Cinematic Assembly Animator Contingent

NAUGHTY DOG, LLC; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading gaming studio is seeking a Cinematic Assembly Animator to join their team. This hybrid role involves preparing cinematic assets, collaborating with teams, and ensuring scenes function correctly in the game engine. Candidates should have experience in character animation and proficiency in Maya, with a focus on creativity and technical skills.

Benefits

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Qualifications

• Experience with character animation in Maya is crucial.
• Proficiency with Maya’s Time Editor is required.
• Basic scripting knowledge and technical proficiency are necessary.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and set up cinematic assets in Maya and in-game.
• Assemble cinematic scenes with characters, sets, and props in Maya.
• Debug issues in Maya or the engine to maintain workflow efficiency.

Skills

Character animation in Maya

Maya’s Time Editor proficiency

Basic scripting knowledge

Technical proficiency

Creative problem-solving skills

Job description

This position is for temporary engagement through our staffing partner DZConnex. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States for this position.

This is a hybrid position and will be based in our studio in Santa Monica, CA.

For 40 years, Naughty Dog has been crafting best-selling, critically acclaimed games that constantly push the boundaries of narrative, gameplay, and technology. Recently, Naughty Dog released The Last of Us Part II Remastered and a current-generation remake of The Last of Us Part I for PS5. Both titles are now available on PC. Currently, we’re working on Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, and we are seeking talented individuals to join us.

Naughty Dog games are renowned for their evocative storytelling and attention to detail. We are committed to innovation and have assembled some of the top creative and technical minds in the industry. We value diversity and believe that a broad range of cultural and life experiences contribute to our studio's success and the quality of our titles.

The Cinematic Assembly Animator will:

• Prepare and set up cinematic assets in Maya and in-game
• Collaborate with Editorial and Cinematography teams on scene revisions
• Ensure scenes are correctly built and functioning in the game engine

Responsibilities include:

• Assembling cinematic scenes with characters, sets, and props in Maya
• Loading character mocap data as Time Editor clips
• Updating timing for editorial revisions
• Creating assets for cinematic animations in the game engine
• Debugging issues in Maya or the engine to maintain workflow efficiency
• Supporting cinematography with camera layout (depending on skill set)
• Supporting facial performance solving (if applicable)

Skills required:

• Experience with character animation in Maya
• Proficiency with Maya’s Time Editor
• Basic scripting knowledge
• Technical proficiency and quick learning ability
• Creative problem-solving skills

Bonus skills:

• Experience with game animation production
• Experience with cut scenes or interactive animation
• Knowledge of nonlinear animation editors (Time Editor, Story tool, etc.)
• Experience animating realistic humans, including facial animation

Applicants will need to provide a portfolio or demo reel and may be asked to complete a skill assessment test.

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Base pay will be determined based on market data, experience, skills, and location. The role is eligible for benefits including medical, dental, and vision. Click here to learn more.

The estimated hourly base pay range is provided below.