Effects Technical Director

The ILM Mumbai studio is seeking an Effects Technical Director to generate FX animation, procedural simulation, dynamic simulation, particle, and fluid systems for feature film visual effects. This role involves lighting, rendering, and moderate-level compositing of complex shots under supervision. Responsibilities include designing and creating FX animation, lighting multiple elements, providing time estimates, handing off elements to other departments, presenting work in dailies, mentoring junior artists, and managing shot data. The ideal candidate will leverage expertise developed over 40 years at Industrial Light & Magic.

Must Have

• Design and create FX animation, procedural, dynamic, particle, and fluid systems.
• Light complex/multiple elements and communicate shot status.
• Provide accurate time estimates for shotwork.
• Hand off elements to other departments.
• Present shot work in dailies.
• Mentor junior Effects artists.
• Manage shot data including clean up.
• Minimum three years of relevant professional VFX experience.
• Excellent aesthetic eye and strong teamwork.
• Production pipeline experience.
• Strong communication and ability to work under pressure.
• Proficiency in Maya, 3DS Max, Houdini, or similar software.
• Basic knowledge of the physics of simulation.

Good to Have

• Linux and scripting ability in Python.
• Advanced simulation experience with Houdini, Maya, 3DS Max, and ability to write expressions.

Position Summary

The youngest of all of the ILM studios, the Mumbai studio leverages the expertise and technological know-how developed over 40 years at Industrial Light & Magic combined with the top artists and technicians in the region. Knowledge and culture flow freely between the company’s six studios and the global team shares tools and workflow allowing for seamless collaboration on all shared projects.

As we grow ILM Mumbai, we are seeking an Effects TD who generates FX animation, procedural simulation, dynamic simulation, particle and fluid systems for feature film visual effects. They also complete lighting, rendering and moderate-level compositing of complex shots with guidance from their supervisors.

What You’ll Do

• Design and create FX animation, procedural simulation, dynamic simulation, particle and fluid systems
• Light complex/multiple elements; communicate status of shots to supervisors and Production
• Provide accurate time estimates for shotwork
• Hand off elements to other departments i.e. comp and rendering teams
• Present shot work in dailies; attend dailies and other department meetings
• Mentor junior Effects artists
• Data management of shots including clean up
• Special projects as needed

What We’re Looking For

• At least three years of relevant professional VFX experience and at least a college level diploma or higher in computer graphics, fine arts, design, or photography, or related field; OR at least five years of relevant professional VFX experience in lieu of education.
• Demonstrates an excellent aesthetic eye
• Exhibits strong teamwork and interdisciplinary thinking
• Production pipeline experience
• Strong communication and follow-through
• Ability to work under pressure and deadlines
• Experience with either Maya, 3DS Max, Houdini, or similar software
• Basic knowledge of the physics of simulation
• Nice to have:
• Linux and scripting ability in Python
• Advanced simulation experience with either Houdini, Maya, 3DS Max or other software, and the ability to write expressions.

This position is with Lucasfilm Entertainment Company Ltd. LLC, which is part of a business segment we call Industrial Light & Magic. Lucasfilm Entertainment Company Ltd. LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, colour, religion or belief, sex, nationality, ethnic or national origin, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, disability or pregnancy or maternity. Disney fosters a business culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a rapidly changing world.

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