Position SummaryWe are seeking CG Experimental Artists to join our pioneering team creating animated shorts and specials using experimental GenAI-native production pipelines. Working alongside Directors, Producers, and technology teams, this role will help support show-specific workflow and technical needs as we aim to develop feature-quality content in a creator-led environment. Artists on this team will help shape storytelling and visual aesthetics with creative leadership, actively participating in the development of new workflows and technologies as we expand from shorts to longer-form content.
Key Responsibilities- Collaborate with a team of CG and Generative AI experts to develop unique content for animated shorts and specials, leveraging a GenAI-native pipeline that combines generative AI tools with traditional animation techniques.
- Work closely with creative leadership to shape storytelling and visual aesthetics that meet feature-quality standards and align with the creative vision of the Director and project leads.
- Contribute to the creation of short stories in a fast-paced, sprint-based production environment.
- Actively participate in creative discussions and brainstorming sessions.
- Use GenAI tools such as ComfyUI to generate concept frames, style frames, character explorations, and environment designs based on scripts, outlines, or verbal direction.
- Experiment with and evaluate the latest generative tooling and be open to testing new technology throughout the development process.
- Create shot-ready assets (e.g., characters, props, environments) using a combination of generative tools and traditional DCCs (Photoshop, Maya, Houdini, Harmony, Blender, etc.).
- Build and fine-tune generative image and video models.
- Test and compare multiple generative tools and workflows (e.g., different models, LoRAs, motion tools), document results, and recommend best practices to the team.
- Help develop and document new GenAI/traditional hybrid workflows, collaborating with production and technology teams to improve efficiency and creative output.
Qualifications- Experience with ComfyUI and traditional CG 2D and/or 3D DCCs such as Photoshop, Maya, Houdini, Harmony, and/or Blender.
- Experience with creating and animating assets (terrains, layout, characters, control-rigs, lighting) within Unreal Engine.
- Ability to help develop character and visual designs that align with the desired style and sensibility, focusing on character personality, mood, and tone.
- Strong conceptual understanding of diffusion-based rendering and animation techniques. Experience training image LoRAs, video LoRAs, and similar are a plus.
- Strong collaborative skills and ability to work in a team environment with Directors, Producers, and technology leads, often in rapidly evolving, experimental pipelines.
- Passion for storytelling and animation with a portfolio showcasing the ability to create compelling narratives using AI tools. Demonstrates excellence and inspiration in storytelling, visual comedy, and innovative thinking, with a strong understanding of how to leverage generative AI tools to enhance creative storytelling.
- Ability to adapt to new technologies and tools and quickly pivot in this fast-moving field where workflows and creative approaches are being developed in real time.
- High level of independence and initiative, as production support structures and workflows will be evolving alongside the creative process.
This job may be covered by a collective bargaining agreement. If so, pay for the position is governed by the currently effective applicable collective bargaining agreement and thus will be no less than $62.74 an hour and up to any better conditions and terms negotiated and obtained as expressly provided therein.
Depending on whether you are covered by a collective bargaining agreement, INK benefits can include medical/dental/vision plans, mental health support, retirement programs, and family-forming benefits, paid leave of absence programs, and paid time away programs to be used for vacation and sick paid time off.
