Job Requirements

Media Molecule - Character Animator
Requirements

• The ability to create high quality, responsive in-game animations that look AMAZING from every angle
• A strong understanding of biped and creature body mechanics
• ability to create high quality, full body acting animation for cutscenes. Semi-realistic style
• The ability to plan a cutscene from storyboard to final animation
• A very strong understanding of camerawork and layout
• A highly communicative person able to interact with different departments and make own decisions
• The ability to deal with some uncertainty and reiteration (nobody will come to you and give you a final storyboard to work with. Nothing is final until it is shipped)
• The ability to create or break down animations into short responsive sequences, so that the players control always remains the highest priority.
• Passion for the details

Advantageous

• Previous experience of the games industry and it’s pipeline

Amazon Game Studios - 3D Animator 

We are looking for someone that. . .

• Has a creative demo reel demonstrating high quality key frame animation
• Has a passion for bringing characters to life
• Is able to animate a broad range of characters, from realistic humanoids to stylized cartoons
• Wants to be part of a team of smart and passionate professionals who will challenge you to grow every day
• Can make a huge impact
• Learns from others and helps grow those around them
• Takes ownership and does whatever it takes to get the job done

Basic Qualifications

• 3+ years’ experience in 3D Animation on shipped games
• Ability to animate in 3D software such as 3ds Max or Maya

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to draw and thumbnail poses
• Facial animation experience
• 
  

Pirahna games Inc - Animator

What you will be doing:

• Works with the Senior Animator to design and implement the needed gameplay animations
• Rigs and animates characters/models
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of motion, weight, acting and timing
• Ensures animations meet technical and visual quality standards
• Work collaboratively with other members of the production team to resolve technical and/or design issues.
• Evaluates constantly the animation pipeline for improvement
• Adjusts and refines animation as indicated by the Art Director and the Senior Animator
• May assist in producing motion graphics, including character animation and cinematic
• Participate as a proactive team member to further team and project goals
• Other ad-hoc responsibilities as requested

What you will bring with you:

• Proficient with 3D StudioMax and Motion Builder animation tools
• Solid understanding of animation principles
• Highly motivated, self-driven problem solver with keen attention to details
• Strong ability to accept direction and constructive criticism objectively
• Proven track record to complete work within deadlines while maintaining constant communication with team
• Ability to work under pressure and thrive in fast-paced work environment while maintaining high quality results
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

What we consider as pluses!

• Passionate about playing and making games!
• Knowledge of CryEngine

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Above are three job listings for various Animator roles within games, these job listings allow insight into the sorts of skills they are looking for when hiring a candidate. I have specifically picked out the listings that aren't senior roles as for now that isn't where I am looking to be, I want to be confident in my role before looking to advance to a higher level as I think the experience gained would be very valuable especially as knowing the junior roles well would allow me to better understand how to direct if I ever wanted to take on the role of a lead.

Most of the requirements listed I would be comfortable in saying I could do to a reasonable standard. Judging from feedback I've been getting from mentors in relation to my latest showreel the practice is paying off and while I may not be at quite the standard media molecule would want yet I feel like it isn't completely out of my reach. There are a few things that these have flagged up which I think i should pay more attention to. For example both media molecule and piranha games inc make reference to the ability to storyboard cinematic sequences, something that i would need more practice at to be confident in. Amazon Games makes reference to thumb-nailing which could also been seen as a link to cinematic sequences, however the practice I have been getting through websites like quick pose and pose maniacs should prove to be helpful in this area. Also I have gotten into the habit of doodling poses when im out and about.

While I haven't used motion builder that much i have a familiarity with it that if needed i could use it fairly well and when it comes to 3ds max again as long as there's somewhere on the internet to guide me with the different naming of things it's more the principles of animation that would be more important to understand.