Principal Cinematic Layout Artist

Overview

id Software is looking for a full-time Principal Cinematic Layout Artist to join our legendary team to create eye-popping cinematics for our games. As we continue to improve the visual storytelling in our future games, this role would play a critical part in laying the creative foundation for our in-game cinematics. This position would report to the Cinematic Supervisor and work hand in hand with the Game Director, level designers, environment artists and animation teams. Relocation to the Dallas, TX area with full-time in office attendance required.

Responsibilities

The Principal Cinematic Layout Artist is responsible for all facets of cinematic layout and pre-visualization. The successful candidate is responsible for, but not limited to:

• Responsible for the creation of full 3D previsualization and camera layout of cinematic sequences, as well as executing and maintaining shot to shot editorial flow
• Leverage a deep understanding of camera placement and lens choices to support the story with strong shot composition and cinematic flow. Ideal candidate must have a great sense of scale and ability to realize background, characters and objects that work in proportion with each other to create a believable and cinematic world.
• Consistently research and catalog camera work, trends and narrative theory utilized throughout film, television and game cinematic past/present to help define the stylistic approach for current and future projects.
• Work with the Game Director during the script writing process to generate 2D storyboards and help visualize the flow of a scene. These may range from quick iterative sketches to more comprehensive panels edited in time with temp V.O.
• Translate 2D storyboards into a 3D space/environments.
• Ingest storyboards, temporary audio, and then using strong editorial skills create pre-viz animatics that establish pacing and support creative iteration of early cinematic ideas.
• Model and build early hard-site sets for blocking. Later working with the World Building team to ingest environment and set updates.
• Work with the Animation Lead and Game Director to plan and execute motion capture used in the cinematics.
• Use strong key-frame animation skills and motion capture performance blending to block out sequences and shots.
• Use available tools in Maya viewport to create viewport playblasts that represent varying FX elements, lighting, atmosphere etc.
• Leverage editorial skills to put a sequence together that flows well.
• Maintain and update edits, cameras and blocking to support downstream creative changes and animation.
• Responsible for identifying any story, creative or technical issues that sets and cameras might have with the production and communicate it to the team.
• Work closely with the Cinematic Supervisor, Layout Supervisor and Production team to respect schedules, hit deadlines and juggle priorities.

Qualifications

• Very high level of skill and understanding of filmmaking techniques including cinematography, lighting, acting, blocking and action sequence choreography. A deep knowledge of cameras, lenses, exposure, depth of field, shot composition are required.
• Software: High level of skill and experience with Maya and editorial software like Adobe Premiere and Resolve.
• Basic modeling and texturing skills required ( Modo and or Maya )
• Ability to keyframe animate humanoid and quadruped creatures.
• Motion capture clip ingestion, organization and blending to support shot creation.
• Editorial: Candidate must have a great sense of editorial constructs including pacing and understanding of continuity editing and the effects that editorial choices have on storytelling.
• Clear communication skills and ability to interpret and prioritize feedback.
• 8+ Years of experience as a Layout artist on long form animation, AAA game cinematics or film projects. This is a senior level position.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with production tracking software: ShotGrid
• Highly organized
• Comfortable contributing to the creative process offering new ideas
• Familiarity with film and animation genres
• Experience in photography is an advantage
• Awareness of the history of animation and filmmaking
• Comfort with data management, coding and tool creation a huge plus (Python).

Salary Range

Principal Cinematic Layout Artist - The typical base pay range for this position at the start of employment is expected to be between $90,000 - $200,000 per year.

ZeniMax has different base pay ranges for different work locations within the United States, which allows us to pay employees competitively and consistently in different geographic markets. The range above reflects the potential base pay across the U.S. for this role; the applicable base pay range will depend on what ultimately is determined to be the candidate’s primary work location. Individual base pay depends on various factors, in addition to primary work location, such as complexity and responsibility of role, job duties/requirements, and relevant experience and skills. Base pay ranges are reviewed and typically updated each year. Offers are made within the base pay range applicable at the time.

At ZeniMax certain roles are eligible for additional rewards, such as merit increases and discretionary bonuses. These awards are allocated based on individual performance and are not guaranteed. Benefits/perks listed here may vary depending on the nature of employment with ZeniMax and the country work location. U.S.-based employees have access to healthcare benefits, a 401(k) plan and company match, short-term and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance, wellbeing benefits, paid vacation time, paid sick and mental health time, and several paid holidays, among others.

We embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion in everything we do – from recruiting for our studios, publishing and operations to fostering safe and respectful workplaces that encourage collaboration. Our culture is based on principles of respect, inclusion, and fair treatment and we welcome anyone into our family without regard to race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, or age.

Our diversity fuels our innovation and inspires us to create game worlds that bring us closer to the global community of players we serve.