Job Description

DNEG’s Feature Animation division aims to compete at the highest standards in the industry. Character Surfacers will be required to deliver outstanding assets, both creatively and technically and ensure the delivery of assets within the time frame established. 

Since each project is different and requires a unique artistic vision, the candidate will have to demonstrate high skills to adapt to any style or design and have a solid foundation on the technical aspects of character surfacing creation.

Key Responsibilities

• Create unique CG character surfacing, grooming, and texturing using provided reference material.
• Submit your work to dailies and attend production reviews. Receive and address artistic and technical feedback.
• Quality check your work before handing off to downstream depts using DNEG protocols.
• Learn and become familiar with DNEG Surfacing Dept workflows and pipeline tools.
• Attend various project-specific reviews/discussions, department assembly, and other mandatory meetings.

Job Requirements

• Experience working on feature animated films of varying artistic styles. 
• Production experience as a Character Surfacer.
• A strong sense of colours and textures balance with the ability to adapt to any look or style.
• Ability to work closely with Surfacing Leads and Supervisors to ensure the quality and technical viability of character assets for a production.
• Ability to effectively translate your ideas, suggestions, and questions with other members of the team.
• Highly developed skills with fur and feather grooming tools, such as Maya, Shave and a Haircut, Yeti, XGen, Houdini, and Katana for look development.
• Proficient in Mari (preferred), Substance, Photoshop, or BodyPaint 3D.
• Production experience in modern ray-tracing or path-tracing software like RenderMan or Arnold.
• Demo reel with descriptive breakdown illustrating knowledge and experience in painting, illustration, or design.