Double Negative Job Role: Modeller

I found a modeller job role at Double Negative. Below is Double Negative's information about the job role. I am going to use the traffic light system from the last post to again show if I meet the job requirements or not.

"Key Purpose of the Job

To create highly detailed models suitable for use in visual effects work for film, that cover a wide range of organic and non-organic objects.

Needs To Do 

The modeller will need to work very closely with the texture painters, shader writers, look development artists and the riggers to generate models that are suitable for feature film work. The models may be organic in nature, such as various creatures or characters, or they may be models of rigid objects such as cars, buildings, props or sets. They will need to make use of a wide range of reference materials. Models may need to be created from scratch or from scans, reference photography, maquettes, miniatures or other set models. They will also have to work closely with their leads to determine an appropriate level of detail for any given model. It will also be important to work closely with the riggers to produce models that meet their work flow requirements, and with texture painters to determine the optimal UV layout for a model.

Needs To Know 

• Strong spatial awareness and a good sense of form, scale and proportion 
• A very keen eye for detail 
• A full working knowledge of modelling in any one or more of these packages: Maya, XSI and Cyslice 
• Ability to work with packages such as Mudbox or Z-brush are an advantage 
• Polygon and sub-division surface modelling. Knowledge of NURBS modelling is not generally required, but a plus 
• How to deliver a "clean" model with tidy polygon/sub-d placement and good basic UV layout for texturing 
• A good knowledge of Linux would be an advantage. Familiarity with Windows useful but not essential 
• When to model detail or have the the detail added through the shading, by liasing with the shader writers and look development artists
• At least 1 years experience in feature films would be beneficial. Experience in other areas of visual effects (TV, Games) will also be taken into account 

Needs To Be

• Meticulous 
• Team oriented 
• Able to learn in house work flows and methodologies 
• Able to adapt to changing requirements or briefs 
• Resourceful 

Measures of Performance

• On time delivery 
• Show continuous improvement 
• Ability to deliver any required model at an appropriate level of detail and realism, which fits smoothly into the pipeline of a show." 

Overall I think that I am well suited to the requirements of this job role. There are some aspects that I would definitely need to work on in order to get this job. Firstly I would need to get a full working knowledge of modelling in another software.

I would also need the ability to work with software such as Mudbox and Z-brush. Despite not having any knowledge of Mudbox or Z-brush it has been on my agenda for a long time to learn them. Therefore I have a strong feeling that I will have some knowledge of them in the near future. Its just a matter of me making some time to follow some tutorials, teach myself and practicing a lot to get to the industry standard  required within that software.

I need to improve my knowledge about NURBS modelling despite it not generally not being required it is still a skill that will improve my chances of getting employed as a modeller.

I need to get a better understanding of when to model detail and when detail should be added through shading. In order for me to do this I need to learn some more about shading and talk to people who already know about it. That way I will increase my understanding.

Unfortunately again experience helps a lot but as I am starting out I do not have any. Which is starting to lead me to the conclusion that a runner's job may be a more beneficial way of entering a company in an attempt to get some industry experience in feature films.

On the bright side I meet all of the "Needs To Be" requirements and the "Measures Of Performance" requirements, I think those types of requirements are requirements that I will always meet. Such as being team orientated, being resourceful and being able to adapt. This is mostly due to the fact that my animation course requires these aspects, therefore I am always gaining vital experience.