Camera Layout Artist / Animator (Temporary Assignment)

This position is for a temporary engagement through our staffing partner Yoh Services.

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States for this position.

Summary:

Naughty Dog is looking for a talented Camera Layout Artist/Animator to become part of our team in creating the next generation of our award-winning cinematics! The artist will assist in the camera layout phase of development of both interactive and non-interactive cinematics. They will support the Lead Camera Layout Artist in achieving the Director’s vision through appropriate use of staging, blocking, cameras, lenses, composition, motion, and editing. The artist will then work alongside the animation team to make adjustments and maintain technical aspects of the camera work and bring the cameras to final polish.
Responsibilities:

• Create shots that clearly depict staging, blocking, camera motion, and character performance
• Manipulate performance capture data to stage scenes
• Previs sequences based on game script, figuring out pacing, blocking prior to shoot
• Provide solutions to creative problems, and be capable of pitching ideas verbally
• Communicate clearly with production staff and manage production tasks
• Maintain technical cleanliness in all work and proactively identify possible technical issues
• Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed

Requirements & Skills:

• 5+ years of experience as a Camera Layout/Previs artist working in the game or film industries
• Maya experience is required. Generalist level skill animating, modeling, rigging, shading, etc.
• Strong storytelling skills
• Strong Camera and Motion Capture editing skills
• Strong cinematic knowledge. Intrinsically understand composition, cameras, film language, and editing
• Team oriented. Able to cooperate well with a director, supervisor, lead, art director, editor, etc.
• Collaborative attitude. Capable of growing through peer feedback and providing honest, constructive feedback to others
• Solid production knowledge. Know the workings of linked production departments (modeling, rigging, layout, animation, etc.)

Bonus Skills:

• Recognition of the general themes and cinematic style of Naughty Dog games
• Experience using camera capture systems from shooting through processing
• Understanding of still camera photography. Capable of shooting well exposed and composed photos

As a part of the Naughty Dog application process, candidates will be expected to provide a portfolio or demo reel of their work and may be asked to complete an animation test.