Animator
Electronic Arts (EA) · Edmonton, AB
- On site
- Temporary
- CA$107,000 / year
- Edmonton, AB
Job highlights
- Create high-quality character animations for AAA games.
- Work with Maya and motion capture pipelines.
- Collaborate with global teams and directors.
- Showcase work to millions of players worldwide.
- Requires degree and 3+ years experience.
About the role
About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts creates next-level entertainment experiences that inspire players and fans around the world. Here, everyone is part of the story. Part of a community that connects across the globe. A place where creativity thrives, new perspectives are invited, and ideas matter. A team where everyone makes play happen.Entertaining is Our Passion
EA is a world-renowned entertainment leader, creating top-selling videogame franchises, award-winning interactive technology, fan programs and cross-platform digital experiences enjoyed by players all over the world. EA artists aim to create characters, performances, scenery, moods and experiences that suspend disbelief and emotionally connect with players. EA Create is looking for an Animator to join our team in assisting on our next AAA title. EA Create is known to partner with studios such as BioWare, Respawn, Criterion, DICE and Maxis, and assist on the critically acclaimed Battlefield, Dragon Age, Star Wars, Madden and FIFA franchises. This is your opportunity to be part of a collaborative group with team members all over the world and have your work shown to millions of viewers, players, peers, and industry professionals.Role Overview
You would report to a director within the Animation team and create high-quality performances in all aspects of your work. You know how to reveal attitude, emotions, and mood through a character's movement and behavior, and create memorable characters which will appeal to players. It's essential to have knowledge of the timing and appearance of human and animal movement and facial expressions. In the end, the look of a game is one of the most significant factors contributing to the success of the game.Role Requirements
- Degree in Fine Arts or Computer Animation
- 3+ years of professional animation experience
- Proficient in both facial and body animation
- Advanced working knowledge of Maya
- Working knowledge of MotionBuilder is desirable
- FACS training or knowledge of FACS-based rigs is beneficial
- Passion for animation
- Production experience in a professional animation setting
- Ability to work onsite at the studio as part of a collaborative, in-person team environment
Role Expectations
- Quickly align with the Animation Director on expectations and creative direction
- Create high-quality hand-keyed animation
- Create high-quality animation based on motion capture and reference
- Convey weight, character personality, mood, and believability through realistic performances
- Demonstrate understanding of animation within a motion capture pipeline
- Ensure animation supports overall direction, player experience, and narrative goals
- Apply feedback to your work and deliver revisions promptly while maintaining quality standards
- Keep work and notes organized so teammates can easily follow
- Prompt attendance at all meetings and reviews.
- Collaborate with directors, animators, production, and technical staff
- Shoot reference video when needed, based on direction and feedback from the Animation Director and Leads
Compensation And Benefits
The ranges listed below are what EA in good faith expects to pay applicants for this role in these locations at the time of this posting. If you reside in a different location, a recruiter will advise on the appropriate range and benefits. Pay offered will be determined based on a number of relevant business and candidate factors (e.g. education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, or business needs).Pay Ranges
- British Columbia (depending on location e.g. Vancouver vs. Victoria) *$77,700 - $107,900 CAD
About Electronic Arts
We’re proud to have an extensive portfolio of games and experiences, locations around the world, and opportunities across EA. We value adaptability, resilience, creativity, and curiosity. From leadership that brings out your potential, to creating space for learning and experimenting, we empower you to do great work and pursue opportunities for growth. We adopt a holistic approach to our benefits programs, emphasizing physical, emotional, financial, career, and community wellness to support a balanced life. Our packages are tailored to meet local needs and may include healthcare coverage, mental well-being support, retirement savings, paid time off, family leaves, complimentary games, and more. We nurture environments where our teams can always bring their best to what they do. Electronic Arts is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, religion, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, marital status, family status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We will also consider employment qualified applicants with criminal records in accordance with applicable law. EA also makes workplace accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities as required by applicable law.Key skills/competency
- Animation
- Maya
- Motion Capture
- Character Animation
- Game Development
- 3D Animation
- Fine Arts
- Computer Animation
- Performance Animation
- AAA Games
Skills & topics
- Animator
- Animation
- Maya
- Motion Capture
- Character Animation
- Game Development
- 3D Animation
- AAA Games
- Fine Arts
- Computer Animation
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your 3+ years of professional animation experience, degree in Fine Arts or Computer Animation, and proficiency in Maya.
- Showcase your portfolio: Include a strong portfolio demonstrating facial and body animation, and experience with motion capture.
- Emphasize collaboration: Mention your ability to work onsite in a team environment and collaborate with directors and peers.
- Prepare for interviews: Be ready to discuss your understanding of animation pipelines and how you convey emotion and personality through movement.
Technical preparation
Master Maya for character animation.,Practice hand-keyed and mocap animation.,Study human and animal movement.,Learn FACS for facial animation.
Behavioral questions
How do you convey emotion through movement?,Describe a time you received critical feedback.,How do you collaborate with a team?,How do you manage tight deadlines?
Frequently asked questions
- What is the salary range for the Animator position at Electronic Arts in Canada?
- The salary range for the Animator position at Electronic Arts in British Columbia, Canada is approximately $77,700 - $107,900 CAD, depending on factors such as location within the province and candidate qualifications.
- What benefits does Electronic Arts offer for this Animator role?
- EA offers a comprehensive benefits package including 3 weeks of vacation to start, 10 days of sick time annually, and extended health, dental, and vision coverage, along with basic life insurance.
- Is this Animator position remote or onsite at Electronic Arts?
- This Animator position requires the ability to work onsite at the studio as part of a collaborative, in-person team environment.
- What software is essential for the Animator role at EA?
- Advanced working knowledge of Maya is essential, and working knowledge of MotionBuilder is desirable for this Animator position.
- What qualifications are needed to apply for the Animator job at EA?
- To apply for the Animator role at EA, you typically need a Degree in Fine Arts or Computer Animation, 3+ years of professional animation experience, and proficiency in Maya.
- What is the primary focus of the Animator role at EA Create?
- The primary focus is to create high-quality, emotionally resonant character performances by revealing attitude, emotions, and mood through movement and behavior in AAA titles.
- Does Electronic Arts require specific training for animators?
- While not always mandatory, FACS training or knowledge of FACS-based rigs is considered beneficial for the Animator role at EA, aiding in facial animation.
- How does Electronic Arts handle feedback for the Animator position?
- Animators are expected to apply feedback promptly, deliver revisions while maintaining quality standards, and collaborate with directors and leads to refine their work.