Grooming Lead - Feature Animation

The Grooming Lead operates under the guidance of the CG Supervisor. This position will collaborate closely with the CG Supervisor, modeling, lookdev, rigging, and simulation teams to craft stylized hair, fur, and feather grooms for characters in a high-end fully animated feature. 

What you’ll be doing: 

• Strategically place guide-hairs/feathers and groom them according to artistic direction. 
• Develop and manage node-based hair/fur/feather grooms. 
• Utilize painting techniques to create textures that enhance groom aesthetics. 
• Provide both technical and aesthetic insights to optimize hair/fur/feather simulations. 
• Interpret and implement feedback from the Director to enhance the visual narrative. 
• Support the Production team and contribute to time estimates for shot completion. 
• Collaborate with the CG Supervisor to efficiently manage render times and ensure timely project delivery. 
• Provide documentation for all applicable processes  

What you’ll bring: 

• 7+ years of experience as a Groom Artist in the context of film production, animation TV series, or visual effects. 
• 2+ years of experience leading a team on a fully animated or hybrid feature film. 
• Expert level with one or more procedural groom tools. 
• Preferably experienced with Yeti and/or Houdini. 
• Proficient in Mari and/or Substance texture painting. 
• Understanding and appreciation of both aesthetic and technical aspects of cloths, fur and hair simulation. 
• Strong emphasis on detail and adherence to robust workflows. 
• Familiarity with Shotgun. 
• Skill in breaking down reference images into logical workflow requirements. 
• Quick learning ability and adaptability to assimilate new information. 
• Effective team player with strong communication skills and meticulous attention to detail. 
• Ability to take direction in a dynamic, fast-paced production environment. 

Salary Range $1,900 - $2,400 CAD Weekly The Salary Range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range for a job.