About the role
Team
Cinematics
Role Overview
Blizzard Entertainment is seeking an experienced 3D generalist to join the cinematics layout department as a Senior Layout Artist. The layout department functions as the hub of cinematics, facilitating the flow of assets from modeling, surfacing, and rigging. The team assembles and composes shots from previz, working through animation, simulation, and FX, through to lighting and compositing.
This is a 12-month temporary position starting at the end of February. It is anticipated to be a hybrid work position, with a potential home studio in Irvine, CA. Remote work arrangements may be explored based on individual circumstances.
Responsibilities
Priorities in this fast-paced environment are subject to change; responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Using Maya to translate and compose previz into shot assemblies and deliver scenes ready for animation.
- Creating, adding, or adjusting set dressing, static character poses, and crowd cycles to support final shot composition.
- Supporting animation and other departments at various stages by managing shot configurations and performing preview rendering for quality review.
- Organizing assets, filling gaps, and resolving technical or artistic problems not addressed by other departments or standard pipeline procedures.
- Collaborating with programmers, artists, supervisors, directors, and production staff on multiple concurrent projects/pipelines to develop or improve tools and processes, and to facilitate productive communication and efficient workflows.
Minimum Requirements
Experience
- A minimum of 8+ years of production or feature film experience in a layout or 3D generalist role.
- Skill and experience in building and dressing sets and environments and composing shots for production.
Knowledge & Skills
- Depth of knowledge in 3D pipelines, both technically and artistically.
- Solid understanding of the principles of storytelling, film, and composition.
- Skills in modeling, rigging, animation, and cameras.
- Knowledge of surfacing, lighting, rendering, and compositing.
- Familiarity with scripting, especially within a 3D environment.
Key Attributes
- Strong, dedicated communicator and problem-solver.
- Able to learn and work independently and creatively with diverse personalities under resource and time-limited conditions.
Extra Points
- Extensive experience with Maya or Houdini.
- Knowledge and experience with Unreal or other game engines.
- Experience with RenderMan and/or Redshift renderers.
- Proficiency in python scripting.
- Familiarity with USD.
- Expert organization and communication skills, both written and oral.
- A thirst for learning and a knack for efficiency.
- A passion for Blizzard games, stories, characters, and worlds.
Required Application Materials
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Online Demo Reel
Compensation and Benefits
The U.S. standard base pay range for this role is $39.54 - $73.16 hourly. The specific offer is based on factors including relevant experience, performance, and work location. Employees may also be eligible for incentive compensation (not guaranteed).
Comprehensive benefits (subject to eligibility) include:
- Medical, dental, vision, health savings account (HSA) or health reimbursement account (HRA).
- Healthcare spending accounts, dependent care spending accounts.
- Life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance.
- 401(k) with Company match.
- Tuition reimbursement, charitable donation matching.
- Paid holidays and vacation, paid sick time, floating holidays, compassion and bereavement leaves, parental leave.
- Mental health and wellbeing programs, fitness programs, free and discounted games.
- Voluntary benefit programs: supplemental life and disability, legal service, ID protection, rental insurance, and others.
- Relocation assistance if the company requires a geographic move.
Company Culture and Commitments
Blizzard Entertainment is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. The company does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
The company provides reasonable assistance to individuals with physical and mental disabilities during the application process.
The videogame industry is fast-paced and evolving; duties and responsibilities may be changed as directed by the company at any time to promote and support business and industry partnerships.