Expert Facial Animator

We are looking for an Expert Facial Animator with a passion for creating incredible animation for a AAA title. Expect to manage the overall effort of creating high quality, extremely realistic and iconic facial performances in cinematics and gameplay. Responsibilities also include helping develop workflows, tools and processes used by animators. You will ensure characters are story driven, have emotional depth and clarity. You will work alongside narrative team, tech art, character art and stage to support the unified goal in delivering compelling facial performances of the highest level! 

Responsibilities:  

• Create, polish and integrate AAA quality facial animations that are believable and emotionally engaging by utilizing the highest quality facial solving solution available 
• Own the overall facial animation pipeline in cinematics and gameplay, work other departments to assist in developing tools and workflow 
• Collaborate with directors and leads on and off stage to ensure facial in cinematics and gameplay are cohesive  
• Work alongside artists to analyze and critique key facial shapes 
• Ensure that animation flows in a realistic way when delivering dialog and complex expression beats 
• Maintain believable performances as it pertains to body and facial combined 
• Ensure that character performances reflect story moments with clarity and intention  
• Be proactive with troubleshooting any animation workflow and pipeline issues.  
• Effectively communicate with shape artists, animators, engineers, designers and riggers, to give and accept feedback  
• Lead and mentor animators, communicate and critique effectively 
• Establish and demonstrate standard methodologies in facial and lead by example  
• Participate in motion capture shoots when needed  

Requirements & Skills:  

• Proven Lead or Expert experience in working with scanned facial assets in the game or film industry, 4D experience a plus  
• Ability to create and work in all levels of facial animation including gameplay and cinematics 
• Have expert knowledge of FACS and facial anatomy 
• Demo reel showing a proven understanding of all animation principles  
• Experience in creating cinematic, narrative driven character performances of the highest fidelity utilizing FACS and micro expressions.  
• Professional working knowledge of Maya  
• Experience working with game engines 
• Passionate about making games and the enthusiasm to make the best!  
• Excellent problem-solving and interpersonal skills  

Qualities:  

• Flexibility in switching tasks to accommodate production priorities  
• Ability to appreciate other department's perspectives  
• Maintain integrity and confidence in results-oriented times 
• Empathic and respected team leader  
• Team oriented with a desire to mentor other animators  
• Promote inclusivity, diversity and fairness  
• Practice patience and be open to giving and receiving feedback