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JOB SUMMARY: The Senior Show Programmer is responsible for providing their vehicle motion expertise and deep knowledge of performance animation to drive the development of innovative and cutting-edge ride experiences throughout the evolution of the show project cycle from the initial Blue-sky/Concept phase of a project through final Installation/Operation. The Senior Show Programmer conceives, develops, and integrates vehicle motion, show action equipment movements, and special effects timing to create performances that engage the Guest in the story of the attraction and augment the overall show experience, using the latest 3D modeling and animation techniques.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Create 3D animated representations of proposed ride systems integrated with the show set models, media animatics and/or other attraction elements, driving important business decisions, including but not limited to design intent, performance expectations, complexity, risk management, and guest and team member safety. Participates in development and use of pre-visualization, simulation and analysis tools designed to assist this process. 
  • Collaborates closely with attraction design team, Show Producer, Creative Director, and media design team to conceive, develop, direct, animate or otherwise define the creative intent for integrated ride systems, media and/or special effects-based attractions.
  • Responsible for on-site programming of ride vehicles, SAE, special effects, and show track triggers to ensure accurate synchronization with media, audio, animated figures, and design intent and/or to direct/oversee programming by 3rd party vendor(s) as required.
  • Collaborates with the media design team to direct the pre-production, production, and post-production efforts of the 3rd party media vendor(s) to ensure media design and production efforts meet the physical (mechanical) parameters of the ride system/motion base and attraction’s design intent.
  • Responsible for studying the visual and mental cues of the ride media and interpreting same to move the motion platform in synchronization with media playback by programming the platform movements using standard computer peripherals.
  • Collaborates closely with Project Engineers, Creative Directors, and vehicle, engineering and safety, and equipment RI’s to define performance requirements to ensure ride system components are capable of achieving motions as defined by creative intent. Ensures, with Engineering, the compliance of Health and Safety guidelines, that physical parameters of the ride fall within ASTM limits, and that the combined effects of motion control, visual presentation, audio environment, and other sensory stimulations are within acceptable kinetosis boundaries and honor intellectual property rights.
  • Collaborates with UC Engineering & Safety team to capture biometric data necessary to test and ensure safe and enjoyable guest ride experience and safe working conditions for team members. Ensures, with Engineering, the compliance of Health and Safety guidelines to ensure physical parameters of the ride fall within ASTM limits and that the combined effects of motion control, visual presentation, audio environment, and other sensory stimulations are within acceptable kinetosis boundaries and honor intellectual property rights and leverage emerging technologies in ride & motion base systems, media delivery, show action equipment, control strategies and special effects to enhance potential guest experiences and expand strategic Universal Parks & resorts systems I.P.
  • Understand and actively participate in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UO policy, procedures, training and team member involvement activities. 
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Strong motion sensibilities, an intuitive grasp of spatial and temporal relationships as they pertain to dynamic motion through physical and virtual environments, and a strong sense of theatrical presentation and show timing.
  • Understanding of kinesthetic awareness and proprioception, with a keen knowledge of how to use all of the human body’s senses to tell a story.
  • Strong understanding of how motion conveys a story through varying layers of intensity, momentum and texture, with the ability to express those principles for team communication during Blue-sky and Concept phases.
  • Creative and technical story-telling ability, with a knack for directing others in the creation of 2D and 3D content, including concept sketchwork, storyboarding, modeling, texturing, rigging, lighting, animation and rendering.
  • Demonstrated ability to take the lead in a collaborative team environment that includes a wide variety of aesthetic, technical and project management disciplines.
  • Strong working knowledge of:
  • 3DS Max or Maya
  • Unity or Unreal
  • Python or C++,
  • with a software agnostic attitude towards solving technical problems.
  • Knowledge of simulation techniques, confusion thresholds in human motor control, aural and optical centers, and a constant awareness of typical kinetosis boundaries.
  • Proficiency in using Adobe products: Photoshop, AfterEffects, Premiere, Media Encoder, & Audition.
  • Ability to design visuals and motion graphics for multimedia demonstrations, and compile presentations for team members as well as executive leadership.
  • Knowledge of ride vehicle design principles and processes.
  • Working knowledge of show control systems used by Universal for Ride/Track controls and other show elements.
  • Ability to handle on-site ride reviews and coordinate technical teams during programming sessions.
  • Passion for new technologies, motion systems, prototyping and special effects design is preferred.
  • Knowledge of both the capabilities and limitations of optical systems.
  • Kinematics and dynamics must be second nature.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills.

EDUCATION: High school degree or GED is preferred. Bachelor’s degree: Computer Animation, Mechanical Design/Engineering, Motion Design, Game Development, Graphics Programming or related field is preferred.

EXPERIENCE: 

  • Minimum 4 years as a Universal Creative Ride & Show Animator, or 8 years combined experience pre-programming multi-DOF vehicles for simulation and themed entertainment. Must include a variety of attractions with motion simulators, media, show action equipment and/or animated figures.
  • Minimum 8+ years regularly using Maya, 3DS Max or comparable animation software.
  • At least one successful opening of a themed attraction using a unique story, ride concept, or vehicle design (not a clone of an existing ride).
  • Demonstrated experience as a strong technical and creative communicator with the ability to facilitate communication, design requests and creative direction/intent between the creative team, media team, engineering team and external vendors.
  • Demonstrated ability to provide productive critique of developing performances, breakdown existing performances into modular components, and delegate programming assignments as needed.
  • Demonstrated ability to provide clear definition of vehicle motion design intent during Blue Sky/Concept project phases. 
  • Strong ability to provide direction in a collaborative computer animation or motion graphics studio (theme park, game art, simulation, television and film).
  • Must have demonstrated experiences working with various vehicle ranges of motion and their derivatives, as well as defining the forces felt by riders on a theme park attraction. Strong ability to adapt show profiles based solely on the feel of the vehicle.
  • Demonstrated ability to conceive and drive new tools to optimize the analysis and export of motion data from 3D software to control unit data formats.
  • Demonstrated excellence at presenting ideas to an audience, such as story, vehicle performance and effects, using presentation tools such as Photoshop, Flash, AfterEffects, PowerPoint/Prezi, etc.

Or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Your talent, skills and experience will be rewarded with a competitive compensation package.

Universal is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Universal Orlando via-email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from Universal Orlando HR/Recruitment will be deemed the sole property of Universal Orlando. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Universal Orlando as a result of the referral or through other means.

Universal elements and all related indicia TM & © 2024 Universal Studios. © 2024 Universal Orlando. All rights reserved. EOE

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