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Rob Skiena
Animation - Layout - Pipeline - Tools
- Over 25 years of industry experience across large and small studios
- Animation and Layout credits for film, television and games
- Designer and developer of user-friendly production tools and scripts
- Supervisory, Lead and Mentor experience in Animation and Layout
- Product Designer for Maya 3D at Autodesk
- Dual US and Canadian citizen
- Skills: Layout, Animation, Rigging, Previsualization, Pipelines, Tool Development
- Software: Maya, Adobe Creative Suite, Python, Nuke, Linux, Shotgrid, Microsoft Office
Highlights
- Veteran CG previs and layout artist with feature film and television credits
- Supervisor, Lead, Teacher and Mentor across multiple studios and roles
- Character animator credits in film, television and games
- Guest lecturer and professor in Digital Cinematography and Layout
- Self-starter with the ability to take direction and work collaboratively
- Comfortable in both large studio environments and small shops
- Developer of user-friendly production tools and scripts
- Ability to simplify complex workflows and anticipate future needs
Experience
SPIN VFX, Toronto, ON
Senior Layout Artist, 2022 - 2024
- Translated written/spoken descriptions or storyboard panels into dynamic 3D visual effects shots
- Responsible for complex layout, scene and shot set ups
- Ensured creative consistency, shot continuity and pipeline compatibility for assigned shots
- Determined technical strategies to accomplish complex client requests
- Produced and composited animatics and tests for client and supervisor evaluation
- Created original all CG camera animation and camera setups needed for special situations
- Designed and developed production tools and workflows to improve efficiency
- Software included: Maya, Nuke, Katana, Shotgrid, Linux
The Third Floor, Los Angeles, CA
Previs Artist, 2021 - 2022
- Previsualized shots and sequences of an upcoming AAA property
- Assembled, edited and produced animation of characters, props and vehicles
- Developed and designed workflow tools to improve efficiency
Industrial Brothers Animation, Toronto, ON
Scene Planner, 2020 - 2021
- Perform previs and layout for the upcoming Netflix action/adventure series
- Oversee assigned sequences through all stages of production
- Ensure creative consistency, shot continuity and pipeline compatibility
- Assist in the development of workflows in new USD pipeline
- Design and develop creative workflow tools to improve efficiency
- Direct the team to fulfill the Director's vision in a timely, efficient manner
Layout Supervisor, 2019 - 2020
- Manage a staff of 8 Previs and Layout Artists
- Oversee cinematography and character blocking
- Ensure creative consistency, shot continuity and pipeline compatibility for all sequence
- Determine technical strategies for Layout with a budding shot pipeline
- Set production goals and schedules
- Design and develop production tools and workflows to improve efficiency
- Direct the team to fulfill the Director's vision in a timely, efficient manner
- Manage and mentor junior artists
- Ensure on-time hand-off to downstream departments
- Determine workflows and develop production tools
Seneca College, Toronto, ON
Professor, 2020 - 2021
- Teach courses in Digital Cinematography, Layout and Visual Storytelling
- Design and develop course plan and all class materials and assignments
- Mentor and evaluate student work suring the semester
Sheridan College, Oakville, ON
Guest Lecturer, 2019 - Present
- Present a yearly lecture on the roles and methods of 3D Layout in the animation process
- Mentor fourth-year animation students via reviews of the cinematography of their final projects
SPIN VFX, Toronto, ON
Layout Lead, 2018 - 2019
- Translated written/spoken descriptions or storyboard panels into dynamic 3D visual effects shots
- Responsible for complex layout, scene and shot set ups
- Ensured creative consistency, shot continuity and pipeline compatibility for assigned shots
- Determined technical strategies to accomplish complex client requests
- Produced and composited animatics and tests for client and supervisor evaluation
- Created original all CG camera animation and camera setups needed for special situations
- Designed and developed production tools and workflows to improve efficiency
- Software included: Maya, Nuke, Katana, Shotgun, Arnold, Linux
Snowball Studios, Toronto, ON
Lead Layout Artist, 2017 - 2018
- Lead Layout artist and team supervisor
- Fulfilled the Director's vision through cinematography and character blocking
- Performed sequence staging, character blocking and camera animation
- Managed and mentor junior artists
- Ensured on-time hand-off to downstream departments
- Determinde workflows and develop production tools
Arc Productions, Toronto, ON
Layout Artist, 2015 - 2016
- Layout artist for film and television projects
- Performed sequence staging, character blocking and camera animation
- Developed and designed layout production tools, including previs artist toolset
- Projects included: “Blazing Samurai”, “Elena of Avalor”, “Barbie: Starlight”, “Max Steel”
Autodesk Inc, Toronto, ON
Principal Product Designer: Maya, 2011 - 2015
- Crafted user experiences for Maya, the leading solution for Animation, Games and Visual Effects
- Designed both artist-facing features and foundation technology for production pipelines
- Developed user-friendly bonus tools and scripts to accompany new features
- Produced tutorials and reference materials regarding new features for customers and beta testers
- Mentored and supervised interns working on in-house animation projects
Sony Picture Imageworks, Culver City, CA
Layout Artist, 2010
- Rough Layout artist for the Aardman film "Arthur Christmas"
- Performed sequence staging, character blocking and camera animation
- Furnished animation, lighting, and effects blocking via layout
- Developed animation systems and rigs
- Authored departmental production tools
- Inventor: “Asset Management During Production of Media”
Reel FX, Dallas, TX
Remote Layout Artist, 2009 - 2010
- Rough Layout artist for "Looney Tunes" theatrical stereoscopic shorts
- Performed sequence staging, character blocking and camera animation
- Furnished animation, lighting, and effects blocking via layout
Plumber 3D, Portland, OR
UX Designer and Developer, 2009-2010
- Designed and developed a completely GUI-based CG production pipeline for Maya using Python
- Created documentation, video reference guides, sample projects files and user tutorials
- Devised a simple turnkey implementation with hooks for customized client solutions
- Authored and maintained the product website with Dreamweaver
LAIKA Animation, Portland, OR
Lead Layout Artist/Animator, 2006 – 2009
- Layout artist for in-house projects and production sequences
- Character animator for LAIKA House and Feature Film departments
- Performed shot staging and set planning for complete sequences
- Furnished animation, lighting, and effects blocking via layout
- Authored and supported production tools, including complete previsualization pipeline
- Liaison between Layout and Research and Development departments
- Devised production workflows and refined departmental procedures
- Created stereoscopic test sequence including layout, assets, tools and workflow
Dreamworks Feature Animation, Glendale, CA
Layout Artist, 2003 – 2005
- Performed shot staging, character blocking and set planning in Rough Layout
- Created custom animation and production tools using MEL script
- Rigged RLO characters and devised tools for consistent animation controls
- Worked closely with episode directors and Layout Supervisor
- Provided set dressing and final cameras with proprietary software
- Projects included Over the Hedge and Father of the Pride
T.J. and E. Productions, San Rafael, CA
Animator/Artist, 2000 – 2002
- Performed layout, animation, lighting and editing for in-game movie sequences
- Animated, rigged and modeled real-time characters for released X-Box title
- Solved technical issues and created production tools in MEL
Tippett Studio, Berkeley, CA
Animator, 1998 - 1999
- Animated creatures and effects for the feature film The Haunting
- Rigged control systems as needed for assigned shots
- Performed layout for in-house development projects
Dream Quest Images, Simi Valley, CA
Character Animator, 1997 - 1998
- Animated lead character of Mighty Joe Young
- Created previsualization animatics for Mighty Joe Young and Inspector Gadget
Mainframe Entertainment, Vancouver, BC
Senior Animator, Supervising Animator, 1996 - 1997
- Supervised suite of eight animators, and animated assigned shots
- Ensured timely delivery of completed episodes of Beastwars
- Performed modeling, rigging, surfacing, effects and lighting for assigned shots
- Weekly quota of 30 seconds of finished footage per week
Education
Vancouver Film School, Vancouver, BC
3D Animation and Visual Effects Program
- Recipient of Director's Letter of Recommendation
- Student project awarded Second Place at BC Student Film Festival
University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA
Bachelor of Arts in English
- Received Random House Award for Oustanding Achievement in Literature
- Counselor in English for the Dyslexic Center
