BC - Character Effects Artist

Zoic Studios; Vancouver; On-site; Full time

Job summary

A leading visual effects studio in Vancouver seeks a Character FX Artist to create and execute simulations for 3D character assets. This role requires expertise in animation principles and relevant software tools. Join a creative team working on an exciting stop-motion project.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of feature film or relevant industry experience.
• Strong knowledge of cloth and hair simulation.

Responsibilities

• Produce cloth and hair simulations, prop animations.
• Collaborate with technical directors to improve workflows.

Skills

Animation Principles

Communication

Technical Skills

Tools

Maya

Houdini

Job description

This position is onsite, based in Vancouver, BC. All applicants must reside in the lower Mainland of BC, Canada.

About Zoic

Zoic Studios is a Visual Effects company that specializes in high-end visual effects for television, film, and advertising. Our mantra is VisualEvolution — we focus on every part of the process, from the final picture to the pipeline used to create them.

Are you looking for your next creative and technical challenge? Come join our team!

Why Join Zoic?

• We are an artist-owned and operated VFX studio.
• We love what we do and always stay curious about new technology and techniques.
• We respect work/life balance in a hectic industry.
• We work with a team from all walks of life and backgrounds.

There’s an exciting new project at Zoic: a stop-motion animated feature starting in June 2024 and continuing into Fall 2025.

For this project, Zoic employees will work within our Vancouver Studios, in the Gastown Area (close to Waterfront Station Downtown). Coming together as a team in the studio will foster the excitement and positive environment we aim for this project.

Summary of Position

The Character FX Artist constructs and executes simulations to animate hair, cloth, skin, and muscles of 3D character assets, including humans, animals, and creatures.

Job Function

• Produce cloth and hair simulations, prop animations, and refine shot animations throughout production.
• Interpret creative direction to enhance the artistic vision of the film.
• Resolve challenges creatively to align with shot-specific artistic goals, addressing issues like object penetration and intersection.
• Master relevant departmental software tools, proposing enhancements and optimizations as needed.
• QC work before downstream publishing.
• Maintain schedules and deadlines, ensuring all shot and asset targets are met.
• Collaborate with technical directors to improve workflows.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of feature film or relevant industry experience (CG and/or Visual Effects).
• Strong knowledge of Maya and Houdini.
• Thorough knowledge of cloth and hair simulation.
• Excellent eye for motion and understanding of animation principles.
• Experience setting up sim templates in collaboration with rigging, modeling, and grooming departments.
• Strong communication and technical skills.

Additional information

• British Columbia Employees Pay Range: $35-$50 per hour (the actual salary offered depends on qualifications, experience, education, certifications, and location).
• Candidates MUST reside in the Lower Mainland, BC. This role requires onsite work in Vancouver, Gastown.
• Zoic does not cover relocation costs.
• Remote positions require reliable internet via Ethernet and working on Pacific Standard Time.
• This job description covers basic requirements; other duties may be assigned.
• Due to high application volume, only selected candidates will be contacted.

This position is based in Vancouver. All applicants must reside in British Columbia.

Permanent Residents and Canadians only, please.