Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Jobs Info

I have been searching for jobs that are hiring traditional animation artists. I found two that are online gaming sites that specializes in 2D vector-based animated cutscenes.


Kabam Studios


About Kabam
Kabam is an interactive entertainment company that creates free-to-play games for social networks. Kabam games combine deep, immersive gameplay found in massively multiplayer online strategy and RPG games with the connectivity and interaction benefits of social networks. The first in a wave of new social games, Kingdoms of Camelot® and Dragons of Atlantis™, have been praised by the press and, more importantly, players for their depth of play and social interaction.


Responsibilities
Animators are responsible for creating 2D animations in Flash for use in a wide variety of games. Candidates should know Flash or be willing to learn. Animations need to look great, flow smoothly, follow established model sheets, be versatile enough to be customized by users (sometimes), and work within the technical constraints of a given title. We want people who really know their traditional 2D animation, not merely people who know how to slide layers around in Flash and fake it. And you need to be comfortable working with a wide array of characters, from cute and bouncy to more realistically-proportioned human anatomy


Requirements
* 4+ years of traditional / 2D animation experience (Work at a game company or equivalent situation preferred but not mandatory)
* Experience with Flash (or similar vector-based 2D animation application) or willingness to learn Flash
* Excellent understanding of all of the principles of traditional cel-based 2D animation. If you have no idea who Frank Thomas, Ollie Johnston, or Richard Williams are, you're not the right candidate.
* Advanced knowledge of Illustrator, Photoshop and preferably Flash. Actionscript 3 knowledge a plus.
* Character design skills, coloring ability, environment design, and illustration chops all desirable
* 3D experience a plus
* Strong cross-functional communications skills. Must be able to take direction, communicate with other artists (and the occasional external contractor), and work with engineers to ensure that art and animations are properly implemented in the game
* Strong passion for gaming, especially in the social/casual sphere. Experience working on them desirable but not absolutely necessary
* A desire to grow your skills and experience; a natural mentor
* A terrific sense of humor.
* Must be available to work full-time at our offices in Redwood City, CA




Riot Games

About Riot


Riot Games is an independent Los Angeles-based game developer and publisher. The studio was established in 2006 to develop innovative online next-generation titles for PC and consoles. Comprised of world class industry veterans with a shared passion for online gaming, Riot's first game is League of Legends, a free-to-play premium multiplayer online product launched in October 2009.


Responsibilities (including but not limited to):

  • Create high quality 2D art assets
  • Work together with various teams such as interface, marketing and content to gather and execute on requirements
  • Seek out feedback and take direction

Requirements

  • High level 2D illustrations skills
  • Rapid conception and iteration
  • 3D and animation skills a plus
  • Game experience a plus
  • Self-motivated and strong team player

Desired

  • Passion for video games
  • Knowledge of video games industry
  • Strong ability to prioritize effectively
  • Positive, team-oriented attitude

The skills that I have acquired in college has qualified me for these particular jobs. There are programs listed that I have little to no skills in such as Actionscript 3 but it is not a requirement for employment. Also, I have experience in animation but the program in which I am efficient is not what they work in. So, I must take the time to learn my way around Flash.
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Pixar


Animator

About Pixar

Pixar Animation Studios, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is an Academy Award®-winning film studio with world-renowned technical, creative and production capabilities in the art of computer animation.  Creator of some of the most successful and beloved animated films of all time, including Toy Story, Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Cars, Ratatouille, WALL-E and most recently, Up. The Northern California studio has won 21 Academy Awards® and its ten films have grossed more than $5 billion at the worldwide box office to date. The next film release from Disney/Pixar is Toy Story 3 (June 18, 2010).

Summary of Position

Creates the motions, gestures, and expressions of three-dimensional computer graphics characters and objects.

Responsibilities

- Receive with each assigned shot: storyboards, story reels, recorded dialogue, set layout, and direction.  The Director shows each new sequence in layout and describes what is expected for every shot at a "blocking meeting"
- Read soundtrack and plan shot
- Block in movements in rough animation and show for the Director's approval in a daily review
- Finish work for Director approval in a timely manner
- Attend animation dailies

Qualifications

- Degree or certificate in classical animation, film, or related field, or equivalent production animation experience
- Must have a DVD demo reel that demonstrates application of the principles of animation to tell a story with meaning through movement
- Ability to work collaboratively
- Must be open to direction and able to embrace change
- Proven storytelling skills
- Ability to use acting skills, which bring characters to life, as well as clearly communicate simple ideas with which an audience can empathize
- Strong understanding of traditional animation principles
- An art background, which shows a thorough, understanding of physical motion, weight, balance, texture, and form
- Computer animation experience preferred but not required

Submission Process

After applying online at www.pixar.com, please submit your cover letter, a hard copy of your resume and demo reel (DVD preferred), and reel breakdown/shot list to:

Pixar Animation Studios
Attn: Recruiting
1200 Park Avenue
Emeryville, CA 94608



When it comes to Pixar, it seems that there is still a place in the company for the traditional animator. Though I have experience in 3D programs, I feel that I need much more in order to become a skilled CG character animator. With that said, the direction I want to take in my career at the moment fits Pixar's criteria. When it comes to the demo reels, though, I may need to do more small projects to really highlight my acting skills.

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