Technical Director, Character Rigging/Model - Resident
Apply Now Apply Later Job ID R-03817 Location Emeryville, California, United States Business Pixar Animation Studios Date posted Oct. 29, 2024Job Summary:
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Using modeling software, like ZBrush, to sculpt and refine a neutral 3D model to fit the aesthetic needs of Character Designers
Designing and maintaining a modeling topology conducive to the storyboarded range of deformations
Working closely with Animators to provide and refine an articulation of the full range of expressions and body movement needed to support a character's acting range in the film
A truth to materials/anatomy and animation principles is emphasized, as is patience and a willingness to experiment
Creative use of deformers to achieve a specific deformation called for by Animation with a concise set of animation controls
Designing and maintaining Shared Rigs that can be re-used as a basis for articulating similar characters, or applying existing Rigs to newly created character sculpts
Writing scripts in Python to facilitate workflow improvements
Brainstorming new techniques and ideas for user interfaces, deformation tools, and character specific rigging solutions
Troubleshooting technical issues inherent in maintaining a clean file structure and pipelines for both in-house and 3rd party software
Having proficiency in a programming language and math is important
DEMO REEL GUIDELINES:
Modeling Reel
Examples of digital sculpting of organic forms such as faces or bodies as well as a variety of works and styles
Include a turntable showing the final result and a turntable with the mesh
Include examples of drawings or clay sculpts demonstrating your artistic ability
Bonus for including cloth and/or hair modeling
Rigging Reel
Examples of rigging that support the type of character that is being attempted
A realistic character will have been true to the materials it is made out of
A cartoon type character might have extra exaggeration
Bonus for including examples of animation
Rig Construction Reel
Provide examples of systems that can be used to make faces or bodies
Showing how the controls work and the interface for the animators is important
Descriptive text for the technical designs/tools shown on the reel should be provided on a separate breakdown sheet included with your reel/resume
The hiring range for this position in Emeryville is $65,450.00 to $84,700.00 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors.
About Pixar Animation Studios:
Pixar Animation Studios, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is an Academy Award®-winning film studio with world-renoinswned technical, creative and production capabilities in the art of computer animation. The Northern California studio has created some of the most successful and beloved animated films of all time, including “Toy Story,” “Monsters, Inc.,” “Cars,” “The Incredibles,” “Ratatouille,” “WALL•E,” “Up,” “Toy Story 3,” “Brave,” “Inside Out,” and “Coco.” Its movies have won 35 Academy Awards® and have grossed more than $13 billion at the worldwide box office to date.
About The Walt Disney Company:
The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.
This position is with Pixar Inc., which is part of a business segment we call Pixar Animation Studios.
Pixar Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Disney fosters a business culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a rapidly changing world.