Show Programmer

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Show Programmer is responsible for the ideation, development, coordination, and final technical and creative execution of programmable ride and show elements through all project phases.

Responsible for the development of programmable show elements, ride systems, motion bases and figures within Universal attractions. The Show Programmer is also responsible for learning the design processes, programming techniques and production methods for developing and installing figure animation, animated props, show action equipment, motion bases, ride systems and other programmable show elements for Universal attractions. The Show Programmer works in close collaboration with the Figure Animation team, Creative Design team, Engineering and Safety, Media team, including third party vendors. The Show Programmer works within a 3D digital pipeline throughout all stages of development to assist in the coordination of animated figures, motion bases and other show elements with the ride system to maintain the illusion of life and to ensure the technical execution of the final deliverable meets or exceeds the original creative intent.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES                      

• As directed by the Production Designer, Art Director, or Creative Director, conceives, designs, develops, models, and animates show elements that are integrated with the ride system/media and/or other attraction elements. Works with closely with Engineering & Safety to leverage emerging technologies in figure animation, media delivery, ride systems, show action equipment, control strategies and special effects to enhance guest experiences and deliver on the visceral and visual creative intent.
• Responsible for pre-production, production, and post-production efforts of the 3rd party ride/figure animation/animated props/show action equipment/special effects vendor(s) to ensure media design and show production efforts meet the physical (mechanical) parameters of performance and overall creative intent. Partners with show technical and engineering departments to ensure performance is in alignment with the creative requirements of the show.
• Responsible for the 3D simulation process and the use of simulation data in driving important business decisions, including but not limited to design intent, performance expectations and guest and team member safety. Participates in development and use of simulation and analysis tools designed to assist this process.
• Responsible for developing a motion profile that ensures the motions are in alignment with performance specifications and precisely synchronises with the overall choreography of the media and show.
• Collaborates with the Engineering & Safety team to 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.
• Establishes, builds, and maintains positive and productive team relationships based on open communication, trust and teamwork with project partners, departments, disciplines, and personnel. Communicates, inspires, and maintains project intent among all team-members.
• Understand and actively participate in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UDX policy, procedures, training, and team member involvement activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in related field preferred (Architecture, Fine Arts, Design, Theatre, Graphics, Computer Animation, etc.)
• Experience in show programming development. Must have programmed a variety of attractions with motion simulators, media, show action equipment and/or animated figures.
• Strong character or mechanical/technical animation skills, including an intuitive grasp of spatial and temporal relationships as they pertain to animal/human/mechanical motion and expression, along with a strong sense of theatrical presentation and show timing.
• Strong creative and technical skills in story direction and competency in all other areas of 3D including modeling, texturing, lighting, figure animation and rendering.
• Proficiency using Maya and/or 3D Studio Max for modeling, rigging, animating, texturing and scripting. Willingness to develop working knowledge of AutoCAD and other computer modeling software.
• Proficiency developing custom scripts in 3D animation software for analysing motion profiles, importing/exporting data, etc.
• Ability to work well in a collaborative team environment that includes a wide variety of aesthetic, technical and project management disciplines.

Additional Information

As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with an NBCUniversal employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. NBCUniversal's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to [email protected].