Multiple Positions, Starz Animation, Toronto

Starz Animation, Toronto, one of Canada’s largest 3D Animation Studios, is currently in production on Miramax Film’s major animation movie, “Gnomeo and Juliet”. Directed by Kelly Asbury and with music and lyrics by legendary songwriting team ELTON JOHN & BERNIE TAUPIN, this animated feature will be released in 2011.

Position Description: Key Lighter/Compositor
For: Gnomeo and Juliet
Reports to Head of Lighting & Compositing
Job Duties:
Help maintain lighting pipeline/work flow as dictated by project
Ensure work is of the highest possible quality
Understand how to properly economize renders while still achieving required quality
Work closely with the artistic leads to ensure creative direction is achieved
Be able to work with lighting artists to provide guidance and assist in problem solving
Responsible for lighting key shots

Experience Required:
Feature Film experience required
Thorough knowledge of Maya and Mental Ray
Advanced understanding of lighting and advanced shading networks
Good balance between artistic and technical skills
Advanced knowledge of Fusion or similar node based compositing package
Be able to properly assess appropriate balance of lighting and compositing for a given shot
Python & UNIX knowledge a plus
Knowledge of modeling, animation, FX and surfacing a plus

Core Competencies:
Able to communication effectively to people across all disciplines, and with various levels of experience
Must be detail oriented and organized, possess strong communication skills, and be able to handle a variety of tasks in an efficient manner.
Must possess exceptional problem solving skills.
Works in a collaborative manner and follow direction as required
Must be a team player and perform well under tight deadlines



Position Description: Software Developer
Reports to Head of Software Development

Position Description and Requirements:

Computer Science, Engineering degree
Strong interest and experience in computer graphics and animation is required
Knowledge of CG technologies and applications (including Maya, OpenGL, Mental ray and/or Renderman) required
3+ years experience programming in C++ and Python
Software engineering knowledge, including UML, design patterns, unit-testing
Experience as a user and as a developer on Linux and Windows platforms
Knowledge of GUI tool-kits, especially wxPython, is a strong asset
Knowledge of network/web applications and RDBMSs is a plus
Strong communication and teamwork skills


Position Description: Layout Finaler
Position Description and Requirements:

The Layout Finaler prepares final files for lighting/rendering and compositing. This includes all set dressing elements, various elements and camera tweaking.

Skill set Overview
Strong skills in layout (planning and asset management), animation & cinematography are required.
Excellent communication skills, written and oral
Basic understanding of modeling and lighting
Ability to keep detailed notes and track information in data base
Excellent ability to manage assets within the files
Solid Maya Software experience:
Able to use the Maya tools fluidly
Proprietary tools will be taught
Solid understanding of production priorities
Ability to problem solve and share solutions
Willingness to accept direction and changes from Supervising Animators

About the Film
Gnomeo and Juliet -- distributed by Miramax Films -- is an animated picture directed by Kelly Asbury (Shrek 2), produced by Baker Bloodworth, David Furnish, Steve Hamilton-Shaw and with songs by Elton John and Bernie Taupin. Now in production.

If you are interested in applying for these positions, please submit a resume indicating which position you are applying for in the subject line to:
sat.jobs@starz.com
We thank everyone for their interest in advance, but given the high volume of response we will be unable to reply to everyone in person.

About Starz Animation, Toronto
Starz Animation, Toronto, one of Canada’s leading 3D animation studio for breakthrough digital production. Starz Animation, Toronto has gained a reputation for its commitment to excellence in high-end digital animation. By utilizing proprietary software technology, Starz Animation, Toronto, continues to advance its character animation and continually raises the bar in CGI animation production by offering the most high-end technology and visual tools available including; Maya, Inferno, Fusion, Mental Ray, Syflex, Real Flow, and Qube on a variety of platforms. Our artists’ creative skills are showcased in an ever-expanding body of work in feature films, direct-to-video productions, prime time and children’s CG animated series.
As part of Starz Media, Starz Animation, Toronto, has partners in development, production, and distribution of entertainment: Starz Home Entertainment/Anchor Bay, Starz/Encore, Film Roman, Manga and Vongo. As such, Starz Animation, Toronto, has the capability to distribute its programming to consumers however and wherever they want to watch: in theatres, on DVDs, via cable or satellite, on broadcast stations and over the internet in both the domestic and international markets.