Art Lead, Ganz/Webkinz, Toronto

GANZ INTERACTIVE

A true cultural icon, Webkinz has been featured on every major television network and was ranked number 2 on Google’s 2007 Zeitgeist list of most popular searches. Ganz has revolutionized the toy industry with its innovative and engaging combination of online and offline play.

Now is your chance to join the creative team that has brought this vibrant world to life. Ganz is seeking a talented and motivated person with a proven love of interactive media for the position of:

Art Lead

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Working with the Senior Art Director to ensure the best quality and continuity of all art assets for our games and interactive children’s websites.
• Ensuring the art assets meet the technical requirements as set by the technical team.
• Working with a diverse group of web designers, artists, writers and animators and managing a team of artists.
• Gathering, reviewing and validating project requirements.
• Validating effort estimates, assumptions, scope, and creative design to assist in developing project schedules.
• Creation of high-level graphical specifications for web development.
• Creation of creative briefs and style guides.
• Ensuring quality and continuity of work.
• Designing procedures to integrate varying technologies to best meet all of the above requirements

Qualifications:

• Must have a diploma/degree in graphic arts and/or a formal fine arts degree, combined with 6+ years’ working experience in web design.
• Must have 3+ years experience at the Art Director or Team Lead level.
• Must have knowledge of web design and experience working with database driven web sites.
• Extensive understanding of graphic design for Internet applications. Extensive knowledge of colour theory, methodology and practice for internet based solutions.
• Must have knowledge of Flash and Action Script
• Must have the ability to forecast, schedule and meet deadlines.
• Must have strong design and colour sense skills.
• Strong Skills: Leadership, problem solving, organizational, written, verbal, project management.
• Ability to work in fast-paced, ever-evolving environment, while maintaining technical integrity and performance.
• Experience with character animation is an asset.
• 3D Studio Max is an asset.

Interested candidates must email their resume and online portfolios to careers@ganz.com. Applications submitted without an online portfolio will not be considered.

Please log onto our website: www.webkinz.com.

Game Developer, Ganz/Webkinz, Toronto

JOIN THE AWARD-WINNING WEBKINZ TEAM!

Ganz' Webkinz has revolutionized the toy industry with its innovative and engaging combination of online and offline play. A true popular cultural icon, Webkinz has been featured on every major television network and was ranked number 2 on Google's 2007 Zeitgeist list of most popular searches.

Now is your chance to join the creative team that has brought this vibrant world to life. Ganz is seeking a talented and motivated person with a proven love of online entertainment for this position:

This position is responsible for design, development and support of a custom web based application, used for a 3D game client. The client will communicate with a back-end system, that will also include Server and DB structure.

Responsibilities

• Development and support of custom database-driven web based game client.
• Identification and documentation of business requirements.
• Development of technical and functional design specifications.
• Design and build databases and/or expansions as required.
• Provide input into test plan development and user acceptance testing process.
• Prepare system documentation and act as technical subject matter expert.
• Work with other technical departments to build interfaces and the system infrastructure.

Qualifications:

• Completion of a post-secondary program in computer science.
• Five (5) + years IT development and analysis experience .
• Three (3) + years as a 3D/Video Game developer, web based client is an asset.
• Proven experience with Java/PHP based back-end servers.
• MySQL/PostgreSQL databases experience is an asset.
• Working experience using native C++ is desirable.
• Well-developed interpersonal, analytical and technical trouble-shooting skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills are absolutely essential.
• Excellent organizational, time management skills with emphasis on detail.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment.
• Primary technical requirements include: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or equivalent degree, Object-oriented design and application architecture.

Interested candidates are invited to forward resumes by email to careers@ganz.com.

Check out our site at www.webkinz.com

Flash Designer, Ganz/Webkinz, Toronto

JOIN THE AWARD-WINNING WEBKINZ TEAM! A true cultural icon, Webkinz has been featured on every major television network and was ranked number 2 on Google’s 2007 Zeitgeist list of most popular searches. Ganz has revolutionized the toy industry with its innovative and engaging combination of online and offline play. Now is your chance to join the creative team that has brought this vibrant world to life. Ganz is seeking a talented and motivated person with a proven love of interactive media for the position of: Flash Designer Responsibilities and Qualifications: Flash animation. User interface design. You must have a minimum of 3 years of Flash experience. You must have a minimum of 3 years web design experience. Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop experience is required. Sound knowledge of Actionscript. Solid Illustration skills an asset. You must have a degree in Fine Arts or equivalent. You must have the ability to work with minimum direction. Interested candidates must email their resume and online portfolios to careers@ganz.com. Applications submitted without an online portfolio will not be considered. Please check out our website www.webkinz.com.

After Effects Compositor, March Entertainment, Ottawa

March Entertainment is looking to hire several experienced After Effects Compositors to work on The Dex Hamilton movie. If you like alien insects, weird slimy planets and superheroes, this is your show!

Requirements:

- Strong technical skills in After Effects
- A keen understanding of compositing Photoshop painted backgrounds with Flash and Maya
- Experience in visual effects and compositing
- Degree or certificate in animation, film or related field or equivalent production experience.
- MUST be an Ontario residence as of Dec. 31, 2008 and Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident of Canada.

Please include the following with your application:
- A resume
- A cover letter describing your skills and the position that you are applying for.
- Links to examples of your work

Please email your CV and examples of your work to: resumes@marchentertainment.com

Or send to:

March Entertainment
Attn: Recruiting
40 Larch St, Suite 300
Sudbury, Ontario
P3E 3V7

We thank you for your interest in this position, but due to a high volume of applications, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Check out the Dex Hamilton series trailer: http://www.marchentertainment.com/dex/

Multiple Positions, Ottawa International Animation Festival, Ottawa

Ottawa International Animation Festival Employment Opportunities:
Position: Various Titles
Do you enjoy a challenging and unpredictable work environment, where each day brings excitement and a chance to learn something new?

The Ottawa International Animation Festival is currently seeking a number of contract personnel to work on our upcoming film festival, taking place from October 14 – 18th, 2009. Be a part of the team that runs this non-stop showcase of animation that features screenings, workshops, trade events and parties.

The positions are staffed through Employment Ontario's Job Creation Partnership Program (JCP). It's a work-training program that gives you a chance to upgrade your skills and put current work experience on your resume - while you get paid.

Eligibility Criteria:
You must currently be in receipt of Employment Insurance (EI) payments or have received EI payments within the last 3 years (Reach back status)
Live in the Ottawa area
You must not leave employment to participate in JCP
You must not be a current full-time student
You must have your Employment Insurance status verified
You may only participate in the JCP once in a 2 year period

(Applicants that do not clearly indicate their ability to meet these criteria in the cover letter will not be considered.)

We are looking for people to excel in the following positions:
Receptionist (May 4th – October 30th)
Special Events Coordinator (May 19th – November 13, 2009)
Box Office Coordinator (May 19th – November 13, 2009)
Programming Assistant (May 19th – November 13, 2009)
Guest Services Coordinator (May 19th – November 13, 2009)

Your responsibilities may include:
Processing pass orders and ticket sales;
Simple bookkeeping using Quickbooks software;
Answering emails and phone calls;
Handling guest travel arrangements;
Writing correspondence;
Updating the contact database;
Watching cartoons;
Working with sponsors;
Coordinating volunteers;
Fighting chaos.

Skills and Abilities:
Clear communication (written and oral);
English essential (French and other languages an asset);
Exceptionally organized;
Work well under pressure in an open-concept office;
Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, database and Internet programs;
Work independently and as part of a team with all kinds of people;
Meet deadlines;
Pay close attention to detail;
Impeccable customer service.

Salary:
You will be paid the maximum EI earnings ($423) per week.

How to apply:
If you have a sense of humour and love film and animation, please send us your resume and cover letter and let us know which position(s) interest you.

For more information regarding job descriptions, or to submit your resume, please contact Jennifer Noseworthy at: jennifer@animationfestival.ca, or call 613-232-8769.

The closing date for Receptionist applications is Monday, April 3, 2009. Applications for all other positions must be submitted by Monday, April 13, 2009. Only those participants being considered for an interview will be contacted.

Job Fair at Fuel Industries, Ottawa

Fuel Industries in Ottawa is hosting a job fair on April 1st. They're looking to fill 30 positions, including programmers, illustrators and project managers.
Here's the link.

Senior Assistant Production Manager, Starz Animation, Toronto

Senior Assistant Production Manager (APM)

Reports to Production Manager/Associate Producer
Job Duties:

Schedule and Workflow
Works with Production Managers and/or Associate Producer to meet overall production scheduling and budget requirements and helps to ensure the budget and scheduling are updated as changes are made to the film’s production flow and/ or staffing profile. Understands how changes may effect the budget, scheduling and overtime.
Looks ahead to ensure that weekly quotas, department milestones & inventory expectations are met. Strategizes with Department Lead, Senior Management and possibly other APMs to resolve any production and/or inventory issues.
Collaborates with Department Lead/Head to ensure the complexity of work is consistent with department budget and schedule. Strategizes with Department Lead and Senior Management on how to resolve any complexity overages.
Collaborates with Department Lead/Head to develop and manage workflow process.
Develops and manages internal department schedules and staffing requirements. Maintains list of critical assumptions and highlights any vulnerabilities.
Creates and maintains reports that clearly illustrate department and individual artist productivity.
Collaborates with Department Lead/Head to cast assignments and issue deadlines to artists.
Perform walk-arounds to check in with the crew.
Attends Director approvals and helps to drive this meeting.

Mentoring and Staffing
Primary production person within department. Supervises and mentors Production Coordinators and Production Assistants for that dept.
Ensures the department lead is following studio review process and delivering timely performance reviews and feedback.
Partners with Department Lead and Senior Management to manage conflict within the department and partners with Human Resources regarding disciplinary procedures. Documents conflicts and provides updates to Human Resources and Senior Management.
Supports and represents directives from the studio and/ or production leadership.
May assist Production Management with handling transitions.
May be involved in the interviewing and hiring process.

Morale and Communication
Responsible for maintaining crew morale.
Represents department in weekly production meetings. Reports department progress and discusses solutions to any issues impeding the department.
Partners with the Department Lead/Head to manage, motivate and create an environment conducive to achieving quotas and artistic achievements.

Experience Required:
A minimum of five to seven years in production.
CG Feature animation experience preferred.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Excel, Microsoft word a must.

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 pre-production.

If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit a resume indicating which position you are applying for 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. No phone calls please.

FX Artist, 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: FX Artist
For: Gnomeo and Juliet
Reports to Head of FX
Position Description and Requirements:

The FX Artist helps in the design and implementation of special effects for a feature length animated film.
FX production experience.
Intermediate to advanced experience in all aspects of 3D production is a plus.
Experience developing and designing FX water preferred.
Experience with Maya particles/dynamics and particle expressions are a must.
An understanding of Maya fluids a plus.
Knowledge of any scripting language a plus.
Working knowledge of cloth dynamics (Ncloth and/or Syflex) and fluid dynamics (Realflow) is a definite plus.
A thorough understanding of compositing principles (preferably using Fusion) a definite plus.

Rigger, Bo Go III Productions, Halifax

Position Title: Rigger
Name: Bo Go III Productions Inc.
Min Experience: 2 Years preferred
Job Type: Contract **

3D CG production based in Halifax, Nova Scotia seeks a talented and
experienced rigger to join our growing team. Strong working knowledge of
Maya required. Studio environment is fast-paced and committed to
creating high quality animation. Candidates should thrive as part of a
team and take direction well.

Responsibilities Include:
- Rig characters as assigned by Lead Rigger.
- Complete assigned rigging tasks in a timely manner.
- Ensure all working files are efficiently organized.
- Follow Lead Rigger’s directions, ensuring rigs created are accurate
and effective.

Qualifications Include:
- We prefer artists that have 2 or more years of professional experience working with Maya or other professional animation software, though all talented artists are encouraged to apply.
- Ability to rig different styles of characters using deformable and
non-deformable rigging.
- A thorough understanding of constraints and hierarchal constraints.
- A good understanding of forward and inverse kinematics relationships
- Ability to use expressions effetely.
- Knowledge of television production pipeline.
- Capable of working independently as a self-motivated person with time
management skills.
- Ability to set an example for all team members by regularly
demonstrating strong work ethics, quality of work, teamwork, motivation,
and solid leadership.

This opportunity is located in Halifax, Nova Scotia and requires
relocating to this city for the duration of the term.

Thank you in advance for your application! Due to the high volume of
applications, we only contact those applicants who are short-listed for
interviews.

TO APPLY: Please send CV with online demo reel and shot breakdown list
as well as a sample of a skinned character (Maya files only) to the
following.

Email: work@hfcprod.com
Attention: Colleen McGrath

Maya Animators, March Entertainment, Toronto

Position: Maya Animator

March Entertainment is looking to hire several experienced Maya animators for an exciting new Choose your Own Adventure movie starting in Toronto in April, 2009.

Requirements:

- A demo reel showcasing feature quality animation work
- 3D series or feature experience a must
- Ability to meet deadlines and work within a team
- Degree or certificate in classical animation, film or related field or equivalent production experience
- MUST be an Ontario resident as of Dec. 31, 2008 and Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident of Canada.

Please include the following with your application:
- A résumé
- A cover letter describing your skills and the position that you are applying for.
- Links to samples of animation or demo reel

Please email your CV and examples of your work to: resumes@marchentertainment.com

Or send to:

March Entertainment
Attn: Recruiting
40 Larch St, Suite 300
Sudbury, Ontario
P3E 3V7

We thank you for your interest in this position, but due to a high volume of applications only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Check out March Entertainment at: http://www.marchentertainment.com

More Starz jobs, Toronto

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

Position Description: Technical Surfacing Artist
For: Gnomeo and Juliet
Reports to: Head of Surfacing

Position Description and Requirements:

Helps establish and/or guide the look and qualities of characters, props and environments for an animated film with direction from the VFX Supervisor, Art Director and Surfacing Supervisor.
Ensures that Surfacing files are complete and ready for lighting
Spot and flag creative and technical issues as they arise – fix them where possible or work closely with TDs to adjust. Assist other surfacing artists with technical demands as required
Communicate with other departments to convey Surfacing needs (primarily Modeling) and provide for other departments needs (primarily Lighting).
Maintains awareness of the broader show needs as they relate to the Surfacing Department (schedule, complexity of setups, shader issues, technical aspects etc.)

Requirements:

Minimum 3 years of high-end production experience on feature films
Strong painting skills and artistic eye for detail combined with a strong understanding of the technical side
Detail oriented and the ability to understand the complexity of a 3D pipeline and work closely with TDs
Familiarity with mental ray as a renderer
Familiarity with Polygonal texturing using image maps
Strong uv-ing skills is a must
Familiarity with construction of shaders and utilities
Experience with hair, fur, cloth systems
Ability to debug complex shader networks
Strong photoshop knowledge
Experience with mudbox or zbrush
Some experience with mel scripting or python scripting would be an asset – minimum requirement is to be able to read scripts and debug with TDs assistance
Openness to existing workflows
Ability to solve problems independently
Takes initiative and enjoys learning from and teaching others
Ability to work well in a team setting, guide/mentor others as needed




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 this position, please submit a resume indicating which position you are applying for 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. No phone calls please.
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.