Rigging Technical Director

Framestore Limited; Montreal; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A creative visual effects studio in Montreal is seeking a Rigging Technical Director to create and refine CG rigs for animation. The role requires advanced skills in Maya rigging, Python or Mel scripting, and strong teamwork abilities. Ideal candidates have a good understanding of anatomy and a passion for visual storytelling. This position celebrates diversity and promotes an inclusive work environment.

Qualifications

• Proficient in creating believable CG characters.
• Ability to troubleshoot and fix rig issues.
• Experience with full scripted modular rigging.

Responsibilities

• Create fully scripted rigs and refine them based on needs.
• Implement and refine puppet, cloth, or mechanical rigs.
• Meet delivery deadlines under production constraints.

Skills

Maya rigging (full body/facial)

Advanced Python or Mel scripting

Teamwork and communication skills

Attention to detail

Analytical and artistic skills

Basic knowledge of anatomy

Job description

Overview

A multi Oscar-winning creative studio, we have worked with some of the greatest storytellers in film today. Collaborating with directors and producers across the complete filmmaking process to help design, plan and create beautiful images, we focus on finding innovative creative solutions to support their vision and set new standards for visual effects in cinema.

Responsibilities

• Create fully scripted rigs and refine them according to animation and lighting needs
• Prototype, implement and refine puppet (skeleton), cloth (deformer based) or mechanical rigs
• Troubleshoot and fix rig issues, collect artistic feedback and fine tune rig behaviour
• Become a proficient user and contributor of the extensive rigging tool-set
• Create simple tools to help animation workflow and rig interaction
• Work within the pipeline and rigging standards
• Meet delivery deadlines under production constraints

What we’re looking for

• Maya rigging (full body/facial)
• A passion for creating believable CG characters and the requisite attention to detail
• Advanced Python or Mel, GUI scripting and the ability to follow strict coding standards
• Experience with full scripted modular/functional rigging
• Analytical and artistic skills, creativity and visual problem solving
• Team work, communication and time management skills
• The ability to write technical documentation and present your work (wiki, screen cap etc.)
• Basic knowledge of anatomy for bipeds and quadrupeds, skeletons and muscles
• A good understanding of constraints and deformers, how they work and their limitations

You might also have

• Facial anatomy, realistic eye and mouth rigs, Facs breakdown
• Life drawing or organic modeling especially human anatomy
• Basic knowledge of dynamics (Maya Hair, Comet, nCloth, nParticle etc.)
• Strong maths background, especially matrix maths and geometry algorithms
• C or C++ programming Maya plugins
• Experience with body motion capture: rig hookups, offset rigs, re-targeting etc.

Application Process

To apply, please complete the linked application form or submit your resume and portfolio to [e-mail] with the subject line: Rigging Technical Director - Montreal

Framestore is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.