• Do you have the ability to work with students and staff from a diverse range of backgrounds?
• Are you familiar with the relevant software, motion capture and editing workflows?
• Do you have excellent communication skills and experience communicating and working with performers and directors?

Mō Te Herenga Waka - About Our University

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is a global-civic university with our marae at our heart. This iho draws off our heritage and is further defined by our tūrangawaewae, in particular Wellington, Aotearoa, and the Asia-Pacific, all of which are expressed in our position as Aotearoa New Zealand's globally ranked capital city university.

Our core ethical values are respect, responsibility, fairness, integrity, and empathy. These core ethical values are demonstrated in our commitment to sustainability, wellbeing, inclusivity, equity, diversity, collegiality, and openness. With, and as, tangata whenua, we value Te Tiriti o Waitangi, rangatiratanga, manaakitanga, kaitiakitanga, whai mātauranga, whanaungatanga, and akoranga.

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is currently recruiting a Visual Effects Technical Specialist to join the School of Design Innovation. The position calls for a technical specialist to manage motion capture and virtual production resources and pipelines for the Masters of Design Technology Programme, located at the Miramar Creative Centre in Wellington.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Manage the Motion Capture volume at the Miramar Creative Centre
• Assist and advise on software, hardware and specialist facilities related to the volume
• Meet deadlines associated with productions
• Attend operational and strategic meetings
• Setting up technology and equipment for various teaching, research, and presentation requirements
• Support on-going research activity
• Document workflows
• Maintain and enhance on-set skills and capabilities for Master of Design Technology
• Health and Safety/Emergency Managementat the Miramar Creative Centre

Ō pūmanawa - About you

You are passionate about visual effects, virtual production, motion capture and working with a diverse range of students and staff to realise creative endeavours. You will be familiar with the relevant software, motion capture and editing workflows, blending and stitching body motion, and have film or game studio experience. You also have excellent communication skills and experience communicating and working with performers and directors.

Key Requirements: 

• Evidence of an established work record
• Deep understanding of motion capture applications and associated technologies
• Experience with motion editing software such as Autodesk Maya, Autodesk Motionbuilder, Unreal Engine
• Ability to work with students and staff from a diverse range of backgrounds

Experience in the following is preferred:

• Onset production and stage management
• Feature film visual effects or AAA game studio
• Body, hands, and facial motion capture retargeting
• Virtual production pipelines and infrastructure.

 However, we are open to applications from a wide range of candidates that may contribute in these areas.

An appreciation for both the fundamental and advanced requirements of visual effects, virtual production, and motion capture as a part of screen based creative practice and industries will help you thrive in this role. Your participation and support in the use of motion capture for students studying visual effects, animation, and game design will enable the sharing and scaffolding of knowledge across the School of Design Innovation.

Ētahi kōrero hai āwhina i a koe - Why you should join our team

Victoria University's Faculty of Architecture and Design, Te Wahanga Waihanga-Hoahoa, is a unique and leading centre of design and architecture in New Zealand. The Faculty's facilities are widely acknowledged as some of the best in Australasia. The MDT is based in our world class facility, the Miramar Creative Centre, and is next door to New Zealand’s Film, Post Production and Visual Effects creative hub Park Road Productions, Weta Digital and Weta Workshop.

The mission of the School of Design Innovation is to enhance teaching, learning, research and creative activities across the design disciplines whilst enabling each discipline to retain its distinctive focus. Studio-centred, the School engages with a wide range of ideas and issues relating to the understanding, creation and production of material and visual culture, and supports both professional and academic viewpoints as they reflect, embody and contribute to enhancing the quality of life of our communities.

Role Description

Close Date for Vacancy: 24 June 2022

Contact Details for Vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role please get in touch with HoS Nan O’Sullivan (nan.osullivan@vuw.ac.nz). But applicants should follow all steps listed below. 

Important - Application Steps and information

For applicants who are not NZ Citizens or Permanent Residents, we recommend you check the NZ Immigration website for updates related to Covid19 restrictions on entry to New Zealand: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/covid-19

Download and complete the University Application Form.

Click Apply Now Button at the base of the advert, follow the process to enter your contact details and add your CV in the online form.

Please include a cover letter in your application, telling us why you’re a great fit for this position then email the completed application form, cover letter and any other supporting documentation to erecruit@vuw.ac.nz stating the reference number and position title from the advert in the subject line.