Ascendant Studios is looking for a cinematic animator to help bring our first title to life. Our ideal applicant has a solid animation background paired with strong technical ability and pipeline knowledge. Prior work in games is required, and experience with Unreal Engine would be a big plus.

This is a full time position. We are all currently working remotely due to Covid-19, but once we return the position may either be based in our office in San Rafael, CA, or remain fully remote.

Key Responsibilities:

• Create previs 3d animatics to inform cinematic sequences and mocap shoots
• Assemble motion capture for body and face along with cameras for external cleanup
• Creating hero shots that may involve more complexity, helping to final cinematic shots
• Developing technical gameplay focused cinematic sequences
• Coordinating with outsourcers for animation cleanup
• Helping develop cinematic pipeline and tools

Requirements:

• 3-5+ years of experience as an animator working with video game cinematics or feature film development
• Expert with motion capture, facial animation, cameras, and keyframe creatures and humans
• Able to collaborate and take direction from creative leads and narrative team
• Expert proficiency with Maya
• Solid foundational animation skills, such as timing, weight, and human anatomy
• Ability to work independently, problem solve on the fly, and collaborate efficiently across disciplines in a small, fast moving team

Good to have:

• Experience working with Unreal Engine sequencer
• Experience with rigging and rig creation, motion capture recording and processing, or Python/MEL scripting
• Previous experience working on an AAA, 1st person, console title