Look Development Technical Director - ILM London

We are looking for Look Development Technical Directors who reflect the creative talent, collaborative mindset and passion for great filmmaking that defines ILM. The Look Development TD is responsible for producing high-quality lookdev and shading for our CG assets, needing only initial direction and guidance from their Lead or Supervisor. They design and create the look of computer generated objects and scenes, work closely with Lighting and CG Supervisors, create efficient shader setups, manage material libraries, and design custom shading networks for hero assets.

Must Have

• Previous experience creating both hero assets & props in Look Development.
• Demonstrable Lighting and Rendering experience within a VFX environment
• Proven knowledge of real world materials
• Proficiency with asset optimisation
• Comprehensive knowledge of physically based rendering and shader models
• A strong grasp of geometry formatting, including but not limited to Primvars.
• Ability to build and maintain complex shading networks with artist usability and user-interface support in mind
• Knowledge of Katana is essential
• A solid understanding of the fundamentals of neighbouring departments (FX, Texture, Groom, and Lighting)
• Excellent knowledge of Renderman or other unbiased rendering systems
• A thorough understanding of the VFX pipeline from modelling through animation, texturing, rendering and compositing

Good to Have

• Houdini and Maya beneficial
• Aesthetic eye
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment
• Ability to prioritise tasks, manage time well, and provide accurate time estimates
• Ability to pick up new techniques and learn new software quickly
• Ability to work and communicate with texture and groom artists

Position Summary

We are looking for Look Development Technical Directors who reflect the creative talent, collaborative mindset and passion for great filmmaking that defines ILM.

The Look Development TD is responsible for producing high-quality lookdev and shading for our CG assets, needing only initial direction and guidance from their Lead or Supervisor.

What You’ll Do:

• Design and create the look of computer generated objects and scenes
• Work closely with Lighting Supervisors and CG Supervisors to determine the best approach to solving CG challenges when developing the final look
• Create efficient shader setups in order to optimise render farm usage
• Manage and maintain standard material libraries using established shading templates for consistency and pipeline efficiency.
• Design, implement, and maintain complex, custom shading networks and materials for high-priority ("hero") assets when bespoke solutions are required.

What We’re Looking For:

• Previous experience creating both hero assets & props in Look Development.
• Demonstrable Lighting and Rendering experience within a VFX environment
• Proven knowledge of real world materials
• Proficiency with asset optimisation
• Comprehensive knowledge of physically based rendering and shader models
• Ability to work and communicate with texture and groom artists to get the best possible results
• A strong grasp of geometry formatting, including but not limited to Primvars.
• Ability to build and maintain complex shading networks with artist usability and user-interface support in mind
• Knowledge of Katana is essential, Houdini and Maya beneficial
• A solid understanding of the fundamentals of neighbouring departments. FX, Texture, Groom, and Lighting
• Excellent knowledge of Renderman or other unbiased rendering systems
• Aesthetic eye, anticipates potential problems and uses existing software knowledge to achieve the desired look
• Can work collaboratively within a team environment
• Ability to prioritise tasks, manage time well, provide everyone with accurate time estimates on shot task completion
• A thorough understanding of the VFX pipeline from modelling through animation, texturing, rendering and compositing
• Ability to pick up new techniques and the ability to learn new software quickly and easily

As part of your application please submit a demo reel, shot breakdown, or equivalent showcasing your work. A current resume is required

This role is Hybrid, which means the employee will be required to work a minimum of 2 days on-site per week at a Company designated location, and occasionally from home.