JOBS IN CALI: Obsidian in Irvine, CA is Hiring Animators

Animator 

Obsidian Entertainment is looking for talented, self motivated Animator to join us in creating content for a highly stylized MMORPG. 

The ideal candidate has experience animating both human and non-humanoid characters. A solid grasp of the principles of body movement, anticipation, follow through, and all other facets of 3D animation is essential.

The ideal candidate must be creative and have the ability to understand priorities, work well within a fast-paced production environment, and be able to work with designers, FX artists and other developers to create high quality player character animations.

Requirements

• 3+ years experience in Feature Film and/or Game production using Maya Exceptional skill in animating characters and creatures, a passion for games and a great team player 
• Experience working directly with designers and FX artists in developing a unique and cohesive animations 
• A thorough understanding of animation pipelines and the processes involved from the conceptual phase to implementation 
• Excellent communication and organizational skills 

Responsibilities

• Create high quality player character combat animations 
• Work closely with character artists, designers, FX artist, and other developers to ensure that visual targets are met or exceeded 
• Actively participate in technical and aesthetic problem solving discussions 
• Complete work within deadlines 
• Able to manage time effectively and insure timely delivery of work Portfolio Requirements 
• An online animation reel demonstrating quality in-game 3D animation 

Portfolio Pluses

• 2D character animation examples
• Character illustrations 
• Special Effects animations 
• Life drawing samples 
• Examples of previous work 

All art resumes must be accompanied with website portfolio. Simply apply via e-mail: jobs@obsidian.net.

 Please put the job you are applying to in the subject line.

 Please no phone calls or drop ins. We only accept emailed applications.

A Few spots still Open at iAnimate - Instructor Angie Jones

The Spring classes for iAnimate are filling up.

get your slot registered now!

I am teaching:

WS3 Advanced Body Mechanics - CLASS IS FULL

WS4 Facial Acting and Lip sync - one spot still OPEN!

WS5 Full Body Acting and Facial Lip sync - a few spots still OPEN!

Classes start again January 6th, 2013

 Contact iAnimate if you are interested in signing up!

JOBS IN CALI: Disney in Burbank and Glendale, CA - Hiring Animators

ANIMATOR

Animators, grab your reels and prepare to do the best work of your life.

Be part of the longest running animation team in history. Work alongside legends. Drink all the coffee you want. Waltz into the Animation Research Library and hold a Fred Moore scene in your hands.  Use your animation powers for good and touch the hearts of millions of people around the globe.

We want talented men and women who show exceptional understanding of weight, locomotion, anatomy, dialogue, acting, appeal, and entertainment. If you're funny too, that's a plus. If you're not, you'd better be a crack foosball player. If you've got an opinion, all the better. We want artists with a strong point of view who put a personal spin on their work.

Responsibilities

• Effectively tell the story in a meaningful way through acting and movement
• Create quality animation using digital tools for feature films and other related projects
• Work closely with Directors and Animation Supervisors in a feature film environment:
• Receive assigned shots in sequence review with the Directors providing general guidance
• Plan shots with an understanding of story/character context
• Block animation, most commonly using audio dialog track
• Clearly show performance ideas and shot blocking in Director review (animation dailies)
• Collaborate with and take direction from Directors and Animation Supervisors
• Implement changes and completely finish shots in accordance with production schedule
• Develop a working knowledge of necessary production tools
• Maintain an open and professional demeanor regarding direction, changes and shifting requirements

Requirements

• Visual demonstration (Quicktime or web link preferred) of animation that illustrates visual storytelling, believable expressions, emotional states, weight, physics, balance, appeal, entertainment, clear timing, and staging.
• 2 years production experience
• Proficiency in Maya or equivalent software preferred but not required
• Background in traditional hand-drawn, computer, or stop-motion animation
• Art Background. Bachelor's Degree in Fine Art, Illustration, Computer Graphics preferred
• Degrees in Computer Science, Mathematics or Engineering or equivalent experience helpful but not required

---

ANIMATOR

Job Description
Disney Consumer Products (DCP) is the business segment of The Walt Disney Company that extends the Disney brand to merchandise ranging from apparel, toys, home decor and books to interactive games, food and beverages, stationery, electronics and animation art.

Disney Publishing Worldwide develops original, award-winning content (both Disney and non-Disney branded), including Disney books, magazines and comic books. Its products are printed in more than 85 languages across 103 countries, and it is considered the largest publisher of children’s books and magazines in the world.

Animators drive the animation vision and style. Employees in the Animator job family establish and drive the animation style for each product.

Responsibilities

•Establish animation and motion style of digital products ensuring high-quality experience.
•Working primarily in Maya, Animate short sequences in mobile applications (both character and background elements).
•Collaborate with digital creative team to repurpose, adapt and animate existing assets.
•Create prototypes and mock-ups of new types of products.
•Explores technology related to animation/emerging mobile tools.
•Plans and builds out animation pipeline; performs advanced technical activities that facilitate multiple stages of work in the animation and effects production pipeline.
•Develops robust solutions and techniques that meet art/technical direction and drive future uses.

Basic Qualifications

•Skill in character animation and illustration, acting and storytelling.
•Skill in Maya as a character animator, with expertise additionally in rigging, modeling, texturing, lighting
•Additional Expertise with animation and graphic design and development software such as Unity, Adobe After Effects, Flash, Toon Boom, Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator.
•Knowledge and experience with apps, mobile devices, android devices, the IOS platform, current media and gaming trends and interactive storytelling.
•Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, effective with all levels, internally and externally Ability to work collaboratively across the organization and across disciplines.
•Ability to work independently, multi-task, make fast decisions and learn through iteration.
•Process-orientation, results driven and a restless passion for quality experiences
•Contagious high energy level, extraordinary sense of urgency and a dedication to continuous improvement.

Required Education

•College degree required in Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Animation, Illustration, Industrial Design, Interactive Design or Computer Science Job Posting Industries
Digital / InteractiveGaming PublishingPrimary Location-City: Glendale
Primary Location-State: CA
Primary Location-Country: US
Auto req ID: 153253BR


Disney Consumer Products (DCP) is the business segment of The Walt Disney Company that extends the Disney brand to merchandise ranging from apparel, toys, home decor and books to interactive games, food and beverages, stationery, electronics and animation art.

Disney Publishing Worldwide develops original, award-winning content (both Disney and non-Disney branded), including Disney books, magazines and comic books. Its products are printed in more than 85 languages across 103 countries, and it is considered the largest publisher of children’s books and magazines in the world.

Animators drive the animation vision and style. Employees in the Animator job family establish and drive the animation style for each product.

---

ANIMATOR

Responsibilities

•Establish animation and motion style of digital products ensuring high-quality experience.
•Working primarily in Maya, Animate short sequences in mobile applications (both character and background elements).
•Collaborate with digital creative team to repurpose, adapt and animate existing assets.
•Create prototypes and mock-ups of new types of products.
•Explores technology related to animation/emerging mobile tools.
•Plans and builds out animation pipeline; performs advanced technical activities that facilitate multiple stages of work in the animation and effects production pipeline.
•Develops robust solutions and techniques that meet art/technical direction and drive future uses.

Basic Qualifications
•Skill in character animation and illustration, acting and storytelling.
•Skill in Maya as a character animator, with expertise additionally in rigging, modeling, texturing, lighting
•Additional Expertise with animation and graphic design and development software such as Unity, Adobe After Effects, Flash, Toon Boom, Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator.
•Knowledge and experience with apps, mobile devices, android devices, the IOS platform, current media and gaming trends and interactive storytelling.
•Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, effective with all levels, internally and externally Ability to work collaboratively across the organization and across disciplines.
•Ability to work independently, multi-task, make fast decisions and learn through iteration.
•Process-orientation, results driven and a restless passion for quality experiences
•Contagious high energy level, extraordinary sense of urgency and a dedication to continuous improvement.

Required Education
•College degree required in Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Animation, Illustration, Industrial Design, Interactive Design or Computer Science
Job Posting Industries
Digital / InteractiveGaming Publishing
Primary Location-City: Glendale
Primary Location-State: CA
Primary Location-Country: US
Auto req ID: 153253BR

Collaborating on Group Projects - how do you pick the right people?

Animators need sound designers

One of the most important aspects of studying any form of film-making,  whether it is animation or live action - or any other media - is learning to collaborate with other people. As a film-maker, you cannot possibly hope to become an expert in everything; you will always need help from other departments. Animators may need help from modelers, designers, texture artists - finding people with the skills you need to finish your film is all part of getting the job done.



For their next animation project, our first-year animation students are collaborating with sound designers, making sure that their project successfully incorporates music, sound effects and Foley in an appealing, seamless way. Of course, animators can do their own sound effects, so why ask for help? The answer is simple: a student who has spent years studying sound design will do a much better job.

Where do our students look for help with their projects? The answer is the Bucks Media Collaborations Page, which you can find here at Facebook. It's a great way to find other students to help out with your stuff, and also a good place to offer your own services.

As with any project, when you start looking for help, you may get more than one offer. So how do you pick the right person? On a commercial project, you will always ask to see samples, or demo reels (usually online), so that you can pick the best candidate.
 
For unpaid projects, where you are relying on volunteers, you need to avoid upsetting your talent by making excessive demands. After all, they're not doing it for the money. But it's still OK to ask to see work samples - this is good discipline for anyone who is pitching for any kind of work. We all of us need to have our best work online at a website or blog to make it is easy for people to find us, and see if we are the right person for the job.

Collaborating with other students is where our undergraduates begin to learn so-called "soft skills"; the sort of skills you are going to need in the work place, to make sure you get along with your colleagues, get what you need to do the job well, but also to be respectful of your colleagues, and treat them decently.

If in doubt, always ask yourself this question: how you would like to be treated, if you were in their shoes?

----Alex

(Editor's note: For more on the Bucks Media Collaborations Page, see this article. To find out more about how to work successfully on group projects, check out this piece. )

Making of - Starfish

Making of - Starfish from Colorbleed Studios on Vimeo.

JOBS IN CALI: Amazon Game Studios is Hiring - Lake Forrest, CA

Lake Forest, California

3D ANIMATOR

Amazon Game Studios is looking for a talented Animator to help give life to our games. The perfect candidate is hardworking, and a self-motivated team player and can work well under the direction of an Art Director and Lead Animator.

LEARN MORE & APPLY

Wind

WIND from robert loebel on Vimeo.

Composer Normand Roger Remembers Working with Frederic Back

Normand Roger, who composed the music for all of Frederic Back's films from 1975 on, remembers the late artist on the CBC radio show As It Happens.

How do you pick the best place to study animation?

Life at University

One of the most important decisions that any of us will ever make is what to study at University, and where. How do you choose? Even if you know you want to study animation and the digital arts (good choice!), there are at least 80 courses in the UK to select from. So how do you pick the right one? The simple answer is - pick the best. But how you tell which courses are the best? There are a number of ways of making the right decision, but we think that there are two that are by far the most important.

First, check out what other students on the course have already done. If they have done excellent work, the chances are that you will too. Why? Because few students produce great work in a vacuum. Most of us require motivation, inspiration, and the discipline of a well structured curriculum to guide us through, and help us do the best work we are capable of. Students are pushed by their tutors to succeed, and are inspired by the excellent work done by their peers to do better themselves. This is a virtuous circle in which standards get raised all the time.

We've just cut a new demo reel for the work done in recent years at Bucks. Check it out. We want all our students to be at least as good as this - and preferably do even better.


Second, take a look at the people teaching the course have done. Are they skilled in animation and digital media? Are their skills up to date? This is an industry which is in a state of constant change and upheaval as new technology drives the market. Traditional art skills matter, but so does having the right software and the ability to use it.

I've been working in the animation industry for 25 years, since 1987 when I worked as an assistant animator on Who Framed Roger Rabbit?. Later I got to work on Lion King at Disney, and The Iron Giant at Warner Bros, among many other hand-drawn films. In the early 2000s I switched from 2D to 3D animation, working on Robots, Open Season and then Monster House. Below is my 3D animation reel.


In the mid-2000's I started working in visual effects, on Racing Stripes, Beverly Hills Chihuahua, the last three Harry Potter films, and Voyage of the Dawn Treader. The video below shows a selection of visual effects work.




All our tutors at Bucks know their stuff. We're proud of what we do, and we are proud of teaching practical, industry-level skills that will help our students find jobs in an every-changing and highly competitive market.

-----Alex

(Editor's Note: To see the excellent work done by Bucks tutor Rob Kelly, check out this post. To see more examples of our students' work, check out the first exercise done by our new students here. Also, take a look at the animation of Jack Strood, as well as our latest commercial project for Rocketseed, our short film done for a global aid agency, and take a look at the excellent work of some of our recent graduates, such as designer Monika Dzikowicz, architectural visualisation specialist Krsytof Michalski, Alex Whitfield and the 3D artwork of Mike Swan. )

This Unusual Instrument Is Responsible For The Early Disney Music

Animating Noam Chomsky | An Afternoon With Michel Gondry from The Creators Project

Animating Noam Chomsky | An Afternoon With Michel Gondry from The Creators Project on Vimeo.

"Down" Town

"Down" Town from SHED on Vimeo.

Merry Knitmas

Merry Knitmas from Kompost on Vimeo.

ummm, adorbz

Frederic Back Has Died

There is nothing to say except that a giant of Canadian animation has passed.

MPC is hiring!

One of London's leading visual effects houses, the Moving Picture Company (MPC), is hiring! They are looking for artists not just for Canada and Bangalore, but also for London, which thankfully suggests that Soho isn't quite finished yet.

Here's the link to the jobs page at their website.  Time for all of our recent graduates to polish their CVs, edit their demo reels, and start applying. After all, once you've stuffed your face with mince pies and watched Harry Potter 12 on the Telly, there's not much else to do between now and New Year. Take advantage of this glorious downtime to make your demo reel sing.

For more information on jobs, and how to put together a killer demo reel, click on the jobs tab in the cloud at the bottom right hand corner of this blog.

---Alex

(Editor's Note: for more on what studios look for in a great demo reel, try this link. And for more on demo reels, take a look at this video by Sony Pictures Animation. You can also watch Alex's ten minute video on creating a great reel, and read this post on the perfect demo reel. Also, check out our guide to animation careers here, and also take a look at this map of digital studios - a great place to start your search for work in the business. Learn the nuts and bolts of freelance life by reading our guide to invoicing clients, and our guide to putting together a great CV.)

Hotel T Reference Comparison

"Let It Go" Animation Process

egipciaca:

"Let It Go" animation process (❄).

Storyboards by Dean Wellins.  Draw-overs, blocking, and final animation by Wayne Unten!e Unten!

Life Drawing Comes to Bucks! - Sign up with the Student Union on January 21st

Figure drawing - great training for animators

Animation is a blend of creative and technical skills, and a good animator needs both to survive. It is true that digital animators don't need to draw with the same degree of skill as they did in the days of hand-drawn animation, but good draughtsmanship still helps a great deal, not just for design work but for storyboards, thumbnails, visual development and all the other related areas that a good animator often gets called upon to do.

We've been working with the Student Union at Bucks to organise life drawing classes for our students, and we strongly recommend that everyone sign up. It's great skill to acquire and will help all our animators become better artists.

Full details below. Sign up now and don't wait - these classes are popular and will fill up fast!

Life drawing classes will be running from Tuesday 28th January 5pm-7pm for 8 weeks. To sign up to the activity, students will need to email Kate Blythe (kate.blythe@bucks.ac.uk) with their full name, student ID and contact number on Tuesday 21st January from 9am.

The Rules:
1. Only one person and can sign up per email.
2. Spaces will be allocated on a first come, first served basis
3. Spaces are limited and, if there is high demand, there is a good chance that some students will not get a space.
4. If the student manages to get a space they will be asked to pay a £10 commitment deposit into the Student Union reception.
5. It is important that students can commit to 6 out of the 8 weeks as if anymore of the sessions are missed then they will not receive their deposit back.
6. Any students who do not secure a space on the course will go onto the reserve list therefore is anyone does not pay their deposit or drops out, then they will be offered the space.

For more information, contact  Kate Blythe, Student Activities assistant.

t: 01494 601 600 | e: kate.blythe@bucks.ac.uk
Bucks Students’ Union, Queen Alexandra Road, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP11 2JZ

www.bucksstudentsunion.org

Time to put down your Wacom tablets and sharpen your pencils!

----Alex

Wallflowers

Wallflowers from The Line on Vimeo.

so funny!

Epic Comparison Reel

Epic Comparison Reel from jeff gabor on Vimeo.

More storage space for our animation students!

Our new Animation & Visual Effects Course has been running for three months now, and we're still ironing out some of the kinks. Recently our students gave vent to their frustration at the rather stingy data allowance of just 750MB for personal storage, barely enough to run all the software we use, let alone store high resolution images and video.

Luckily, the Bucks IT department has come now to the rescue. From now on, starting in the New Year, all our students will get 5 gigabytes of storage; still not a massive amount - but a huge improvement, and enough to run all the software we use and also make some decent renders.

Students will still need to bring their own external hard drive to store large files, but this is good practice for industry, since it's always wise to back up your work. Files get corrupted, drives die. Mysterious things happen to data, and you can never back up your work too often.

Anyway, we're pleased to be able to offer a better experience for our students, and also to show that big organisations do sometimes listen, and even make changes, occasionally for the better.

----Alex 

(Editor's Note: To find out more about what we're doing to improve the technical services we offer our students, read this post about our new online animation videos. To find out about the high tech services in the library, click here, and for an introduction to the overall range of services we offer, read this post.)

Bucks Animation & VFX Demo Reel

An animator's demo reel is never done. It is a constant work-in-progress, always being refined and updated to include your best work and weed out the less impressive material. Over the years a great deal of excellent work has been done by animators and digital artists here at Bucks.

One of the challenges of putting together a compilation reel of our best student work has been trying to track down all the films done in recent years. Here, for the first time, is a compilation of some of our students' best work, cut together by our first year animator Anton "Alfy" Alfimenko.


Congratulations to all the artists who worked hard on their films to bring them up to such a high standard. We hope to do even better over the new year, as we strive to become the best animation and visual effects course in the country.

You can see our brand new hot-off-the-presses demo reel at our YouTube page below.


----Alex

(Editor's Note: To see more examples of our students' work, check out the first exercise done by our new students here. Also, take a look at the animation of Jack Strood, as well as our latest commercial project for Rocketseed, our short film done for a global aid agency, and take a look at the excellent work of some of our recent graduates, such as designer Monika Dzikowicz, architectural visualisation specialist Krsytof Michalski, Alex Whitfield and the 3D artwork of Mike Swan. )

Character snow simulation - Kristoff, Frozen

disneyanimation:

Character snow simulation - Kristoff, Frozen

The Princess and the Frog (2009) Pencil Test: Louis Scene 4

© Disney

Animation by
Eric Goldberg

From Lines to Colors

The Drawings