First Job - Cutscene Animator for Ninja Theory

I would love to get into the games industry once I finish my degree. The first job I found via http://www.gamesindustry.biz was for a Cutscene Animator at Ninja Theory.

Cutscene Animators:

To be successful in the role you'll need to demonstrate:

Good knowledge of both Motionbuilder and Maya.

Knowledge and experience of cinematic pipelines.

A good working knowledge of the principles of cinematography with experience of setting up cameras within previous work.

Good knowledge and skills with facial animation both using motion capture data driven and hand keyed

Good hand animation skills

Understanding of practical aspects of the requirements of the role likely gained through at least two years industry experience - this does not necessarily have to be within the games industry

Creative thinking

Able to understand, help create and maintain own schedule

Able to accept change and be flexible

Good communication skills - both with other members of the team as well as other disciplines

Ability to work as a positive, contributing team member

Problem solving skills and ability to self-motivate - a self-reliant individual


It would also be nice to see (though not essential):

Experience with the Unreal Engine

Experience of game development

Passion for games

Basic knowledge of rigging

Basic knowledge of video editing software

As I am not at the end of my degree I still have time to develop my skills further. I chose this one to analyse my skills because I know that some places demand a lot of skills.

I enjoy animating in Maya and I am always building on my skills. I currently do not have much experience with setting up cameras but I can always learn about them. I've always wanted to know more and perhaps wanting a job like this would give me the drive to actually learn about them.

It does mention that it would be good to have at least 2 years industry experience. This doesn't sound like its essential but unless I stand out after I get my degree I will be hard pressed to get the job with out experience. So I will really need to push myself in my final year to be as good as I can.

I have most of the skills needed for this job. I would have to really work hard for something like this. The only thing I don't have much experience on is on motion capture. I haven't had the opportunity to use official production quality motion capture software. I can only show that I have the passion for it right now. I can actually do motion capture on my laptop with a Kinect and a Japanese program called Miku Miku Dance. Its not the best animating software in the world, but I can easily experiment with motion capture with it and its a lot of fun to do.

And to top it off I LOVE Ninja Theory. Not only have they made some amazing games they are also re making Devil May Cry, which will be amazing in itself but I hope that it stays true to the original. In Heavenly Sword and Enslaved there was amazing facial animations. They portrayed emotion so well and I loved watching the cutscenes over and over because of the amazing animation and I would love to be a part it.