Motion Editor - ILM Vancouver

Disney Company; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 69,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

The Walt Disney Company’s ILM Vancouver studio seeks a Motion Editor (Motion Capture Animator) to retarget and edit high-quality motion-captured performances. The role focuses on human, prop, and bipedal motion, with strong blending techniques and a non-destructive workflow.

You will work in a hybrid environment, located in Vancouver, with responsibilities spanning hands-on mocap editing and collaboration with a top-tier VFX team.

Qualifications

• Degree in Computer Science, Computer Visualization or Computer Animation.
• Experience with motion-captured performances in VFX or games.
• Proven ability to retarget and blend mocap data non-destructively.
• Strong understanding of animation principles and timing.
• Excellent attention to detail and communication.

Responsibilities

• Retarget motion between hierarchies independently.
• Improve actor performance non-destructively to high quality.
• Adjust interactions between characters, props and environment.
• Enhance fingers/toe/tail animation and posture.
• Blend motions for fluid transitions.

Skills

Retargeting

Blending

Mocap animation

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Timing

Posture

Motion analysis

Education

Computer Science degree

Tools

MotionBuilder

Blender

Maya

Nuance

Job description

Position Summary

This role is considered Hybrid, which means the employee will work 2-3 days onsite at a Company designated location and occasionally from home.

ILM Vancouver is looking for a Motion Editor (Motion Capture Animator) to join our team based in our Coal Harbour studio.

This candidate will have proven experience in high end film/VFX or video game industry.

The main responsibility will be to retarget and edit body motion of realistic motion-captured based performances in a non-destructive way and deliver animations to a high quality standards. We are also expecting the candidate to show solid knowledge about motion blending.

The Motion Editor will focus predominantly on human, props and bipedal characters, extending to quadrupeds when required.

Primary Responsibilities

• Responsible for transferring motion from a Hierarchy to another (Retargeting) independently and proficiently
• Adhering to the performance of the actors/actresses and improving/adjusting it in a non-destructive way, leading to the highest quality of work
• Adjusting interaction and contacts between characters/props/environment/terrain
• Improving the performance by adding fingers/toe/tail animation and body adjustments that includes enhancing posture, gesture and weight
• Blending of motions. Having a good eye and a good understanding of this workflow to create fluid, believable transitions between distinct animation clips

Job Requirements

Education / Experience

• Computer Science, Computer Visualisation or Computer Animation degree or equivalent experience
• Previous experience using MotionBuilder, Blender, Nuance and/or Maya with motion-captured performances
• Proven experience in high end film VFX and an up to date showreel.
• Solid understanding of retargeting techniques
• Good understanding of the principles of animation
• Attention to detail and communication skills
• Proactive in problem solving, with a keen eye to catch, analyze and identify technical issues
• Sharp eyes for motion, timing and posture
• Background in using Maya,Blender, Nuance and/or Motion Builder
• Background in using Linux and Vicon Shogun Post is a plus
• Eagerness to learn and develop
• Experience with Mocap animation

Technical Skills

• Solid knowledge about Retargeting and Blending techniques

Preferred Skills / Competencies

• Experience with Mocap animation
• Maya Experience

JoinILM

Disclaimer

PAY TRANSPARENCY

The hiring range for this position in Vancouver is C$68,700 to C$87,800 per year based on a 40-hour work week. The amount of hours scheduled per week may vary based on business needs. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A full range of medical, financial, and/or other variable pay or benefits, may be offered dependent on the level and position offered.

This position is withILM (Vancouver) Inc., which is part of a business we callIndustrial Light & Magic.

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The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

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Heroes Work Here reflects the long history of respect and appreciation Disney has for the U.S. Armed Services. We recognize the commitment and dedication it takes to serve your country, both as military personnel and military spouses, and value the leadership skills and sense of purpose it has instilled in you.

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