BC, Intermediate-Senior Layout Artist - Expression of Interest

Intermediate-Senior Layout 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 Layout Artists for future openings. 

At Zoic Studios, a Layout Artist collaborates with the Layout Supervisor and Layout Leads to build the foundation of 3D shots across multiple productions. Whether placing tracked cameras into environments, designing full CG camera moves, populating scenes with characters and objects, or constructing worlds with USD assets, you will apply a strong sense of composition to create compelling shots and sequences that maintain both visual and technical continuity.

What You Will Do

• Ingest Tracking/Matchmove and previs work, QC’ing, setting up and caching scenes correctly for downstream use
• Position and frame cameras in 3D space to both ensure continuity in the sequence and create pleasing composition
• Create full 3D camera moves using your understanding of the principles of cinematography
• Perform CG camera takeovers and stitches from plate cameras
• Set up 2.5D plate projections in both Maya and Nuke
• Add and position assets within shots to achieve strong composition
• Use USD to build or set dress small to large-scale environments with provided assets
• Apply rough animation to characters and objects as needed
• Conceptualize environments using depot assets or by modeling rough silhouette geometry
• Model set geometry from 3D camera tracks or scan data
• Push Maya Viewport 2.0 to produce strong layout outputs using lighting, atmospheric effects, depth of field, shaders, image planes, and video
• Ensure scenes are pipeline-compliant based on each show’s requirements
• Work at the fast pace required for television production, keeping supervisors informed of progress, estimates, and goals
• Act as a Previs or Tracking/Matchmove Artist when production needs require
   

Requirements / Software

• 3-5+ years of experience in Layout, Previs, or Tracking/Matchmove for VFX in film and/or television
• A recent demo reel demonstrating relevant layout experience
• Strong knowledge of Maya, particularly in cameras, animation, and modeling
• Understanding of, or interest in, rigging, effects, and lighting
• Experience with, or working knowledge of, USD workflows in Maya
• Working knowledge of Nuke, primarily for projections and plate output
• Experience with Houdini and/or Unreal Engine is a plus
• Ability to work within ShotGrid and Windows-based environments
• Knowledge of real-world camera lensing, camera bodies, formats, and terminology
• Ability to learn and contribute to existing pipelines
• Strong verbal communication skills
• Well-organized, adaptable, and able to move between multiple shows and pipelines
• Willingness to attend dailies, present work, and receive feedback
• Interest in assisting with training and onboarding new artists
• Enthusiasm for learning new software, pipelines, and technologies that improve quality and 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.