James Kachelries
Summary
Experienced animator specializing in motion-capture workflows, technical and character animation, immersive performance for VR and mixed-reality experiences and its integration into cinematic and gameplay systems. Skilled in retargeting and polishing performance data in MotionBuilder and Maya, and delivering production-ready assets for Unity and proprietary engines.
Key Skills
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Strong understanding of MotionBuilder and motion-capture manipulation
- Retargeting, weight and object interactions, loops, breakouts, and key posing
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Decades of experience as Maya generalist for all parts of an animation production
- HumanIK, Time Editor, identifying and resolving issues with motion and rigging systems, modeling, rigging, lighting, rendering, and supporting others in optimizing workflows specific to motion-captured and keyframed animation
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Driven to elevate and support colleagues
- Eager to help and volunteer time to assist others, empathy and patience, and passion for bringing awareness to mental health and its importance and impact in development and continued education
Experience
Animator / Lead Animator
Projects:
Spider-Man 2, Mortal Kombat 1, The Division: Heartland, Dauntless, Fortnite, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge,
Batman: Arkham Shadow
- Animated and supported team members, leading and providing clear feedback while adapting to changing project needs.
- Experience working in fast-paced environments requiring communication and flexibility.
Digital Media Artist and Animation Specialist
Projects:
Earth, Moon, and Sun; Magic Treehouse: Space Mission; Grossology and You; Take Flight; Jeepers Creepers;
The Longest Night; Solar System Odyssey; Mysteries of the Brain; Tales of the American South
- Created engaging visual content for education and public presentation.
Education
AnimSchool — 2017 — Certificate of Completion, Animation
Art Institute of Phoenix — 2005 — Arts and Animation