Senior Motion Editor - ILM Vancouver

The Walt Disney Company; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 87,200 - 111,600; Full time

Job summary

Disney Cruise Line - The Walt Disney Company is seeking a Senior Motion Editor in Vancouver. This hybrid position focuses on retargeting and editing motion-captured performances and includes mentoring junior staff.

The ideal candidate has experience in high-end film or VFX, proficiency in tools like MotionBuilder and Maya, and a strong understanding of animation principles. A current resume and demo reel are required for the application.

The hiring range for this role is C$87,200 to C$111,600 per year based on a 40-hour work week.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Transfer motion from a Hierarchy to another independently and proficiently.
• Adhere to and improve the performance of the actors/actresses.
• Adjust interactions between characters and environment.
• Enhance animations with fingers/toe/tail adjustments.
• Create fluid transitions between distinct animation clips.
• Support and mentor more junior team members.

Skills

Retargeting techniques

Principles of animation

Attention to detail

Problem solving skills

Collaboration skills

Mentoring ability

Education

Degree in Computer Science or Computer Animation

Tools

MotionBuilder

Blender

Maya

Nuance

Job description

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

Position Summary

ILM Vancouver is looking for a Senior Motion Editor (Senior 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 Senior Motion Editor will focus predominantly on human, props and bipedal characters, extending to quadrupeds when required.

We are expecting the candidate to teach and mentor more junior team members.

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
• Support and mentor more junior members of the team, troubleshooting, teaching techniques and pushing the quality and standard

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

Required Skills / Competencies:

• Great understanding of retargeting techniques
• Great understanding of the principles of animation
• Great 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.
• Excellent collaborative skills
• Eagerness to learn and develop
• Capable of mentoring more junior team members

Preferred Skills / Competencies:

• Experience with Mocap animation
• Maya Experience

Technical Skills:

• Strong knowledge about Retargeting and Blending techniques

As part of your application please submit a demo reel, shot breakdown, or equivalent showcasing your work. A current resume is required.

The hiring range for this position in Vancouver is C$87,200 to C$111,600 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.