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Rigging DepartmentRigging Technical Director

Rigging Department

In charge of creating, maintaining and expanding Rigs for a variety of props, vehicles, characters and other CG objects that need to be animated. Will work in collaboration with the animation team to create intuitive and responsive rigs that meet animator’s needs. Extend rigs for any performance requirement for specific shots. Communicate with the Modelling Department to ensure that models are suitable for rigging. Will adhere to technical standards of the Rigging department and ensure that Rigs are pipeline friendly. Interprets the Rigging Supervisor/Animation Supervisors/Directors notes and delivers a variety of Rigging options to gain final Rig approval as efficiently as possible. Is familiar with pipeline issues and technical problem solving and will build tools to ensure smooth delivery to Animation.

Is this the right role for me?

To succeed at this job, you need:

Excellent technical skills and an in-depth knowledge or CG software such as Maya, Houdini, 3DsMax etc.

To be a creative problem solver who likes technical challenges and creating complex systems.

Is emphatic to Animators needs, understands that Rigs should enable artistic performance.

Meticulous with an eye for details, with an excellent understanding of anatomy and musculature, movement and timing.

An understanding of VFX pipelines, and to be comfortable with scripting (Python, Mel,  etc.)

Highly motivated, and be able to work with little supervision to solve technical problems.  Under pressure to meet set deadlines

Strong communication skills to make sure important information is clearly conveyed within the Rigging department, and to other departments particularly modeling and animation.

Works with:

  • Rigging Supervisor
  • Animation team
  • Modeling team
  • Effects Team
  • Line Producer
  • Production Coordinator

Career Path for Rigging TD

Career Path to Rigging TD: Animation Department, Riggers often start as the more technical animators or as a CG Generalist

Career Path from Texturing Artist: Rigging Supervisor, FX Artist.

Education Routes: Rigging TDs, often have a degree in Animation, or Visual Effects. Ideally will have taken classes in Animation, Modeling, Topology, Rigging, & Coding. They should also ideally some experience of life drawing, anatomy, dance, acting and other forms of movement studies.

This is not generally an entry-level role. Show reel and experience is very important for this role.

Rigging Department