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Previs Generalist

Los Angeles, California, United States

The Previs Generalist will assist with many of the artistic and technical aspects of Sony Pictures Animation’s projects in a rapid prototyping type environment using both Maya and Unreal. They will report to the Previs Department Head under the guidance of the Executive in charge of Digital Pre Production. Their number one priority is to help support filmmakers visualize their ideas in a quick and dynamic way; this could be anything from quick low poly assets to fully lit animated sizzle pieces. They must be able to provide creative solutions to help guide the design, story and directing teams by conveying creative ideas into 3D. They will also contribute to the development and support of workflows for the studio as part of early pre production through previs for animated feature projects. This position is part of a generalist team that does rapid prototyping work for all of the features at Sony Pictures Animation.

Sony Pictures Animation is an animation studio based in Culver City, California, creating both feature animation and animated series with artists from around the world. We pride ourselves on empowering filmmakers to lead the creative process, and allowing the hand of the artist to be truly felt, with the goal of producing bold and innovative visual storytelling.

Responsibilities:

  • Develop 3D assets for quick prototyping of design and story ideas
  • Help with world building for production design
  • Look development within Unreal
  • Lighting and rendering using Unreal
  • Compositing as needed to help test ideas and output sizzle reels
  • Helping to creatively solve technical and aesthetic problems
  • Establishing a locale and define mood through the use of lighting
  • Communicating and working with Story, Art and Editorial personnel
  • Build lighting/lookdev tools and templates
  • Oversee lookdev and lighting for sizzle projects
  • Work closely with software development teams in the creation of a new previs pipeline
  • Work closely with all departments on pipeline improvements and developments
  • Help grow and maintain our asset and animation library

Essential Skills:

  • Simple modeling skills
  • Lighting skills
  • Compositing skills
  • Experience working with Maya or other DCC software
  • Excellent knowledge of the Unreal Engine
  • Technical troubleshooting skills within Maya and Unreal
  • UE Blueprinting knowledge
  • UE Post Processing
  • Python scripting skills; C++ coding a plus
  • A solid knowledge of Previs/CG shot production and its iteration process
  • A desire to learn from others and to take on increasingly challenging work
  • Good communication skills and a team player
  • A vivid imagination

Software knowledge:

Autodesk Maya

  • Unreal Engine
  • Autodesk MotionBuilder
  • Substance Painter
  • Perforce
  • ShotGrid

The anticipated base salary for this position is $50.00 to $75.00 an hour. This role qualifies for benefits pursuant to the collective bargaining agreement. The actual salary offered will depend on a variety of factors. 

To apply, please include a resume and a link to your portfolio. Please make sure to include any passwords to your work in your cover letter and/or in your resume.

Sony Pictures Animation is an equal opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristics.

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