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 currently. We anticipate this role may open in the future. If you'd like to be considered, please submit your resume and reel. If the role opens, a recruiter may reach out.
This position is based in the United States; applicants must already reside in the U.S.
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, helping establish the visual language of each project.
What You Will Do
- Design shots and sequences in 3D (Maya) based on scripts, storyboards, or creative kickoffs
- Apply strong camera composition and lensing to drive rough and final camera animation
- Source 2D/3D assets from internal depots or online resources, and build rough models, rigs, and shaders when more efficient
- Help manage previs asset depots by adding and updating assets
- Roughly animate objects, characters, and natural elements to communicate story intent
- Use lighting and simple atmospheric effects to establish mood
- Edit previs shots into sequences with rough pacing, occasionally matching audio cues or timeline constraints
- Work within pipeline constraints to allow easy conversion to production shot work
- Create tech-vis setups for on-set teams (camera lens, height, tilt/roll, distance to subject, set-build dimensions)
- Work at the fast pace typical of television timelines, keeping supervisors updated on estimates and goals
- Act as/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
- 5+ years of experience in Previs, Layout, or Animation in VFX for film/TV
- A recent demo reel demonstrating your experience
- Strong ability to interpret story through partial/full scripts, storyboards, and verbal kickoffs
- Deep knowledge of Maya - 3D animation, mocap, modeling, Viewport 2.0 lighting/effects
- Knowledge of real-world camera lensing, bodies, formats, and vocabulary
- Basic editing skills in Hiero, DaVinci Resolve, Premiere, or After Effects
- Shotgun/Flow Tracker 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 adaptable across shows and pipelines
- Willingness to attend dailies, present work, and receive feedback
- Interest in training/onboarding new artists
- Enthusiasm for learning new software, pipelines, and technology
- Pay: $50–60/hr, DOE
- Zoic does not cover relocation costs
- Zoic Studios U.S. participates in E-Verify
- This description covers basic requirements only; other duties may be assigned
- Due to application volume, only candidates selected for interview will be contacted
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
Skills Required
- 5+ years of experience in previs, layout, or animation within VFX for film or television
- Recent demo reel demonstrating relevant previs, layout, or animation experience
- Ability to interpret scripts, storyboards, and verbal creative direction
- Deep knowledge of Maya, including 3D animation, motion capture, modeling, Viewport 2.0 lighting, and effects
- Knowledge of real-world camera lenses, camera bodies, formats, and terminology
- Basic editing skills in Hiero, DaVinci Resolve, Premiere, or After Effects
- Experience with Shotgun or Flow Production Tracking and Windows
- Ability to learn and contribute to existing production pipelines
- Strong verbal communication, organization, and adaptability across shows and pipelines
- Willingness to attend dailies, present work, and receive feedback
- Interest in training and onboarding new artists
- Applicants must already reside in the United States
- Experience with Unreal Engine, Houdini, and Nuke
What We Do
Zoic Labs is an advanced visualization company focused on the intersection of data, narrative, design, and emerging technologies. Since 2002, we have developed software and virtual production tools for sister company Zoic Studios, a multi-platform storytelling company with emphasis on high-end computer graphics for film, television, gaming, and VR/AR experiences. We build proprietary products and platforms, and provide UI/UX design, agile software development, R&D, and consulting services for a diverse range of private companies, as well as the U.S. Department of Defense and Intelligence Community.
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