Lead Animator, Motion Graphics

Job Description

ESPN combines the very best in artistry and sports. With exceptional storytelling and cutting-edge technology we bring these stories to audiences around the world. Constantly challenged to create innovative new animations for such renowned productions as SportsCenter, Monday Night Football, The NBA Finals, The College Football Playoffs, UFC, and Major League Baseball, to name a few, ESPN is home to many of the most talented artists working in the broadcast industry today.

Our Lead Designers are an integral part of the storytelling process. Using their advanced animation skills and keen eye for details, they are able produce high quality motion graphics using a variety of animation software programs. Working as a part of the Animation Team, they work closely with Concept Design to realize their vision, while ensuring the standard and quality of the animations produced is consistently high.

We expect our Lead Designers to implement working methodologies, take ownership and help lead large and small animation projects, as well as coordinate the visual output of our productions. We are looking for artists who thrive in a team environment. This includes the ability to share ideas and also be open to ideas within the team. We currently have an exciting opportunity for experienced animators at our Bristol, CT studio.

Take a look at some of the great work our team is creating here:
https://wdrv.it/0a633fea0

Responsibilities:
• Utilize Adobe Creative Suite, Cinema4D, and other 3D applications to create advanced designs and animations.
• Translate project details and creative direction into unique design and animation solutions.
• Possess strong individual/team communication skills; switch easily between independent/group assignments.
• Provide technical support for delivered elements and help troubleshoot software issues.
• Continually enhance personal skills to increase versatility on assignments.
• Showcase flexibility and a willingness to learn and develop new technical skills.
• Effectively collaborate within a team environment and across multiple departments within the company.
• Actively mentor peers in order to strengthen the overall reach of Creative team.
• Maintain high standards of efficiency, consistency, accuracy, creativity and timely delivery of all requests.
• Adhere to file management, administrative responsibilities, time entry and daily reporting requirements.
• Must be highly motivated, work well under pressure and able to effectively prioritize multiple assignments.
• Travel when needed/reliably accommodate a work schedule that may include nights/weekends/holidays.

Basic Qualifications:
• Must expect to travel, work flexible hours (days of the week, nights, weekends and holidays) as assignments or training necessitate.
• Experience with Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, Cinema 4D.
• Online portfolio/demo reel showcasing your abilities.

Preferred Qualifications:
• 4-5 years of hands-on experience with Adobe Creative Suite and Cinema 4D at network level, major TV market, or post-house environment.
• Knowledge and experience using advanced render engines, both CPU and GPU based workflows, particularly the Arnold Renderer.
• After Effects scripting ability.
• Working knowledge of dynamics, simulations, C4D fields and XPresso.
• Familiarity with other software applications such as Houdini, Nuke, Substance, and Zbrush.
• Passion for sports and familiarity with ESPN programming and content delivery platforms (TV, ESPN.com, ESPN App).

Required Education
• High School Diploma or Equivalent

Preferred Education
• Bachelor's Degree

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-ro173g-18-119-125-135-42 in your application.