Starz Animation, Toronto, Multiple Positions

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: Scene Prep Artist
For: Gnomeo and Juliet
Reports to Scene Prep Supervisor
Position Description and Requirements:
Scene Prep Artists provide production ready files for the flow through the pipeline to animation, lighting and FX.
Skill Set Overview:
• 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: Animator
For: Gnomeo and Juliet
Reports to Supervising Animator and Head of Animation
Position Description and Requirements:
• Previous study of anatomy, perspective and composition.
• Demonstrated expert knowledge of timing, acting, posing and lip-synch
• Previous work should reflect a strong understanding of character personality, movement and storytelling.
• Expert knowledge of Maya
• Ability to meet tight deadlines
• Demonstrated success at working at Feature level quotas
• Strong problem solving skills and ability to present solutions in order to meet quotas required
• Clear communication style – open and responsive
• Ability to work in a collaborative environment, taking direction from the Supervisor and feedback from Directors(s) as necessary.
• Post graduate diploma in classical or 3D Animation
• 5+ years character animation on CG Feature Films

Position Description: Technical Director
For: Gnomeo and Juliet
Reports to Supervisor, Pipeline Architecture
Position Description and Requirements:

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.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
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.

Minimum Qualifications and Abilities:
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

Position Description: Lead 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
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


If you are interested in applying for a position, please submit a DVD demo reel of your best work and a resume indicating which position you are applying for to:
Recruiting
Starz Animation
230 Richmond Street East
Toronto, Ontario
M5A 1P4
www.starzmedia.com
You can also email online to sat.jobs@starz.com
Reel Guidelines:
Please be sure to clearly label your demo reel with your name, contact information and position applying for. Your reel must include a shot breakdown outlining your specific contribution, as well as the tools used.
Please do not send original materials with your submissions. We are unable to return media or artwork.
Please note: successful applicants must be Canadian citizens or possess landed immigrant status, or be legally entitled to work in Canada.
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 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.

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.

Flash Animators Wanted, Drop Dead Gorgeous Productions, Montreal

Hello!
We are a busy Montreal animation studio currently in production on an adult-oriented comedy thriller pilot inspired by great Japanese Anime and Tarantino Films for delivery in February 2009.
We are seeking strong animators who are proficient in Flash 8 or CS3. Animators can work in Montreal or we can arrange for remote work for very strong talent who are already set up to work from home.
It's a fun show and we have a great group already in place, we need one or two more artists to add to our team.
please contact Caroline at Drop Dead Gorgeous Productions animeproduction@live.com
thanks!
Caroline
514 993 2914

Production Assistant, New Machine Studios, Calgary

Via AWN:

New Machine Studios Inc. is a small, independent animation production house located in Calgary, Alberta Canada. We are looking for a fun and ambitious individual with great organizational and interpersonal skills to assist us in our current production of a 13 episode CGI animated television series and beyond.

This is a full-time, entry-level postition where you will learn as you go, and it's a great opportunity for somebody who wants to become an independent producer in Canada.

As a production assistant you will have three primary areas or responsibility:
- To assist in the preparation of budgets, schedules and other supporting documentation for broadcasters, tax credits and production grant applications.
- To assist with the collection and preparation of weekly, monthly and quarterly progress reports for internal and external use.
- Light offices and clerical duties including data entry, filing, answering phones and other gopher work.

We're looking for somebody who is very detail-oriented, organized and punctual with a great attitude and a commitment to a career of producing animation.

We offer a fun and relaxed working environment, flexible scheduling options and benefits.

You must be a Canadian Citizen or landed immigrant with excellent communications skills (fluent english). Experience with Word and Excel would be an asset; in a perfect world you already know Quickbooks and/or EP Budgeting software. And of course you gotta love working with numbers!

We can't cover relocation expenses, so a Calgary-based candidate would be in the best position to get the job.

Contact Person: Colin Curwen Email Address: colin@newmachinestudios.com	Phone: (403) 262-2668 Fax: (403) 262-2678
Apply URL: http://www.newmachinestudios.com

Modelers, C.O.R.E Digital Pictures, Toronto

Via AWN:

C.O.R.E. Digital Pictures located in downtown Toronto is currently looking for experienced modelers to join our team on a dynamic new pre-teen animated series that will be aired on a major U.S. television network. In this position you will conceptualize & create 3D computer-generated models from 2D designs (characters, locations and props). In addition to reviewing models for complex movements, you will establish rigging procedures and suggest changes when necessary. The successful candidates will also create and apply UVs and textures needed to achieve desired surface qualities for the completion of models.

The company was founded in 1994 and is one of Canada's leading digital visual effects and animation studios. Over a decade later, C.O.R.E. has successfully built three divisions: C.O.R.E. Digital Pictures, C.O.R.E. Toons and C.O.R.E. Feature Animation. Over the years, with the underlying philosophy that a studio designed by artists for artists fosters the best creative environment, C.O.R.E. has produced award-winning work for more than 55 Feature Films, 24 Television Series and 24 Movies of the Week.

C.O.R.E. offers an exciting work environment; our open work structure allows for creativity and fun at the same time. The continuous flow of interesting new projects that are awarded from major studios and production companies makes working at C.O.R.E. a unique and fulfilling experience.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
·Experience with polygon modeling, utility nodes, and rigging techniques.
·Expertise in rigging characters and complicated props from scratch.
·Ability to paint textures and create procedural shaders is a plus.
·Working knowledge of Mel, tweaking scripts and writing simple procedures is a plus.
·A strong understanding and knowledge of human and animal anatomy is beneficial.
·Experience in UV layout, texture projections, and 2D texture painting.
·Build character facial rigs and corrective blend shapes within pipeline methodology.
·Proficiency Adobe Photoshop/Gimp.
·Experience with LINUX/UNIX and knowledge of Maya is required.
·The ideal candidate will have at least two strong skills out of three (modeling, rigging, texturing), with an intermediate knowledge of the area that is not their strongest.
·Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills required.
·Bachelor's degree or equivalent in computer science, computer visualization, or computer animation required.
·Minimum 3 years experience modeling in 3D software with aptitude in polygonal modeling, a solid understanding of rigging techniques, modeling for efficient rendering and texture skills are a plus.
·At least 3 years work experience required in 3D CG for digital animation, or visual effects film.
·Must be legally authorized to work in Canada.

JOB DUTIES
·Determine design solutions and methods for modeling characters.
·Create complex 3D model geometry of props, sets, characters, and objects to be painted, animated, and used in production.
·Design and implement animation controls and rigging systems characters and props using a combination of software packages and proprietary tools.
·Create and maintain facial animation blend shapes.
·Layout UVs, painting textures, and creating shaders.
·Work closely with Modelers, and Modeling Supervisor to achieve desired show look.
·Work with design team to execute desired look of textures for CG objects and characters.
·Work with team members to evaluate visual consistency.
·Riggers work closely with the animation department solving shot based problems.
·Prepare assets for integration in production database and validate assets for pipeline workflow.

When submitting your demo reel or website, be sure to include examples of work that demonstrate CG character modeling including wireframes, rigged characters, props in motion (preferably used in production), painted textures and/or other CG art. Also include samples or work that demonstrate your artistic abilities like life drawings, paintings, and/or figure sculptures.

Email your website to recruiting@coredp.com

Demo reel and resumes can be mailed to:
C.O.R.E. Digital Pictures Recruiting
461 King St. West
Toronto, Ontario
M5V 1K7

We would like to thank all applicants for their interest however only those under consideration will be contacted. No phone calls please.

APPLY FOR THIS JOB
Contact Person: Recruiting	Email Address: recruiting@coredp.com
Apply URL: http://www.coredp.com

VP Production/Animation, Ontario

This one is through Media-Match, and it looks like you have to register to apply:

VP Production/Animation

About the Job

Job Posting Date: 11/06/08

If you are looking to make an inspired career move and work for the world's most innovative children's entertainment company, apply now for the role of VP PRODUCTION.

We are seeking a VP of Production to work directly with the Executive Producer & Director of Content Development to source all elements of production and manage the production of multiple TV series concurrently from development to broadcast delivery. This position requires great instinct for telling stories that will have international appeal, general knowledge of television and interactive audience trends and a thirst for innovation. It's critical that this candidate has an extensive network of innovative and emerging talent that will help these productions stand out amongst the herd and possess the 'magic' that help steer otherwise good programs into great, groundbreaking entertainment. Understanding of the Canadian production system is a must.

Responsibilities:
• Oversee key creative elements from development through production.
• Establish creative checkpoints with clients to ensure that client expectations are achieved.
• Ensure that the creative goals are being met without over-complicating the project or going over budget.
• Monitor the progress of the outsourced production for quality and delivery.
• Approve post production material.
• Provide input on development materials and comments on scripts.
• Create sizzle reels for Sales and Distribution as required.

Qualifications:
• Minimum 8 years previous experience as a Producer of at least 8 animated series.
• Experience working in a Producer role on International Co-Productions
• Previous writing/story editing experience
• Proficient with Word and Excel.
• Strong Management Experience
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to handle multiple projects.
• Self starter with the ability to take initiative and follow through for results.

Core competencies include but are required but not limited to:
• Creativity/Vision
• Shows Initiative/Entrepreneurial Spirit
• Assertive and Tenacious
• Organization/Planning and Self Awareness
• Written/Oral Communication

City, State: Ontario - Canada

Salary: open

Duration: full-time

Production Supervisor, 9 Story Entertainment Inc. Toronto

Via Playback Magazine:


9 Story Entertainment Inc.

9 Story Entertainment seeks a highly-motivated, experienced Production Supervisor, who is familiar with scheduling and overseeing concurrent projects. Must have 5+ years experience in the Animation Industry, and must have management and/or supervisory experience. Please visit our website for details.

In-House Editor, Red Rover Creative, Toronto

Redrover Creative is currently looking for a full time in house Editor for a 3D Animated 26X22 minute Television Series.
Description: Responsible for assembling storyboards to leica and assembling the final product as a sequence consisting of the final animation shots. Editor will be working closely with the director to meet his requirements.
Qualifications:
• Above all, a great sense of timing for both comedy and action
• Two or more years of experience editing in an Animation production
• Working knowledge of Final Cut Pro
• Ability to take direction and work well in a team
• Understanding of post production process including final delivery and HD formats
• Understanding of Maya, 3D Max and/or Flash an asset
• Understanding of audio formats an asset
How to Apply:
Please submit a resume to:
s.mousseau@redroverinfo.com

Recruitment
33 Niagara Street
Toronto, ON
M5V 1C2

Please note that only those considered for an interview will be contacted. Only those legally entitled to work in Canada need apply. Thank you!