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Lead Cinematic Animator
1 year ago
That’s No Moon is an independent AAA game development studio established in 2021 by veterans of some of the most recognizable and critically acclaimed creative teams in the world, including Naughty Dog, Infinity Ward, Santa Monica Studio, Bungie, PlayStation, and more. A remote-friendly studio with a central office and performance capture stage located in Los Angeles, That’s No Moon is creating the next generation of narrative-driven, genre-defining experiences built upon a culture of creativity, collaboration, responsible production practices, and individual empowerment. We are assembling a diverse team of passionate developers of a wide range of experience levels and backgrounds to help shape the future of our studio and projects.
We are looking for a Lead Cinematic Animator with a passion for creating incredible animation for a AAA title. Expect to manage a team of animators, internal and external, to ensure high quality character performances. Responsibilities also include helping develop workflows, tools and processes used by animators. To ensure characters are story driven, have emotional depth and clarity. To work alongside design, motion edit, tech art and the motion capture department to support the unified goal in delivering compelling cinematics of the highest level!
Responsibilities:
- Create and integrate AAA quality cinematic animations that reflect game design and story goals
- Collaborate with engineers, designers and tech artists to assist in developing tools and workflow
- Use motion capture effectively and hand-key appropriately
- Collaborate with other departments to ensure cinematics and gameplay are cohesive
- Work at the highest level, technically and aesthetically
- Ensure that character performances are believable and reflect story moments with clarity and intention
- Be proactive with troubleshooting any animation workflow and pipeline issues.
- Effectively communicate with animators, engineers, designers and riggers, to give and accept feedback
- Lead and mentor an animation team, communicate and critique effectively
- Be involved with hiring and support with your direct reports.
- Establish and demonstrate standard methodologies in animation and lead by example
- Participate in motion capture shoots when needed
Requirements & Skills:
- Proven Lead experience in working with motion capture and hand-key animation in the game industry
- Ability to create and lead in all aspects of animation including facial, biped, quadruped and vehicles
- Demo reel showing a proven understanding of all animation principles
- Experience in creating cinematic, narrative driven character performances of the highest quality.
- Professional working knowledge of Maya
- Experience working with game engines
- Passionate about making games and the enthusiasm to make the best!
- Proven track record to successfully lead
- Excellent problem-solving and interpersonal skills
Qualities:
- Flexibility in switching tasks to accommodate production priorities
- Ability to appreciate other department's perspectives
- Maintain integrity and confidence in results-oriented times
- Empathic and respected team leader
- Team oriented with a desire to mentor other animators
- Promote inclusivity, diversity and fairness
- Practice patience and be open to giving and receiving feedback
TNM considers a number of factors when determining each role's base pay range, including industry benchmarks, location, experience, and other job specific skills. In addition to base pay, this role may be eligible for other incentive compensation including equity and profit share. The estimated base pay range for this role is U.S. only and not applicable for locations outside of the U.S.
TNM offers competitive and comprehensive benefits that include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match, unlimited PTO, supplemental life and disability, and more. Eligibility to participate in these benefits may vary for part-time or temporary employees.
The estimated base pay range for this role is: $146,000 - $193,000
That's No Moon is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ancestry, color, citizenship, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, legally protected physical or mental disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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