Previsualization artist - Expression of interest

Rodeo FX; Montreal; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A high-end creative studio in Montreal seeks a Previs Artist to work closely with directors and supervisors in creating 3D animatics. The ideal candidate will have over 2 years of experience in animation, strong cinematography skills, and proficiency in Maya and Unreal. This role encourages creativity and teamwork in a supportive environment. Flexible work arrangements are available, requiring studio presence at least three days a week.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in previs, postvis, or animation projects (2+ years recommended).
• Strong understanding of cinematography, staging, framing, pacing, and visual storytelling.
• Proficiency in Maya and Unreal.
• Ability to create and edit simple 3D assets.
• Strong sense of organization and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Create 3D animatics and cinematic sequences.
• Build coherent sequences based on storyboards.
• Propose camera compositions that support storytelling.
• Collaborate closely with Leads and Supervisors.
• Stay current with previs tools and industry practices.

Skills

Cinematography

3D Animation

Storytelling

Attention to Detail

Teamwork

Tools

Maya

Unreal

Nuke

ShotGrid

Job description

Company Description

Repeatedly voted one of Montreal’s Top Employers and Employer of the Year for the 2022 Mercuriades Awards, Rodeo FX is a high-end creative company offering services in visual effects, advertising, animation, and experiential.

Nominated for multiple Emmy Awards for its work on the series Stranger Things season 4, The Witcher season 2, and The Lord of The Rings: The Rings of Power season 1, the independent, Oscar-winning company boasts close to 900 artists crafting from studios in Montreal, Québec City, Toronto, Los Angeles and Paris.

Rodeo FX is a creative partner to the world’s best storytellers including Netflix, HBO, Disney, Marvel, Amazon Studios, Warner Bros., and Sony, and has collaborated on ads for YouTube, NBC, and Apple. Current projects include Blue Beetle, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, and Zack Snyder's Rebel Moon. Recently released projects include John Wick: Chapter 4, Black Adam, Disney's The Little Mermaid, and Love, Death and Robots Volume 3, for which the company won a 2023 VES award.

Work arrangements:
As a company founded and led by an artist, creativity above all guides us. Our mission is to provide our talents with the freedom and resources they need to deliver quality work and thrive in a stimulating, caring environment. While we require employees to be present in the studio at least three days a week, we maintain flexible work arrangements for the remaining days. This balance ensures that we foster collaboration, maintain our vibrant culture, and encourage in-person interaction and teamwork.

Job Description

Please note: We do not have an open position at the moment, but this posting allows you, if you wish, to express your interest in future opportunities.

The Previs Artist will work closely with directors and supervisors to create 3D animatics and cinematic sequences that visualize complex scenes before production begins. The ideal candidate has a strong sense of cinematography, timing, and storytelling, along with excellent technical skills in 3D software. Using a mix of 2D elements, 3D assets, and live-action plates, they deliver dynamic animatics that serve as a foundation for downstream production. Working closely with fellow artists and cross-department teams, they create clear, effective, and visually compelling sequences that align with Rodeo FX’s high standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Master your craft
• Builds coherent sequences based on storyboards, scripts, or creative briefs.
• Performs scene staging, camera animation, framing, and action blocking in Maya or Unreal.
• Create simple assets to support previs needs.
• Delivers quality work independently while respecting priorities and deadlines.

Creative Quality

• Proposes camera compositions and movements that effectively support the storytelling.
• Suggests smart, relevant visual ideas aligned with the tone of the project.
• Ensures clear visual intent and legibility throughout the sequence.

Technical Quality

• Optimizes scenes, assets, and animations to ensure smooth playback.
• Checks technical integrity of deliverables (resolution, naming, file structure).
• Performs quality control before dailies and implements notes with precision.

Communications

• Collaborates closely with Leads, Supervisors, and Production team members.
• Communicates clearly about challenges and proposes practical solutions.
• Keeps upstream and downstream teams informed of progress and upcoming deliveries.

Teach, Learn and Grow

• Stays current with previs tools, workflows, and industry practices.
• Shares knowledge and techniques with team members constructively.
• Contributes to the continuous improvement of department workflows.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in previs, postvis, or animation projects (2+ years recommended)
• Strong understanding of cinematography, staging, framing, pacing, and visual storytelling
• Proficiency in Maya and Unreal for staging, camera animation, and general animation
• Ability to create and edit simple 3D assets (modeling, rigging, lighting)
• Working knowledge of Nuke for basic compositing
• Strong sense of organization, autonomy, attention to detail, and teamwork
• Asset: Background in animation, layout, or storyboarding
• Asset: Familiarity with ShotGrid, Python, or pipeline tools

Additional Information

#LI-Hybrid

At Rodeo FX, diversity is a core value. We’re committed to creating an inclusive, equitable workplace where different perspectives are embraced. Every team member brings unique insight that strengthens our creativity, challenges our thinking, and helps us deliver better work.