At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and maintain rigs for high-end visual effects films, collaborating with Modellers and Animators.
- Company: Framestore is a multi-Oscar-winning studio known for innovative visual effects in film and episodic content.
- Benefits: Enjoy a creative work environment, flexible hours, and opportunities to grow your skills in a leading studio.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling and make your mark in the industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in Maya rigging, scripting skills, and a keen eye for detail are essential.
- Other info: Our London studio is fully accessible and committed to inclusivity for all employees.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The multi-Oscar-winning creative Film & Episodic Studio at Framestore has worked with some of the greatest storytellers in film today. Collaborating with directors and producers across the complete filmmaking process to help design, plan and create beautiful images, we focus on finding innovative creative solutions to support their vision and set new standards for visual effects in cinema.
Framestore combines talent and technology to bring life to everything we create. Driven by creativity and inspired by the future, we set out every day to reframe the possible.
This is a key role within our London-based Rigging team. Rigging Technical Directors are responsible for designing, creating and maintaining highly accurate and efficient rigs for high-end visual effects films. You will work closely with Modellers and Animators to develop and refine rigs that meet the specific requirements of a VFX pipeline.
What you’ll do:
- Create fully scripted rigs and refine them according to animation and lighting needs.
- Prototype, implement and refine puppet (skeleton), body (deformer and muscle-based) or mechanical rigs.
- Troubleshoot and fix rig issues, collect artistic feedback and fine-tune rig behaviour.
- Become a proficient user and contributor to the extensive rigging tool set.
- Create tools to help animation workflow and rig interaction.
- Work within the pipeline and rigging standards.
- Meet delivery deadlines under production constraints.
Requirements:
- Maya rigging experience (full body/facial).
- A passion for creating believable CG characters and the requisite attention to detail.
- Experience with scripting (i.e. Python) and the ability to follow strict coding standards.
- Analytical and artistic skills, creativity and visual problem-solving.
- Teamwork, communication and time management skills.
- The ability to write technical documentation and present your work (wiki, screen capture etc.).
- Basic knowledge of anatomy for bipeds and quadrupeds, skeletons and muscles.
- A good understanding of constraints and deformers, how they work and their limitations.
You might also have:
- Facial anatomy, realistic eye and mouth rigs, FACS breakdown.
- Life drawing or organic modelling.
- Basic knowledge of dynamics (Maya Hair, nCloth, nParticle etc.).
- Strong maths background, especially matrix maths and geometry algorithms.
- C or C++ programming for Maya plugins.
Accessibility Statement:
Our London studio is fully accessible, with step-free entry, accessible toilets on all floors, and quiet spaces available. We are committed to supporting disabled colleagues and providing an inclusive workplace for everyone.
Application Process & Deadline:
To apply, please complete the linked application form or email your resume and portfolio to recruiters@framestore.com with the subject line: Rigging Technical Director – London. We review all applications manually and do not use artificial intelligence to screen candidates. If you require any adjustments or support during the application process, please let us know - we are happy to accommodate your needs.
Rigging TD employer: Framestore Limited
Contact Detail:
Framestore Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Rigging TD
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest rigging techniques and tools in Maya. Being up-to-date with industry standards will not only enhance your skills but also show your commitment to the role when you engage with our team during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare a portfolio that showcases your best rigging work, particularly focusing on full body and facial rigs. Highlight any projects where you collaborated with animators or modellers, as this demonstrates your teamwork skills which are crucial for this position.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your scripting skills, especially in Python. Be ready to discuss how you've used scripting to improve rigging workflows in past projects, as this will be a key aspect of the role at Framestore.
✨Tip Number 4
During the interview, be prepared to discuss your problem-solving approach. Share specific examples of challenges you've faced in rigging and how you overcame them, as this will highlight your analytical and creative thinking skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Rigging TD
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your Maya rigging experience, scripting skills, and any relevant projects you've worked on. Emphasise your attention to detail and creativity in creating believable CG characters.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for visual effects and how your skills align with the role of Rigging TD. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to troubleshoot rig issues and work collaboratively with Modellers and Animators.
Showcase Your Portfolio: Include a portfolio that showcases your best rigging work. Highlight any projects where you created fully scripted rigs or contributed to animation workflows. Make sure to explain your role in each project clearly.
Follow Application Instructions: When applying, ensure you follow the application instructions precisely. Submit your resume and portfolio via email to the specified address, using the correct subject line. This shows attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Framestore Limited
✨Showcase Your Rigging Skills
Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best rigging work, especially in Maya. Include examples of fully scripted rigs and any innovative solutions you've implemented to demonstrate your technical prowess.
✨Understand the VFX Pipeline
Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements of a VFX pipeline. Be ready to discuss how your rigging experience aligns with the needs of Modellers and Animators, and how you can contribute to the overall workflow.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Be prepared to discuss past challenges you've faced in rigging and how you resolved them. Highlight your analytical skills and creativity in troubleshooting rig issues, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since teamwork is essential, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Be ready to explain your rigging process and decisions, and show that you can take feedback constructively while collaborating with others.