Story Artist

Pixar Animation Studios is an Academy Award ®-winning computer animation studio with the technical, creative and production capabilities to create a new generation of animated feature films, merchandise and other related products. Pixar's objective is to combine proprietary technology and world-class creative talent to develop computer-animated feature films with memorable characters and heartwarming stories that appeal to audiences of all ages.

• Receive written and verbal descriptions of a sequence from the director or head of story
• Create quick thumbnail sketches through to finished detailed storyboard panels
• Perform background research to inform the story process
• Illustrate script pages and come up with story ideas
• Pitch storyboards to the director and other members of the team
• Work with director and head of story to define staging, pacing and camera action
• Come up with inventive ideas with a sense of entertainment and humor
• Develop character personality and dramatic/comedic action
• Draw storyboards for scenes assigned
• Refine dialogue where needed
• Revise, edit and modify sketches as needed, per director's notes

Portfolio Requirements:

Portfolio should include a combination of storyboards, beat boards, and personal work (sketches, drawings, etc), including 3-5 samples that demonstrate:

• Practical knowledge of principles of filmmaking and animation, cinematic/camera language, acting and staging

• Strong storytelling abilities that feature character, emotion and movement

• Strong draftsmanship and ability to create appealing characters and practical environments to meet story needs
• A range of action, comedy, and drama scenes are encouraged.

Qualifications:

• Degree or certificate in art, graphic design or related field or equivalent graphic design experience
• Practical knowledge of cinematic language, acting and staging
• Strong storytelling abilities that feature character, emotion and movement
• Strong understanding of the principles of animation; emotion, acting, movement is required

Skills:

• Ability to analyze scenes in written form and translate into visual product
• Ability to express story and character through drawings
• Ability to invent action and express it through drawing
• Ability to present work in a clear and entertaining way
• Ability to work collaboratively
• Ability to work under pressure, in a fast paced, deadline driven environment
• Must be open to direction and able to embrace change
• Experience with Photoshop and Wacom Cintiq drawing tablet helpful