MPC - Lead Artist - Animation

Animator is needed in Toronto, Canada.

Client: MPC

Location: Toronto, ON, Canada

Contract: Full-time

Job Description

A Lead Artist - Animation is responsible for the creation of efficient and high-quality animation for a range of visual effects projects. They work closely alongside Animation Supervisors to create appealing animation with convincing performances and physicality. Their work must meet the standards set by the Animation Supervisor based on the level expected by MPC’s Clients. The Lead Artist will contribute to show setup, rig and tool development, and handle challenging technical shots with ease.

**Key Responsibilities**:

• Follow the production schedule and complete tasks delegated by the Animation Supervisor.
• Attend Dailies sessions, present work, and take notes.
• Thoroughly check the quality of work before passing it downstream.
• Identify and communicate any setbacks affecting deadlines.
• Propose solutions to technically challenging shots.
• Create Master Scene.
• Help manage show setup and draft documentation on challenges, produce tutorials and confluence pages.
• Find references and develop animation tests.
• Evaluate new rigs and assist the rigging department.
• Work with the Head of Department and Animation Technical Director on pipeline requirements.
• Liaise with Leads in other departments.
• Temporarily perform Supervisor – Animation tasks when needed.
• Assist team management for timely project delivery.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Line Manager or Key Business Relationship.

**Measures of Success**:

• Consistently meeting task/shot/sequence/project deadlines while maintaining high visual quality and technical execution.
• Demonstrate alignment with company values such as creativity, teamwork, innovation, and commitment to excellence.

Requirements

**Technical & Soft Skills**:

• Previous experience in a VFX environment - Required
• Advanced knowledge of physics, performance, and anatomy - Required
• Experience using Mocap and Facial Capture - Preferred
• Proficient in the language of cinema and storytelling - Required
• Able to create Previs - Preferred
• Experience with Motion Builder - Preferred
• Understanding of all stages of project delivery - Preferred
• Strong communication skills - Required
• Team player - Required
• Problem solving abilities - Required
• Managing complexity and change - Required

**Preferred Software Knowledge**:

• Maya - Advanced/Expert
• Linux-based environment - Proficient
• Python code MEL - Proficient

**MPC Knowledge Definitions**:

• Foundational knowledge: Familiarity with basic principles and terminology.
• Proficient knowledge: Knowledge sufficient to perform most work in normal situations.
• Advanced knowledge: Comprehension of the subject area to solve common and unusual problems.
• Expert knowledge: Complete mastery and understanding of the subject, able to originate hypotheses and concepts.