Freelance 3D Generalist

PitStop Productions are looking for a highly motivated 3D Generalist to join their growing team of creatives and support their in-house visual effects team, Penelope VFX in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. This exciting opportunity would suit a talented creative who is dedicated to pursuing a career in the games, animation and wider creative industries and wants the chance to work as part of a diverse, caring, and growing team on a range of exciting new projects, including indie and AAA games.

**Why Work for PitStop?**
- We are an independent audio and visual production team running multiple projects worldwide.
- Over the past 25+ years, we have grown our reputation and team, making us renowned for delivering reliably high-quality work.
- We are on an exciting business growth journey
- We have a friendly and supportive team, who have built up a culture of really
- looking out for each other
- We encourage collaborative working and sharing of skill sets across all levels.

Responsibilites
- Provide 3D generalist support to current and future projects within the Penelope VFX team, working with other creatives across multiple disciplines to meet the project vision.
- Create 3D media content for use in animation and game engine platforms.
- Work within Unreal Engine using existing animation, gameplay, audio and other bespoke blueprint systems to fulfil the game direction and enhance the gameplay experience.
- Coordinate workloads both independently and within a wider team by prioritising tasks and working within time constraints to meet set deadlines.
- Problem solve and devise creative solutions to complex challenges that can arise within the 3D creation pipeline, including character creation, optimisation and integration into engine.
- Troubleshoot and resolve issues in collaboration with external creative and development teams, while maintaining excellent standards of communication.
- Assist the wider department by offering specialist support to other teams with relevant project requirements.
- Continue to develop current skillsets and show willing to widen creative skills and knowledge as needed to support the Penelope VFX team and other internal departments.

Skills and Experience

**Essential**:

- Strong portfolio of 3D related content including asset creation, environment design, character design, level design and animation examples.
- Proficient with at least one industry standard 3D design software including 3DS Max, Maya, Blender, ideally proficient in multiple.
- An understanding of the sculpting process and relevant sculpting tools in platforms such as Zbrush or Blender.
- An understanding of high to low poly retopology processes when baking textures for asset optimisation within a game development workflow
- Ability to rig and animate basic character models in Maya or Blender, with knowledge of optimisation and transition to Game Engines such as Unreal Engine 5.
- Proficient with the Adobe CC suite including Photoshop, Premiere Pro, After Effects and Illustrator.
- Experience with practical and computer-generated visual effects processes and systems.
- A basic understanding of Unreal Engine 5 including level design and scene establishment, lighting, rendering and cameras, rigging, animation and blueprints.
- Adaptability and eagerness to learn new software, processes, tools and techniques relating to 3D Design and Game Development

**Desirable**:

- Strong ability to sculpt detailed high-poly models for use with high to low poly baking, texturing and game asset optimisation, preferably using Zbrush or Blender.
- Advanced rigging and animation skills in a relevant 3D software.
- Video editing and graphic design skills using Adobe CC suite.
- Traditional artistic talent with proven ability to produce concept and illustrative content.
- Deeper knowledge and experience of blueprint systems within Unreal Engine 5 with the ability to create systems for animation, lighting, gameplay and audio.
- Knowledge of Unreal Engine 5 systems including Metahumans and Niagara.
- Understanding and experience with version control software including Perforce and Github.
- Proven visual effects skills both in cinematic, film and game contexts, with demonstrated ability to use and create particle systems.
- Hold a relevant creative degree in a related animation, visual effects or game art discipline or can demonstrate equivalent experience through creative portfolio.

**Details**:
Working hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday - Friday

Working pattern: 9.30am - 6pm (including unpaid hour for lunch)

Contract length: Freelance. Days worked dependant, but it would be preferred that there was at least 2 days availability per week.

£90 per day starting rate plus a £5 travel supplement for every worked day.

Location: Dodworth, Barnsley, South Yorkshire. Please ensure you are willing to commute or in order to attend the office.

We’re an equal opportunities workplace. All applicants will be considered for employment without atte