Big Shot Pictures hiring 3D Artist, Los Angeles
Big Shot Pictures is not just another animation studio; it is a digital-first powerhouse designed to build the franchises of tomorrow. Founded by industry veteran Brian Robbins, the company is strategically positioned at the intersection of traditional theatrical storytelling and the rapidly evolving worlds of gaming, streaming, and digital experiences. With a first-look theatrical distribution deal with Sony Pictures Entertainment and backing from premier investors—including Greycroft, MarcyPen Capital Partners, ValueAct Capital, and CAA—Big Shot Pictures possesses the resources of a major studio with the soul and agility of a tech startup. We are currently seeking a visionary 3D Artist to join our Los Angeles-based team to help us bridge the gap between high-fidelity cinematic art and real-time performance. Job Overview : 3D Artist at Big Shot Pictures Category Details Position Title 3D Artist Company Big Shot Pictures (Founded by Brian Robbins) Location Los Angeles, CA (Full-Time) Salary Range $100,000 – $120,000 per year Primary Software Unreal Engine (Real-time pipeline) & Blender (DCC tool) Project Focus Next-generation animation franchises (Kids & Family content) Key Specialization Stylized assets, real-time performance, and shape language Backing/Partners Sony Pictures Entertainment, Greycroft, CAA, and more The Role: 3D Artist As a 3D Artist at Big Shot Pictures, you will be a cornerstone of our Unreal Engine-first production pipeline. This is a role designed for an artist who understands that the future of animation lies in real-time interactivity and scalability. You will not simply be “making models”; you will be engineering production-ready assets that define the visual language of global franchises. The core of this position involves delivering assets that maintain an incredible level of visual appeal while remaining strictly optimized for real-time constraints. Our current focus is on high-quality content specifically tailored for kids and family audiences. This requires an artist with a sophisticated understanding of shape language, readability, and “appeal”—the intangible quality that makes a character or environment feel alive and relatable. Detailed Responsibilities Real-Time Asset Development Your primary objective is the creation of world-class 3D assets optimized for Unreal Engine. This includes everything from hero props and environmental elements to character-related meshes. You will ensure that every asset you produce is technically sound, meaning clean topology, efficient UV layouts, and optimized vertex counts that don’t compromise the artistic vision. Stylized Visual Storytelling While technical proficiency is vital, your artistic eye is what matters most. You will work across a variety of visual styles, with a heavy emphasis on stylized designs. You must be able to translate 2D concept art into 3D forms that retain their charm, silhouette, and personality when viewed from any angle in a real-time environment. Material and Shader Innovation A 3D model is only as good as its surface. You will be responsible for authoring, implementing, and iterating on materials using Unreal Engine’s sophisticated material system. You should be comfortable building master materials that are flexible, performant, and easy for other team members to utilize. Optimization and Scalability In a real-time environment, performance is king. You will be tasked with the ongoing optimization of assets to ensure they run smoothly across multiple platforms—from high-end theatrical renders to streaming devices and gaming consoles. You will help establish the LOD (Level of Detail) strategies and proxy mesh workflows that allow our productions to scale globally. Technical Integration and Documentation Integration is a key part of the workflow. You will be responsible for importing, setting up, and testing static meshes within Unreal Engine to ensure they behave correctly with lighting and physics. Furthermore, as we refine our pipeline, you will play a critical role in documenting best practices, helping to build a knowledge base that elevates the entire art department. Required Qualifications and Skills Unreal Engine Mastery: You must have a deep, professional-level understanding of Unreal Engine. This includes specific expertise in the static mesh pipeline, the Material Editor, and general engine navigation. DCC Tool Proficiency (Blender): While we respect all artistic backgrounds, our pipeline is built around Blender. You should be highly proficient in Blender for modeling, sculpting, UV mapping, and layout. Modeling Versatility: You are equally comfortable with the precision required for hard-surface modeling (machinery, architecture, vehicles) and the fluid, organic forms required for characters and natural environments. Aesthetic Sensitivity: You possess a strong sense of color, composition, and “readability.” You understand how to simplify complex forms into stylized shapes that “pop” on screen. Collaborative Mindset: You enjoy working in a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary environment. You can take feedback from creative directors and technical leads and turn it into actionable iterations. The Professional “Pluses” Lighting and Rendering: Familiarity with Lumen, Path Tracing, or general real-time lighting setups in Unreal Engine is a significant advantage. Hybrid Pipelines: Experience moving data seamlessly between traditional DCC tools and real-time engines, including knowledge of USD (Universal Scene Description) or Alembic workflows. Multi-Disciplinary Exposure: Previous experience working closely with riggers, animators, or level designers to understand how 3D assets impact the later stages of production. Innovation-Driven: A genuine interest in emerging AI tools, procedural workflows (such as Geometry Nodes), and other technologies that improve asset creation efficiency. Culture and Location Based in the heart of the entertainment industry—Los Angeles, CA—Big Shot Pictures offers a collaborative and forward-thinking work environment. Big Shot Pictures believe in the power of “digital-first” storytelling, which means we value speed, iteration, and creative bravery. Big Shot Pictures is building a studio where the barriers between “film” and “game” disappear. If you are a 3D Artist who is tired of long render times and wants to see your work come to life instantly in a real-time viewport, this is the place for you. How to Apply Candidates should provide a portfolio or demo reel that clearly demonstrates: Stylized 3D Work: Show us your ability to create appealing, readable shapes. Real-Time Execution: Examples of assets running within Unreal Engine. Technical Cleanliness: Wireframes and texture breakdowns that prove your optimization skills. Join us at Big Shot Pictures, and help us create the characters and worlds that the next generation will grow up with.
