Animation CG Pipeline TD

Job Description

DreamWorks TV - CG Pipeline TD (Surfacing)

Responsibilities

At DreamWorks Animation Television, this position is responsible for supporting existing surfacing tools and workflows as well as creating new surfacing workflows and tools for the characters, props, and environments for use during in-house prebuilds and episodic production at our Partner Studios. This position ensures that tools and workflows align with the production's schedule, technical specifications, and creative vision of the series.

This exciting new opportunity is based in Glendale, CA and is covered by the Animation Guild.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Review Partner Studio(s) shader set-ups and provide notes and direction to help optimize them for efficiency and to match the overall look of the show
• Create Maya, Mari and Substance painter production tools using the Python scripting language
• Manage personal Surfacing tool creation workloads, meeting all deadlines of milestones to material delivery, based on the established schedule and technical requirements
• Initiate, set up, organize, and document any surfacing tools
• Collaborate with other department TD's to create tools that consider all stages of the pipeline
• Perform technical work in support of surfacing using various production tools
• Optimize shader setups for production
• Technically support the creation of high-quality assets while staying within the production's parameters, pipeline, and schedule
• Work closely with Partner Studio(s) to ensure all surfacing work adheres to the creative and technical specifications of the production while ensuring scheduled deadlines are met
• Update Surfacing/Shader set-ups submitted by Partner Studio(s) as needed
• May work directly with the Director, TV Animation Production on tool development for upcoming shows
• Provide regular feedback regarding tasks and schedule to the HUB Line Producer and Production Manager

Qualifications/Requirements
• Strong background producing highly detailed, realistic texturing and shading networks
• Experience creating high-quality texture maps, including all supporting maps (transparency, specular, bump, etc.)
• Strong understanding of surfacing pipelines
• Experience with Python scripting and tool development
• Knowledge of pep8 standards for python coding
• Experience creating production tools using PyQT
• Understanding of GitHub or comparable code versioning software
• Experience creating CG pipeline production tools for television, feature film or gaming industries
• Interest in reviewing others work and providing notes and feedback
• Advanced knowledge of Mari, Substance Painter, Maya, Photoshop, and UV unwrapping
• Understanding of the Maya Shading network and V-Ray
• Thorough understanding of the CG pipeline, UV layout, and principles
• Flexible to changes and able to prioritize and follow through on requests
• Prior experience working in a fast-paced production environment
• Strong attention to detail and outstanding organizational skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and enjoys working in a team environment

Desired Characteristics
• At least 5 years of experience in television animation, feature animation, VFX, and/or video games
• Ideal candidates will be able to provide surfacing or comparable tool examples
• Experience with asset management software, Shotgun preferred
• Experience working with international Partner Studio(s) is a plus
• Bachelor's degree preferred

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-gk28bk-18-224-149-242-42 in your application.