Jace (Jie) Zhao
New York,NY
Summary
MFA Computer Arts student at the School of Visual Arts (SVA) with 7 years of professional experience in the animation and gaming industries, including roles in 3D layout, directing, and character animation. Skilled in cinematic layout and previsualization, with advanced proficiency in Maya and extensive experience working across the full production pipeline.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior 3D Layout & Animator
Hangzhou Mochi Space-Time Technology Co., Ltd.
Hangzhou, China
04.2025 - 08.2025
- Created layout-driven previsualization sequences for game cinematics, focusing on camera blocking, shot composition, and narrative clarity
- Collaborated with directors and team members to refine shot progression and cinematic storytelling
Director & 3D Layout/Previs
YHKT Entertainment
Wuhan, China
03.2022 - 06.2024
- Created high-precision 3D Layout/Previs in Maya, mastering intricate scene details and shot composition
- Produced detailed storyboards with a focus on refined camera work, using research and live-action role-play to enhance scene texture
- Directed and supervised cinematic animation shorts, ensuring cohesive shot design and narrative flow across sequences
Senior Cinematic Director
NetEase Games
Hangzhou, China
05.2025 - 11.2025
- Led cinematic previs production from storyboard to final implementation, defining shot structure and visual storytelling
- Developed previs using Maya, motion capture, and editing tools to communicate narrative intent and shot timing
- Collaborated with design and technical teams to integrate cinematics into game engines (Unity3D)
3D Layout Artist
Beijing Ruosen Digital Technology Co., Ltd.
Beijing, China
10.2020 - 05.2021
- Created cinematic layouts for action and dialogue sequences based on scripts, focusing on camera staging and shot dynamics
- Delivered production-ready layout sequences with clear annotations for downstream departments
3D Character Animator
Sparkly Key
Hangzhou, China
03.2018 - 03.2020
- Created 3D animations, collaborating with director to refine characters' performance shots under tight production schedules
Junior Game Planner Internship
Shanghai Aurogon
Shanghai, China
07.2017 - 11.2017
- Created in-game cinematic sequences, focusing on shot composition and narrative presentation
Education
Master of Science - MFA Computer Arts
School of Visual Arts
New York, NY05-2027
Bachelor Degree in Engineering - Radio & Tv Broadcast Engineering
Communication University of Zhejiang
Hangzhou, China06-2018
Skills
- Maya (Expert-level, Cinematic Layout)
- Premiere & Davinci (Editing)
- Unreal Engine (Sequencer, Virtual Production)
- Additional Tools: Photoshop, Zbrush, 3dsmax, Marvelous Designer, Substance Painter, Unity
Timeline
Senior Cinematic Director
NetEase Games
05.2025 - 11.2025
Senior 3D Layout & Animator
Hangzhou Mochi Space-Time Technology Co., Ltd.
04.2025 - 08.2025
Director & 3D Layout/Previs
YHKT Entertainment
03.2022 - 06.2024
3D Layout Artist
Beijing Ruosen Digital Technology Co., Ltd.
10.2020 - 05.2021
3D Character Animator
Sparkly Key
03.2018 - 03.2020
Junior Game Planner Internship
Shanghai Aurogon
07.2017 - 11.2017
Master of Science - MFA Computer Arts
School of Visual Arts
Bachelor Degree in Engineering - Radio & Tv Broadcast Engineering
Communication University of Zhejiang