DreamWorks Feature - Character Rigger

DreamWorks Animation is looking for more adventurous dreamers who shoot for the moon. We tell stories about the journeys our unconventional heroes take to make dreams come true. As a growth-minded studio, we pride ourselves on being one of the world's leading producers of high-quality, award-winning, animated films and series, reaching consumers around the globe. We push to feel more, laugh more, and build immersive new worlds.

DreamWorks creates a diverse array of original content in a variety of formats, delivering compelling stories with unique characters. We place tremendous value on the experiences our talent brings to the table from their own non-traditional paths to success. We believe in frequent communication and that transparency and trust yield the best work. We are a community of artists, technologists, innovators, and creators, who are passionate about animation and also happen to love eating lunch together. 

Comcast NBCUniversal has announced its intent to create a new publicly traded company ('Versant') comprised of most of NBCUniversal's cable television networks, including USA Network, CNBC, MSNBC, Oxygen, E!, SYFY and Golf Channel along with complementary digital assets Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, GolfNow, GolfPass, and SportsEngine. The well-capitalized company will have significant scale as a pure-play set of assets anchored by leading news, sports and entertainment content. The spin-off is expected to be completed during 2025.

The Character Rigger is responsible for constructing 3D character rigs and animation interfaces, and establishing muscle, skin, hair, fur and/or clothing behaviors which range from broad squash and stretch to realistic physical simulations. 

If you are part of the fandom and believe teamwork makes the dream work, join us in #livingthedream and #doingyourdreamwork! 

“What would you say you do here?”

• Design, build, test and maintain character set ups

• Work with Modeling to create a model that meets technical needs

• Work with R&D to craft, debug and evaluate new tools

• Collaborate with animators to design motion controls

• Develop and maintain character motion and deformation systems

• Develop new techniques and processes to solve character production challenges

• Work with PE and/or Dept TDs to integrate and maintain setups

• Work with FX and CharFX to provide them with information needed to integrate characters and digital effects

• Work with Lighting to achieve final model for rendering

• Write utility scripts and programs to streamline the setup process

• Work with production management to prioritize tasks

• Keep supervisors informed of progress, changes, roadblocks and other critical issues

• Participate in training, recruiting and other global department tasks as requested

What do I need to have in order to do this job?”

• 3+ years production experience

• Knowledge of traditional animation techniques and the principles of character motion

• Knowledge of anatomy

• Training in visual arts and understanding of form, geometry and movement

• Knowledge in programming and software development skills

• Excellent communication and presentation skills

Desired Qualifications: “What can I offer?”

• Unix experience desired 

• Practical knowledge of academics such as linear algebra, trigonometry, geometry, calculus and differential geometry

Hybrid: This position has been designated as hybrid, generally contributing from the office a minimum of three days per week.

Salary range: $78,312 - $125,000

As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with an NBCUniversal employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. NBCUniversal's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

NBCUniversal will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories, or arrest or conviction records, in a manner consistent with relevant legal requirements, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative For Hiring Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the California Fair Chance Act, where applicable.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to [email protected].