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Recruiting Event, Starz Animation, Toronto

Received this today:




Looks like Starz is puttin' on the push. If you've got 3D chops, go sell yourself.

3D Artist, Ganz/Webkinz, Toronto

We have an exciting permanent opportunity for a 3D Artist to join our highly successful and growing Interactive Group. Our high end flash games and animated characters have made Webkinz.com the fastest growing children’s entertainment site on the internet. Be part of our dynamic Ganz Interactive Group and contribute to exciting future projects.

Your responsibilities will include:
Designing, modeling, lighting and rendering 3D content.
Work with a team of 2D artists and programmers.
Complete quality work on time, to specification.

Qualifications
Must have at least 3 years production experience.
Must have an art background.
Must have a thorough understanding of physical motion, weight, balance, texture, and form.
Must have solid conceptual and design skills.
Must be proficient in 3D Studio Max, Maya or Softimage and Photoshop.
Must have traditional illustration skills.
Character animation skills is a bonus

Candidates must have an exceptional, professional level DVD, CD or online demo reel to be considered for an interview.

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 http://www.webkinz.com/.

APPLY FOR THIS JOB

Email Address: careers@ganz.com

Designer, Rainmaker Entertainment, Vancouver

Overall Accountability:

To work with the Art Director and Production Designer to design the productions sets and environments, taking into account any styles, directions, and guidance established by the Production Designer and Art Director.

Duties:

• Create strong designs, including architectural schematics, working drawings and details, consistent with the show’s look and feel
• Note feedback and revise designs as defined by the show’s Art Director as necessary
• Research visual reference material to inform designs
• Liaise with the film’s Modeling department and Modeling Supervisor to realize designs for 3D creation
• Communicate regularly and proactively with the design team, modeling team, and FX team to ensure that designs are production-friendly
• Raise potential design issues with the Modeling, FX and Animation departments
• Meet or beat design deadlines
• Proactively update the Art Director as the to status of tasks
• Work with the production’s matte painters to create, troubleshoot, and integrate matte paintings into the sets / environments being conceived, when required.
• Review one's own schedule and the schedule of peers as required, and notify production of any tasks that may be missing or improperly specified.

Qualifications:

• 2+ years in graphic design / set design
• BA/BFA Degree in Fine Arts or Commercial Arts Field an asset
• Excellent knowledge of Photoshop & Illustrator
• Must have strong 2-D set/location/background design experience
• Must have worked on at least 2 productions
• A strong understanding of design and the issues inherent in creating compelling set designs for a 3D production
• Experience in multimedia content, film and television work an asset.
• 3-D design and modeling experience an asset.
• Must possess excellent communication, interpersonal, and multi-tasking skills.
• Proven abilities in managing projects from concept to completion.

About Rainmaker Entertainment Inc.

Rainmaker Entertainment is one of the world's most successful and prolific producers of CG animation and currently has over 350 employees based in Vancouver, Canada. Originally established in 1993 as Mainframe Entertainment, Rainmaker has produced close to 40 feature-length films based on top international brands such as Barbie, Hot Wheels, Spider-Man, Casper, Popeye, Tony Hawk, Stuart Little and Inspector Gadget and more than 250 half-hours of CG animated television including ReBoot, Transformers: Beast Wars, Action Man and Heavy Gear. Rainmaker has produced films for Sony, Mattel, Lionsgate Home Entertainment, Electronic Arts and MTV. In addition to garnering many prestigious awards for their work, Rainmaker productions have generated more than $400 million in video sales. Currently in production at Rainmaker: Escape From Planet Earth, a theatrical feature with The Weinstein Company; and new installments in Mattel's Barbie and Max Steel franchises. For more information please visit www.rainmaker.com

To Apply:

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.
If you are interested in this position, please apply via our corporate website: http://www.rainmaker.com
Or, by post to:
Rainmaker Entertainment Inc. Suite 500-2025 West Broadway Vancouver BC V6J 1Z6 Attn: Recruiting Or, fax to: 604-714-2641

Multiple Positions, Starz Animation, Toronto

Here we go:

Position Description: Lighter/Compositor
For: “Gnomeo and Juliet” and other productions
Reports to: Lighting Supervisor and Head of Lighting/Compositing
Position Description and Requirements:
Light production shots based on creative direction from Lighting Leads, Lighting Supervisor and VFX Supervisor
Ensure that shots meet the highest quality
Ensure to meet production shot quotas as required by Supervisor and production schedule
Troubleshoot and debug shot problems as required and communicate
Identify to the Supervisor problems that lighting could potentially present with respect to timelines and delivery schedules
Ensure shots meet rendering criteria
File management - organize work/files efficiently
Remain current and up-to-date in lighting techniques
Work collaboratively with other departments including technology, surfacing, fx and character finaling.
Experience Required
Thorough knowledge of Maya, and Compositing (Digital Fusion preferred), Mental Ray experience preferred
Degree/diploma in fine arts or equivalent experience
3+ years experience as a Lighting Artist
CG Feature film experience preferred
Demonstrable ability to communicate creative and technical thoughts and ideas and work well within a team
Demonstrable ability to multi-task and prioritize as well as handle the pressures of production and deadlines well.

Position Description: Technical Surfacing Artist
For: “Gnomeo and Juliet”
Reports to: Surfacing Supervisor and 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.)

Experience Required:
Minimum 7 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


Position Description: Layout Finaler
For: “Gnomeo and Juliet”
Reports to: Scene Prep/Layout and Finaling Supervisor

Position Description and Requirements:
Layout Finaling prepares final files for lighting/rendering and compositing. This includes all set dressing elements, final animation and camera tweaking.

Experience Required:
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: Character Finaling Artist
For: All Projects
Reports to: Head of Animation

Position Description and Requirements:
Support the creative performance in a shot with the appropriate technical requirements as follows:
Remove undesirable geometric penetrations, folds and creases from rigged assets.
Ensure that rigged assets are in contact with one another and their environment appropriately.
Ensure that rigged assets are prepared for FX simulations when required.
Ensure proper continuity of motion for the calculation of motion blur.

Experience Required:
Good artistic eye.
Detail oriented.
Good communication skills.
Good organization skills.
Technical aptitude.
Previous production experience or exceptional abilities in CGI.
Familiarity with skeletons.
Experience in Modeling
An understanding of the principles of animation.
Experience with Maya Deformers, Constraints, and Blend Shapes.
Thorough knowledge of Maya’s Graph Editor and connection editors (Hypergraph, Hypershade..)
Must be able to work in a collaborative environment, taking direction from the Sequence lead(s), Supervisor and feedback from Directors(s) as necessary.
Bonus: Ability to script in Mel and/or Python to fix recurring issues.
Bonus: Rendering experience with stand-alone packages (Mental Ray, Renderman etc…)

Position Description: Scene Prep Artist
For: All Projects
Reports to: Scene Prep/Layout Finaling Supervisor

Position Description and Requirements:
Scene Prep Artists provide production ready files for the flow through the pipeline to animation, lighting and FX.

Experience Required:
Solid foundation in Maya
Mel scripting/batch scripting experience an asset but not required
Experience working in other areas of production especially lighting, & comp an asset
Ability to identify and resolve technical problems/issues as it pertains to continuity
Able to rapidly learn and assimilate new technologies
Must be able to respect schedules and artistic guidelines.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
Willingness to accept direction and be open to changes from animation supervisors
Ability to work cooperatively within a creative team environment
Must be detail oriented


Position Description: Jr. Lighter/Compositor
For: “Gnomeo and Juliet”
Reports to: Lighting Supervisor and Head of Lighting/Compositing

Position Description and Requirements:
Light production shots based on key shots from Lighting Leads
Ensure that shots meet the highest quality = matches key shot
Ensure to meet production shot quota as required by Supervisor and production schedule
Troubleshoot and debug shot problems as required and communicate per our protocol
Identify to the Supervisor problems that lighting could potentially present with respect to timelines and delivery schedules
Ensure shots meet rendering criteria
Remain current and up-to-date in lighting techniques

Experience Required:
Degree/diploma in 3D computer animation (digital animation) or equivalent experience
Thorough knowledge of Maya, and Compositing (Digital Fusion preferred), Mental Ray experience preferred
Demonstrable ability to communicate creative and technical thoughts and ideas
Works well within a team
Demonstrable ability to multi-task and prioritize
Ability to handle the pressures of production and deadlines well

Position Description: Technical Director
For: All Projects
Reports to: Supervisor, Pipeline Architecture

The Technical Director is responsible for designing, developing and improving production focused pipeline workflow processes. Technical Directors may also be called on to do shot work when necessary during production.

Position Description and Requirements:
Design, prototype and implement artist-focused production tools, using Maya, Mentalray, Fusion, Python, MEL, and C++.
Collaborate with Production Management on utilization of production tools and workflow processes.
Troubleshoot production problems, and proactively work to minimize their impact.
Design and execute project work plans to produce known deliverables on a pre-determined timetable.
Be aware of new technologies, techniques, and processes that will benefit studio’s production processes for current and future projects.
Share and present new research, ideas and technology with others in the studio.
Perform shot work/fixes as required during production.

Experience Required:
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent job experience
3+ Years of (CG) Experience, Feature Film experience preferred
Experience working with Maya, Mentalray, MTMR, Fusion, or equivalents.
Experience with WxPython
Experience using various scripting languages - primarily Python, Mel, CShell
Experience in C/C++ or some other object-oriented programming language
Experience with subversion, cvs or another revision control system
Experience designing user interfaces
Excellent troubleshooting/debugging skills
Strong communication skills
Superior time management and prioritization skills
Self-motivated and able to work with minimal supervision
Flexible and adaptable to change
Coach and mentor junior coworkers as required

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

Various Positions, Starz Animation, Toronto

STARZ ANIMATION LOOKING FOR LOCAL TALENT FOR MAJOR US NETWORK CHRISTMAS SHOW

Many of you have heard but for the benefit of those who haven't heard, Starz Animation recently landed a special that will air on U.S. networks.

We are ramping up teams to produce this and we are looking for riggers, modelers, animators, TDs and a number of other positions to help produce this quickly. The team will be built with a mix of senior, intermediate and junior talent.

please check out the link below for positions available and how to apply.

www.starzanimation.ca

Looking for Local Talent only - No phone calls, please.

Intermediate and Senior Animators, Guru Studios, Toronto

Guru Studio is looking for exceptional Intermediate and Senior Animators for an Emmy award winning children’s series, to start immediately. A background in art, showing a solid understanding of physical motion, dance, weight and balance would be an asset.
Job Summary
Under the direct supervision of the unit’s animation supervisor and lead animator, you will be responsible for animating assigned scenes based on available live action references, storyboards and director’s notes, while maintaining weekly animation quota in addition to retakes.
Requirements/Skills
Artistic:
• Strong abilities in traditional animation skills and principles
• Natural sense of human and non-human movement, timing, weight and balance and the ability to use this to bring characters to life
• Understand musical timing and how it applies to animated characters
• Fanatical attention to detail
Production:
• Able to work cooperatively within a creative team environment
• Dependable, able to anticipate the needs of the project and team
• Able to problem solve and share solutions
• Willing to accept direction and be open to changes from Animation Supervisors
• Minimum 6 months to 1 year professional industry experience as an Animator (junior positions); minimum two years industry experience (intermediate to senior positions), preferably with series production
Technical:
• Professionally conversant with Maya
• Be active in remaining current and up to date with software
Planning:
• Able to work independently to manage own workflow and deadlines
• Track own shot assignments; report shot starts and completions to producer and animation supervisor
• Organize work files efficiently
• Must be able to handle pressure and juggle multiple projects
• Need to be efficient, reliable and self motivated with minimal supervision

Various positions available, including full time contract positions with benefits until early 2010. You must be legally entitled to work in Canada and/or an Ontario Resident. No relocation will be provided.

Series Producer, Guru Studio, Toronto

guru studio, the award winning internationally renowned animation house in Toronto, seeks a Series Producer with a passion for leading edge animation.

The ideal candidate should have a minimum of five years experience as a series producer who understands the creative process from concept to delivery. They must be affable, innovative, and solution focused and will oversee the entire production process of all long form studio projects, including an Emmy award winning children’s series. They will lead a team of diverse artists to deliver high end projects on budget and on schedule. The Series Producer will report directly to the President. This will be a one year contract position beginning June 1st, 2009.

Skills and Qualifications:

Proven track record in preparing budgets + schedules for properties in production + development.
Ability to negotiate contracts with international clients, artists and outside vendors.
Experience managing a large crew, including 40+ artists, several supervisors and a production coordinator.
Desired Qualities:

Excellent communication, collaborative and interpersonal skills.
A positive and pro active approach to problem solving with the ability to work effectively under pressure.
Diplomacy and a sense of humour.
Fun. Trustworthy. Chill.
Please send resumes to:

guru studio
Attention: Tanya Beach
110 Spadina Ave., Suite 500
Toronto, ON M5V 2K4
email: tanya@gurustudio.com

Only selected applicants will be contacted. No phone calls please. guru studio is an equal opportunity

Multiple Positions, Fuel Industries, Ottawa

Fuel ran a great Job Fair last week, for those who couldn't attend, here's the link to their job board.
They're doing hiring in all kinds of positions, including:

• Chief Operations Officer
• Director, Marketing
• Business Development Manager
• Project Manager / Interactive Producer
• Director, Production and Resources
• Product Manager
• Business Analyst
• Game Developer
• iPhone Developer
• Maya Animator / Rigger
• Flash Interactive Developer
• Flash Game Developer
• Illustrator / Animator
• Graphic Designer
• Interface Designer
• Web Developer
• Java Developer

Flash Animators, CFORP, Ottawa

Looking for french speaking flash animators in the Ottawa region to work on animated courses for the french schoolboard.

You must be able to speak and read french.

You must have an animation diploma.

Must be able to work from your home.

Please contact Gabe at gabe_cartoon@hotmail.com

Subject line: Flash animator

There is no deadline to this post.

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