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Animation Director job

Posted: July 18, 2006
CG JOBS
subject: Animation Director , Heavy Iron Studios a division of THQ, Inc.

Heavy Iron Studios a division of THQ, Inc. is looking for Animation Director
duration - Full Time

Job details: Animation Director Job Summary:
Supervise the animation department of a cutting edge interactive entertainment studio, managing several animation teams across the studios concurrent development of multiple titles. Responsible for recruiting, mentoring and managing animation staff, collaborating with tech and art leads in development of project pipelines, tools and technologies, and participating in the design, development and production of all in-house titles. Also responsible for supervising all in-house and outsourced animation production, working directly with individual animation leads and project producers, and occasionally creating production animation assets

The Animation Director, in partnership with the Art Director, Design Director and the studios VP Creative Director, is responsible for the aesthetic and creative vision of all games in development, ensuring they are of the highest quality, both visually and in gameplay.

Job Responsibilities:
In tandem with the Art Director and Design Director, envision and maintain the unique visual style and creativity of all in-house titles while ensuring production is completed on budget and on schedule.
Act in a leadership role coordinating and supervising the efforts of several Animation Leads across the concurrent development of several game projects. Assist Animation Leads in the scheduling and assignment of tasks, based both on high level design and individual strengths/weaknesses, provide guidance to all subordinate animation department members, and monitor progress throughout production.
Participate in animation reviews and when appropriate offer direction to individual animators on animation fundamentals, character motion, acting, camera direction, timing, posing, etc.
Work with Animation Leads and Project Producers to determine and schedule animation deliverables and priorities and communicate animation department status and direction to other departments in the studio.
Work with the Tools and Technologies departments to design, develop, evaluate and maintain technical guidelines as related to animation production, as well as animation tools, pipelines, processes, etc.
In conjunction with individual project Animation, Art and Design Leads, coordinate and supervise the outsourcing of work to various studios and vendors, for both in game assets and cinematic sequences
Determine animation staffing needs and coordinate with HR department on all recruiting efforts.

Job Requirements:
Minimum 3 years game industry experience.
Minimum 5 years professional animation experience.
Experience as a credited Animation Director or Animation Lead for several AAA titles, directing a team of animators on projects that consist of both interactive gameplay elements and cinematic sequences, both in-engine and FMV.
Experience in game design and production and the use of relevant tools and software (Maya, proprietary tools and editors, etc.) and knowledge of standard guidelines for consoles (Playstation, Nintendo, Xbox, etc.).
Experience with outsourcing elements of a project and integrating internally and externally created animation assets
Experience working with licensed properties and original IPs.

Skills:
Experience as a leader and role model within the game development or animation industries, at a team level and with the necessary management skills to supervise a crew on a day-to-day basis.
Ability to build, evaluate and revise schedules and manage a projects execution within those schedules. Ability to schedule dependencies with other project leads.
Must have a passion for playing and creating highly creative, quality videogames.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills

Plusses:
Production experience on feature films, television or commercial visual FX
Experience pitching concepts and designs to publishers and clients.
Bachelors Degree in Film, Animation or Fine Arts

Location: Los Angeles, CA, United States

Contact info:
Heavy Iron Studios
6601 Center Drive Suite Suite 400
Los Angeles, CA 90045

We offer a challenging work environment, a competitive salary, and excellent benefits. Candidates should forward resume and salary requirements along with the reference number #9922 to: E-mail: jobpost@heavy-iron.com or http://thq.kenexa.com/thq/cc/Home.ss


NOTICE:

We prefer that candidates apply directly rather than through recruiters. Recruiters must contact the Human Resource Department prior to submitting a resume, may only submit upon request to the Human Resource Department and may not contact hiring managers without Human Resource permission

http://thq.kenexa.com/thq/cc/CCJobResultsAction.ss?command=ViewJobDetails&job;_REQUISITION_NUMBER=9922
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