Lead EFX Artist/TD

Description

We are currently seeking Lead, Effects Artists/TDs for both our Feature Animation and VFX groups in our Port St. Lucie, Florida location.   These are STAFF positions.


Summary:

 

The Lead Effects Artist works with the CG Supervisor and/or the Effects Department Supervisor to create effects for an animated feature or vfx feature film.  The Lead Effects Artist crafts novel systems, tools, techniques, and procedures to aid the execution of the current project and advance the capabilities of the facility. The role requires strong technical and communication skills, as well as a firm understanding of graphics, and production workflow. The Lead Effects Artist should have extensive working knowledge of rigid body and particle dynamics, volume modeling and rendering, procedural geometry generation, fluid and gas solvers, and above all, experience utilizing this knowledge in crafting Effects assets and systems.

 

Principal Duties and Responsibilities: 

Design and create Effects Assets, tools and Systems for use by Shot Effects Artists.

Lead a sequence based team of Effects artists in the creation of Effects for an animated Feature film.

Work with Effects Supervisor and Sequence PDM to coordinate timely Effects integration with the Lighting Supervisor and/or Lead Lighter of the sequence.

Ensure all Effects work for their sequences adheres to pipeline standards.

Attend Effects-related meetings for their assigned sequences and be able to speak on behalf of the department in the event that the Effects Supervisor and/or VFX Supervisor are not present.

Be available to answer technical questions but is not an additional approval step between Head of Effects and artist.

Work with Effects Supervisor and Sequence PDM in bidding Effects for the sequences.

Work with Effects Supervisor and Sequence PDM to track the progress of all of the Effects in a

sequence and flag potential problems.

Work with shot artists to troubleshoot and fix problems arising in the course of production

Craft and update documentation for assets, tools, techniques and workflows.

Remain up to date and informed of current technologies in the area of Effects.

Other tasks related to the creation and development of Effects artistry in an animated feature film or vfx project as needed.

 

Requirements

Education, Experience and Skills Required:

5+ years’ experience as a Effects artist/Technical Director for Feature Films

College degree in computer science, mathematics, physics or engineering, or a related field and/or a combination of education and experience that would be equivalent to that level of professionalism, problem solving and analytical skills.

Extensive experience designing Effects Assets and Systems for general use in a production by shot artists.

Experience with Python strongly desired, knowledge of PyQt a plus

Expertise in one or more professional graphics Effects packages, including Houdini and/or Maya, depending upon the project; Naiad, RealFlow a plus.

Expertise in applicable domain specific programming language(s) including Hscript and/or Mel, depending upon the project.

Expertise in one or more professional graphics package C++/Python APIs including the HDK or the Maya SDK, depending upon the project

Firm understanding of C++ a plus

Must have good written and verbal communication skills as well as strong organizational skills.

Must be able to work alone and collaboratively, often with multiple tasks and under deadline

pressure.

 

Digital Domain Media Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to sex, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law or ordinance or regulation.

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