U.S., Senior Previs Artist - Expression of Interest

Zoic Studios•Los Angeles, CA

10d•Onsite

About The Position

This posting is an opportunity to submit your resume for future consideration; this is not a role that is open currently. We anticipate this role may open in the future. If you'd like to be considered, please submit your resume and reel. If the role opens, a recruiter may reach out. This position is based in the United States; applicants must already reside in the U.S. A Previs Artist at Zoic Studios works closely with the Creative Director/VFX Supervisor and Camera Department Supervisor to explore and define shot and sequence concepts, helping establish the visual language of each project.

Requirements

5+ years of experience in Previs, Layout, or Animation in VFX for film/TV
A recent demo reel demonstrating your experience
Strong ability to interpret story through partial/full scripts, storyboards, and verbal kickoffs
Deep knowledge of Maya - 3D animation, mocap, modeling, Viewport 2.0 lighting/effects
Knowledge of real-world camera lensing, bodies, formats, and vocabulary
Basic editing skills in Hiero, DaVinci Resolve, Premiere, or After Effects
Shotgun/Flow Tracker and Windows experience
Ability to learn and contribute to existing pipelines
Strong verbal communication skills; well organized and adaptable across shows and pipelines
Willingness to attend dailies, present work, and receive feedback
Interest in training/onboarding new artists
Enthusiasm for learning new software, pipelines, and technology

Nice To Haves

Experience with Unreal Engine, Houdini, and Nuke is a plus

Responsibilities

Design shots and sequences in 3D (Maya) based on scripts, storyboards, or creative kickoffs
Apply strong camera composition and lensing to drive rough and final camera animation
Source 2D/3D assets from internal depots or online resources, and build rough models, rigs, and shaders when more efficient
Help manage previs asset depots by adding and updating assets
Roughly animate objects, characters, and natural elements to communicate story intent
Use lighting and simple atmospheric effects to establish mood
Edit previs shots into sequences with rough pacing, occasionally matching audio cues or timeline constraints
Work within pipeline constraints to allow easy conversion to production shot work
Create tech-vis setups for on-set teams (camera lens, height, tilt/roll, distance to subject, set-build dimensions)
Work at the fast pace typical of television timelines, keeping supervisors updated on estimates and goals
Act as/assist a Layout Artist when previs demands are lighter, including: Building from and QC'ing tracking and matchmove work, Framing plate cameras within CG environments, Placing assets into practical environments, Building environments using provided CG assets, Performing camera takeovers from plate cameras, Executing 2.5D projection work