Show Programmer

Universal Creative Job ID: 603166 Category: Creative Studio Career Type: Full-Time Location: Orlando, FL At Universal Creative, we design, develop, and deliver the most compelling entertainment experiences imaginable.
Our Creative Studio is where the top minds in the industry begin imagining the world’s most exciting, award-winning attractions and resorts.
The Creative Studio’s mission is to spark emotions and transcend reality by designing extraordinary innovations that change our Universe.
JOB SUMMARY: The Show Programmer is responsible for conceiving, developing, 3D modeling, animating, and in-field show programming integrated media/ride system attractions, animated figures and show elements at Universal, working in close collaboration with the Attraction Designer, Show Producer, Creative Director, Show Design Director, Project Engineers and Media team (including but not limited to the Media Producer, Media Director and 3rd party media vendors).
The Show Programmer works primarily in 3D to associate the mechanical movements of a motion platform, ride system, animated figure or other show element to the visual cues of the attraction’s media (film and audio) in all stages of design and development, to create motions that creatively merge and precisely synchronize the motion of the simulator to the motion cues in the media, maintaining the illusion of reality and the design intent for the attraction.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: Collaborates closely with attraction design team, media design team, 3rd party media vendors and project engineers to conceive, develop, direct and model integrated ride system/media and/or animated figure-based attractions.
Works closely with UC Engineering & Safety to leverage emerging technologies in media delivery, ride systems, show action equipment, animated figures, and special effects to enhance potential guest experiences and expand strategic Universal Parks & resorts systems I.
P.
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 programming a motion profile that ensures motion base movements that accurately synchronize with the media’s visual message and design intent.
Orchestrates, manages, and tracks the 3D simulation process and the use of simulation data in driving important business decisions, including but not limited to design intent, capacity needs and guest and team member safety.
Participates in development and use of simulation and analysis tools designed to assist this process.
Responsible for studying the visual and mental cues of the ride media and interpreting same to move the motion platform in synchronization with the film by programming the platform movements with a computer keyboard or joystick.
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.
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.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Individual Contributor.
Responsible for collaborating on the design, production and installation of the ride/show systems.
QUALIFICATIONS: Strong motion sensibilities with an intuitive grasp of spatially diverse and dynamic physical and virtual environments, knowledge of both the capabilities and limitations of optical systems, and a good understanding of kinematics and dynamics, excellent problem solving skills, storyboarding, and the ability to work well in a collaborative team environment Strong creative and technical skills in story direction and competency in all other areas of 3D including modeling, texturing, lighting, effects animation and rendering A good knowledge of standard simulator techniques and confusion thresholds in human motor control, aural and optical centers, as well as knowledge of typical kinetosis boundaries Expert proficiency using 3D Studio Max as a design and simulation tool and creating custom maxscripts to evaluate and export motion data; working knowledge of other 3D animation software such as Maya; Knowledge of working with, exporting to and importing from AutoCad and other computer modeling software Knowledge of new technologies, authoring environments, prototyping and user interface design is preferred Proficiency in using Adobe products: Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash, & AfterEffects Ability to design visuals and motion graphics for multimedia programs EDUCATION: High school degree or GED is required.
Bachelor’s degree: Motion Design, Interaction Design, Computer Animation, Computer Programming or related field is preferred.
EXPERIENCE: 5+ years in show programming development – Must have programmed a variety of attractions with motion simulators, media, show action equipment and/or animated figures.
Must be 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.
Strong proven experience in 3D computer animation and motion design within a collaborative environment required.
Must have a basic understanding of velocity, acceleration and the general concept of forces felt by riders on a theme park attraction.
Ability to understand and develop/modify show profiles based on engineering calculations.
Ability to export motion data from 3D software to data tables and excel documents utilizing scripts and other output devices.
Proficiency in using Adobe products: Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash, & AfterEffects Your talent, skills and experience will be rewarded with a competitive compensation package.
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