Creature FX Artists are responsible for providing a wide variety of dynamic simulations for character based work; including clothing, hair, muscle, skin as well as any post simulation sculpting and finaling.
Creature FX artists will be expected to carry out the following responsibilities:
Create simulation rigs for characters and creatures using Maya nCloth, nHair, and additional 3rd party and proprietary tools.
Execute shots using simulation rigs and the delivery of finished assets to the Lighting department.
Liaise with other departments involved in the creature workflow - Modeling, Rigging, Animation, Lighting and Groom.
Be involved in the development of departmental tools and techniques.
Meet schedules and deadlines whilst maintaining the highest standards.
Present work for review to leads, supervisors, clients etc and follow through with notes and feedback as required.
Have ongoing communication with production and leads regarding schedules and deadlines.
Continue to become familiar with new tools, software, data and other related technology.
Work efficiently as part of a team, or independently, to complete assigned shots.
Lead Creature FX Artists will be expected to carry out the following responsibilities:
Lead a team of artists on a show.
Have a good understanding of key simulation requirements on a show.
Manage and spec team assignments.
Take responsibility for producing or overseeing sim Rigs and simulations for all creatures/characters and carry out or oversee set ups.
Has a good understanding of all types of dynamic simulation: cloth, hair/fur, feathers, skin and muscle.
Establish workflow templates, and approach and methods documentation and provide to the team where necessary.
Ensure that department tools are available for the team and properly set up for the show.
Assign appropriate tasks to Senior, Mid and Junior team members, showing a strong understanding of their abilities and the project workflow and timing.
Key contact for production and supervisors ensuring clear communication as to creative challenges and solutions and delays to scheduling, attend scheduling meetings.
Train, share knowledge and is responsible for the progression of more junior members of the team.
Work with supervisors and HOD on bids, and attend bidding meetings.
Work with HOD and Department manager to keep them updated on the progress of a show, challenges in the work or schedule and any team requirements.
Be the point of contact and maintain good relations with all other departments and address and issues promptly.
Attend dailies and present the work of your team, guide artists on how to present work.
Provide regular feedback and quality control for the work.
Set a high level of professionalism for the team, displaying calmness, integrity and positivity.
Ensure the show wiki is relevant and up to date especially after wrapping.
Desirable Skills:
Programming or scripting experience.
Modelling and rigging skills and experience.
A good understanding of Maya constraints and deformers.
Experience of working under a Unix/Linux systems environment.
Possesses a good eye, able to look at reference material and understand how to apply that within a simulation environment.
Good understanding of anatomy human and animal.