Senior Effects Technical Director

2 Months ago • 5-7 Years

Job Summary

Job Description

The Senior Effects Technical Director is responsible for independently creating FX animation, procedural simulation, dynamic simulation, particle, and fluid systems for feature film visual effects. This role also involves lighting, rendering, and moderate-level compositing of complex shots under supervisor guidance. Key responsibilities include designing and creating FX elements, providing accurate time estimates, handing off elements to other departments, presenting shot work in dailies, mentoring junior artists, and managing shot data. The ideal candidate possesses at least 5 years of VFX experience, an excellent aesthetic eye, strong teamwork skills, production pipeline experience, and proficiency in software like Maya, 3DS Max, or Houdini, along with scripting abilities in Python.

Must have:

Create FX animation and simulations
Light complex elements
Provide accurate time estimates
Mentor junior effects artists
5+ years VFX experience
Experience with Maya, 3DS Max, or Houdini
Python scripting ability
Linux experience

Good to have:

College diploma in CG, fine arts, design, or photography
Ability to write expressions
Basic understanding of simulation physics

11 skills required

11 skills required for this role

Add these skills to join the top 1% applicants for this job

real-time-vfx

team-management

data-analytics

rendering

3ds-max

unity

lighting-shading

linux

houdini

python

maya

Job Details

The Senior Effects TD operates independently to generate FX animation, procedural simulation, dynamic simulation, particle and fluid systems for feature film visual effects. The Senior Effects TD also completes 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; communicates 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 5 years relevant professional VFX experience and at least a college level diploma in computer graphics, fine arts, design, or photography, or related field; OR at least 7 years 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 understanding of the physics of simulation
Linux and scripting ability in Python
Advanced simulation experience with either Houdini, Maya, 3DS Max or other software, and the ability to write expressions

JoinILM

At Lucasfilm/ILM we believe that diversity, inclusion and belonging are integral to our company. We are at our best when our people at all levels reflect the vast life experiences of our audiences, and we thrive when ideas and decisions from all are valued and represented. If you are passionate about the role, but don't fit every criteria of the posting, we encourage you to still apply. We want to hear your story.