Steamroller Animation is looking for a key contributor to join our team as a Layout Artist to embark with us on our latest episodic odyssey. We are looking for a passionate and driven individual that will bring a high level of storytelling prowess and knowledge of composition, cinematography, and compelling narrative to enhance the impact of our IP Division.

Responsibilities

• Ability to work closely with the Director and Creative Leadership to interpret storyboards and translate a quality narrative into a digital environment.

• Ability to offer and collaborate on solutions and ideas to contribute to the overall vision of the project.

• Understanding of and ability to develop/refine collaborative workflows: need consistency, quality, and speed across a growing team.  

• Comprehensive understanding of artistic and technical aspects of camera language, sequential storytelling, and filmmaking to achieve a Feature Film level of work

• Ability to collaborate with the technical team to understand, anticipate and act on feedback.

• Ability to adapt quickly to narrative/compositional/structural changes.

• Overall artistic eye with a deep understanding of traditional principles such as eye trace, pacing, flow, visual continuity, etc.

• Experience working in a feature animation/game cinematic pipeline with the ability to troubleshoot problems based on past experience.

• Able to stay within the allotted bid estimates (although remember these are estimates) for most tasks and communicate roadblocks appropriately.

• Share his/her/their experience and help the less-experienced members of the team.

• Work within an organized pipeline internally for Production and workflow needs.

• Document and communicate best practices and techniques for the Layout pipeline.

Requirements

• MUST be proficient in Maya.

• Experience with Unreal real-time production pipelines is a plus.

• Able to perform quality control of both creative and technical aspects of camera animation.

• Enthusiasm and desire to work in the industry.

• Previous experience working in a Feature Animation/Cinematic Real-Time Pipeline with the ability to troubleshoot problems based on past experience.

• In-depth knowledge of standard feature film Layout/Camera practices.

• Good organization skills for a clean and collaborative workflow.

• Can input necessary information to guide Layout/Animation pipeline as needed with a thorough understanding of the requirements of the animation team.

• Able to take and apply feedback well from the Director, Creative Director, and Art Directors.

• Able to reach out and communicate issues or questions on workflow and production with Teammates and Supervisors.

• 3+ years experience as an artist or animator.

• Must have the willingness to learn new tools, proven ability to be detail-oriented and to work efficiently within a production environment.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to prioritize.

• Working knowledge of Unreal Engine is a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Bending, crouching, twisting.

• Reaching above and/or below shoulder.

• Handling/grasping documents or office equipment.

• Sitting for extended periods of time.

• Clear speaking and adequate hearing are sufficient to communicate effectively and respond appropriately in person and/or on the telephone.

• Vision sufficient to read source materials and computer screen data.

• Repetitive motions for computer equipment use.

• Work is performed primarily in an office environment using standard office equipment.

THIS ROLE MAY BE REMOTE, HYBRID, OR ON-SITE