BC, Intermediate-Senior Previs Artist

Intermediate-Senior Previs Artist - Expression of Interest

This posting is an opportunity to submit your resume for future consideration; this is not a role that is open at this time. We anticipate this role may be open in the future, but we are not actively hiring for the position. If you would like to be considered for this potential role, please submit your resume. If the role becomes available, you may receive an email or call from a recruiter.

This position is based in Vancouver. All applicants must reside in British Columbia, Canada.

About Zoic

Zoic Studios is a Visual Effects company that specializes in high end visual effects for television, film, and advertising. Our mantra is Visual Evolution - we focus on every part of the process, from the final picture to the pipeline used to create them.  

Are you looking for your next creative and technical challenge? Come join our team 

Why Join Zoic?

• We are an Artist owned and operated VFX studio.
• We love what we do and always stay curious about new technology and techniques.
• We respect work/life balance in a hectic industry.
• We work with a team from all walks of life and backgrounds.

Our Vancouver, BC location is interested in hearing from Intermediate-Senior Previs Artists for future openings. 

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. You will craft camera movement, composition, rough world design, staging, lighting, and editing to help establish the visual language of each project..

• Design shots and sequences in 3D (Maya) based on scripts, storyboards, or creative kickoffs
• Apply a strong sense of camera composition and lensing to drive both rough and final camera animation
• Source 2D and 3D assets from internal depots or online resources to support rough world design
• Create rough models, rigs, and shaders when it is more efficient to build assets directly
• Help manage previs asset depots by adding new assets and updating existing ones
• Roughly animate objects, characters, and natural elements to clearly communicate story intent
• Use lighting and simple atmospheric effects to establish mood and emotional tone
  Edit previs shots into sequences with rough pacing, occasionally matching audio cues or timeline constraints
• Work within the technical constraints of the pipeline to allow for easy conversion to production shot work
• Create tech-vis setups to support on-set teams, providing information such as camera lens, camera height, tilt and roll angles, distance to subject, and dimensions for set builds
• Work at a fast pace required of typical television timelines, keep supervisors up to date on estimates and goals
• Act as and 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

• 3-5+ Years of experience doing Previs, Layout or Animation in VFX for film/TV
• A recent demo reel that demonstrates your experience
• Strong ability to interpret and understand story through partial or full scripts, storyboards, and verbal kickoffs
• Deep knowledge of Maya primarily in 3D animation, mocap, modeling, viewport 2.0 lighting and effects
• Knowledge of real world camera lensing, bodies, formats, and vocabulary
• Basic editing skills in Hiero, DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere, or After Effects
• Shotgun and windows experience
• Experience with Unreal Engine, Houdini, and Nuke is a plus
• Ability to learn and contribute to existing pipelines
• Strong verbal communication skills
• Well organized and able to adapt between different shows and their pipelines
• Willingness to attend dailies, present work, and receive feedback
• Interest in assisting with training and onboarding of new artists
• Excitement to learn new software, pipelines and technology that may assist increase quality/efficiency

Additional information

• British Columbia Employees approximate Pay Range: $35 - $55 (The actual base salary offered will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and if applicable, the location of the position)
• Candidates MUST be located in British Columbia, Canada.  At the moment, this is a work from home position with the option of working within our studio.
• Zoic does not cover relocation costs.
• All remote positions require the candidate to have a reliable internet connection via ethernet and work on Pacific Standard Time.
• This job description contains the basic requirements for the position and is NOT intended to be a complete list of responsibilities; other duties may be assigned.
• Due to the sheer volume of applications, we receive, we regret that only those selected to interview will be contacted.