DreamWorks Feature - Animation TA

$78,312 - $95,000/Yr

NBC - Glendale, CA

Full-time - Entry Level

Remote - Glendale, CA

1,001-5,000 employees

Broadcasting and Content Providers

About the position

The Animation Technical Assistant (TA) at DreamWorks Animation plays a crucial role in supporting the Character teams by ensuring the quality and fidelity of character rigs used in animation. This position involves troubleshooting software issues, performing basic animation tasks, and collaborating closely with both the Animation and Character TD departments to enhance processes and workflows. The TA is expected to contribute to the creation of animations, verify character rig features, and assist in maintaining the visual language of the characters throughout the production process.

Responsibilities

• Complete first pass of quality control between Character departments by confirming joint placements and basic deformation.
• Create body and facial calisthenics animations (Rigging, CFX, Animation).
• Create poses and simple animation (i.e. walk cycles) to test rigs.
• Create shots for the Head of Character Animation and Animators as needed.
• Verify consistency of tools and character rig features/controls within a show and among other shows.
• Monitor character deformations to ensure adherence to the show's visual language and flag any issues to the Head of Character Animation.
• Assist in building the characters' Animation Interface.
• Assist Character TDs with crafting and updating Animation Parts for each character.
• Evaluate upcoming sequences to flag potential character rig requirements.
• Follow-up with other departments while troubleshooting issues until a resolution is reached.
• Test new software maps and/or features as needed (Premo and/or Rig).
• Develop efficiencies for future character tests based on QA tests, movies, and models.
• Work closely with Head of Character Animation, Animation Supervisors, Character TD Supervisors, and Leads to determine quality level and criteria at handoff from Character TD to Animation.
• Communicate areas of concern or special features requested by Animators for each character.
• Gather notes and feedback from Animators to complete rig wrecking.
• Attend relevant meetings and document new processes and procedures.

Requirements

• A solid understanding of the principles of animation, body mechanics, and facial animation.
• Proficient in 3D Character Animation, Character Rigging, and some basic knowledge of 3D Modeling.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Problem solving and troubleshooting in a technical environment.
• Experience with unix/linux.
• 2D graphics software knowledge, such as Gimp.
• Willingness to work overtime if/when necessary.

Nice-to-haves

• Production experience.
• Drawing skills (traditional, digital, etc.)

Benefits

• Full-time remote work option
• Competitive salary range of $78,312 - $95,000
• Equal employment opportunities
• Support for individuals with disabilities during the application process