The Character Technical Director 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.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Design, create, test and maintain character set ups
- Work with Modeling to create a model that meets technical needs
- Work with R&D to design, 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
- Communicate information about new tools and techniques to others on show and across shows
- Facilitate communication between all departments mentioned above
- 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