MATTHEW WIEDEMAN
Summary
Highly accomplished Senior Animator and Technical Artist with over 15 years of professional experience driving asset creation and pipeline efficiency in AAA and mobile game development. Proficient in keyframe animation, rigging, and Python/pyQT scripting, specializing in realistic and stylized character movement, cinematic animation, and complex animation systems. Proven ability to lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams (Engineering, Design, VFX) to ensure successful asset integration across multiple shipped titles, including major launches on the Netflix Games platform.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Animator
Netflix Games
01.2022 - 01.2025
- Designed and implemented complex animation systems for core gameplay (e.g., combat mechanics, locomotion) using Unity 3D and Maya, driving significant player fidelity improvements.
- Led the animation asset pipeline for the successful launch of two major titles, Squid Game Unleashed and Dungeon Boss Respawned, on the Netflix Games platform.
- Produced internal sizzle reels and promotional content, utilizing motion graphics and cinematic skills to support marketing and stakeholder communication across the Netflix organization.
- R&D of new technology, both in Unity and for animation pipeline purposes, to improve content quality and creation speed.
- Drove deep cross-functional collaboration with Engineering, Design, and VFX teams to integrate animation assets seamlessly, resolving technical roadblocks, and optimizing the workflow pipeline.
- Created high-fidelity UI/Motion Design animations for in-game menus, HUD elements, and user feedback systems.
- Elevated the game's narrative and visual appeal by spearheading the design and execution of updated cinematic sequences for the Dungeon Boss Respawned title.
- Provided detailed critique and technical direction on outsourced character assets, ensuring strict adherence to artistic style and engine specifications.
Senior Animator
Boss Fight Entertainment Inc.
02.2015 - 01.2022
- Developed UI/Motion Design animations for in-game interface polish, enhancing user engagement.
- Streamlined the asset creation process by scripting (Python/pyQT) custom tools for improving automated rigging and weighting, drastically reducing character setup time.
- Created believable movement, gestures, and expressions using key-frame animations.
Animator (Contract)
Hi-Rez Studios Inc.
04.2014 - 09.2014
- Executed the creation of believable movement, gestures, and expressions through keyframe animation, maintaining quality standards in collaboration with the animation lead.
Animator
Turbine Inc.
04.2012 - 12.2014
- Created rigs, believable movement, gestures, and expressions utilizing key-frame animation and some motion capture integration.
- Collaborated effectively with Art Directors, Engineers, Designers, and other animators to ensure asset quality and seamless integration of assets into the game.
Technical Artist
Turbine Inc.
06.2010 - 04.2012
- Provided support for asset integration, creation, and maintenance of tools focused on rigging/weighting.
- Conducted R&D on new technologies.
- Partnered with artists and art directors to ensure quality assets, in-game rigs, animation hookup, and character randomization were successful.
Education
Certificate - Advanced Character Studies
Animation Mentor
01-2012
BS - Computer Animation
Mount Ida College
05-2010
Skills
- Game/Pipeline: Keyframe Animation, Mocap Animation, Complex Animation Systems, UI/Motion Design, Gameplay Animation, Cinematics Animation, Pipeline Optimization, Asset Management, Cross-functional Collaboration
- Animation Software: Maya, Unity, Zbrush, 3DS Max, Unreal, Source Engine, After Effects, Photoshop, Davinci Resolve
- Technical/Scripting: Python, pyMel, pyQT, JavaScript, Rigging, Skinning, Weighting, UV Layout
Timeline
Senior Animator
Netflix Games
01.2022 - 01.2025
Senior Animator
Boss Fight Entertainment Inc.
02.2015 - 01.2022
Animator (Contract)
Hi-Rez Studios Inc.
04.2014 - 09.2014
Animator
Turbine Inc.
04.2012 - 12.2014
Technical Artist
Turbine Inc.
06.2010 - 04.2012
Certificate - Advanced Character Studies
Animation Mentor
BS - Computer Animation
Mount Ida College