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PlayStation Global

Narrative Animator (Contract)

PlayStation Global, Los Angeles, California, United States, 90079


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The PlayStation brand falls under Sony Interactive Entertainment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation.

Join the award-winning team that created God of War

Santa Monica Studio is seeking a Narrative Animator for the development of an upcoming new title. Do you love collaborating with talented developers to build genre-defining games? Join us as we embark on a new journey!

The Narrative Animator contributes to the overall project vision by breathing life into our character performances, creatures, and game story. They have practical experience of prototyping, developing, and implementing performance-driven narrative animations, can effectively balance aesthetic goals with technical constraints, and have a proven track record of execution from concept to ship.

The Narrative Animator will work closely with the Animation Director, Animation Leads, Technical Artists, and Narrative Designers to deliver visually stunning animation work in support of the creative goals of a large-scale new project.

The ideal candidate has held a junior or mid-level role on at least one published title, is equally comfortable with keyframe and motion-capture animation pipelines, is comfortable working in Maya and MotionBuilder, and has worked with multiple game engines and animation systems. The ideal candidate is passionate about the craft of animation, demonstrates a strong understanding of visual storytelling, and has a proven ability to combine creativity with technical capability to deliver visually stunning in-game animated experiences.ResponsibilitiesWork closely with the Animation Director, Animation Leads and the Design and Programming teams during the pre-visualization process to develop performance-driven narrative 3D pre-visIdeate, implement and iterate on animation assets, balancing the needs of style and functionFocus on character development, visual storytelling, choreography, and timing of each sequence with the Animation Director and Narrative Animation LeadCollaborate with Designers and Programmers to achieve the perfect balance between animation fidelity and technical requirements, to integrate animation assets into the game engine, and to monitor and troubleshoot any technical issues that might ariseAnimate keyframed characters, creatures, and props by hand - this includes hand-keyed facial expressions and lip sync as necessaryAssemble, edit, clean up, and enhance motion capture data shot on stage, including both body and faceAssemble and prepare navigation and narrative move-lists for shooting on the motion capture stageWork with the Character Tech Art team to improve character rigs, tools, and workflowsProactively facilitate requests or information needs regarding any aspect of the animation creation processActively advance skill set and abilities by keeping aware of industry trends and techniques, evaluating competitive products, and learning new software packages and traditional art methodsRequirementsA strong demo reel that demonstrates expert knowledge of fundamental animation principles and acting skills, and the ability to create a full range of lifelike performances from the subtle to the dramatic and powerfulProficient command of weight, timing, and posing through both keyframing and the manipulation of motion capture dataHigh level of proficiency in MayaHigh comfort level with learning and utilizing animation systems and game engine pipelinesAbility to rapidly prototype, iterate, and explore animation style and functionalityAbility to succeed in a creative, team-oriented environmentExcellent communication, time-management, and organizational skillsAbility to work across multiple disciplines to gather feedback and address cross-functional issuesStrong production sensibilities, and the drive and talent needed to produce and implement the highest quality workB.A. in fine arts or relevant curriculum, or equivalent skillset1-3 years' industry or related experiencePreferred ExperienceAAA experienceExperience working with MotionBuilderExperience working with proprietary animation engines and toolsets

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At SIE, working with our partners, we consider several factors when setting each role's base pay range, including the competitive benchmarking data for the market and geographic location.

Please note that the individual base pay range may vary based on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location.

In addition, this role is eligible for benefit offerings that include medical, dental, and vision. Click

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The estimated base pay range for this role is listed below, this is an hourly rate.

$44.38-$66.59 USD

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Sony is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All persons will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender (including gender identity, gender expression and gender reassignment), race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, trade union membership or membership in any other legally protected category.

We strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees and embrace diversity. We encourage everyone to respond.

PlayStation is a Fair Chance employer and qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered for employment.