Lead FX Artist
Eyeline
Job Summary
The Lead FX Artist, reporting to the FX Supervisor, is responsible for creating high-caliber, dynamic, and riveting visual 3D effects. This role involves troubleshooting and solving technical and artistic issues to meet client requirements and production deadlines. Key responsibilities include creating a wide variety of realistic effects such as destruction, smoke, fire, and water. The artist will work under supervisor guidance to achieve aesthetic quality and technical accuracy, revising simulations based on feedback, and coordinating with the lighting department for seamless integration. They will also contribute to pipeline improvement, explore new enhancement methods, help debug issues, and share knowledge with the team. A Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in live-action visual effects for feature films or high-level television is required, along with demonstrated creative ability and artistic talent. Proficiency in Houdini and/or 3ds Max is essential, as is strong experience in various simulations. Understanding of physics, realistic motion, and natural phenomena, along with exceptional technical skills and the ability to learn new software, are crucial. The ideal candidate is eager to grow, learn, and share knowledge, can solve technical issues independently, takes direction positively, and works well within a team under tight deadlines. Excellent communication skills and a collaborative spirit are also important.
Must Have
- Houdini and/or 3ds Max knowledge
- Experience in live-action VFX
- Strong simulation creation skills
- Understanding of physics and motion
- Ability to solve technical issues
- Teamwork and communication skills
Good to Have
- Compositing experience
- Scripting experience
- Flowline experience
Job Description
Key Responsibilities
- Creates a wide variety of realistic effects, including but not limited to destruction, smoke, fire, and water
- Works under the guidance of multiple supervisors to achieve the desired level of aesthetic quality and technical accuracy, often exploring different approaches and looks
- Revises simulations based on client and supervisor feedback in a timely manner
- Coordinates with the lighting department to ensure seamless integration of FX elements
- Works within the established pipeline and offer constructive suggestions to improve the process
- Helps develop and explore new ways to enhance results
- Helps team debug issues and learn new methods
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
- Previous experience in live action visual effects for feature films or high level television
- Creative ability and artistic talent, demonstrated by previous work
- Knowledge of Houdini and/or 3ds Max (required)
- Strong experience in creating a wide variety of simulations (destruction, atmospheric, fluid, supernatural, etc.)
- Understanding of physics, realistic motion, and assorted natural phenomena on different scales
- Exceptional technical skills, the ability to learn new software quickly, and a keenness to stay on the leading edge
- Strong willingness to grow, learn new methods and share knowledge with others
- Ability to work and solve technical issues independently
- Ability to take direction positively, work well within a team and thrives under the pressure of tight deadlines
- Excellent communication skills and an open mind
- Team player able to work in a collaborative and fast-paced environment
- Compositing and scripting experience is a plus
- Flowline experience is highly desirable
BONUS SOFTWARE KNOWLEDGE
- Flowline
- Thinking Particle
- FumeFX
- Krakatoa
- MAXScript