Discounts from BMW, Mini, Jaguar and Land Rover (AU only)
- Novated lease available for new cars (AU only)
How to Apply
- Demo Reel of work required
Create Your Profile — Game companies can contact you with their relevant job openings.