Software Developer – 2D Imaging and Nuke Tools

Software Developer – 2D Imaging and Nuke Tools

Summary

DNEG is looking for an experienced 2D Imaging and Nuke Tools Developer to design, build and deploy a variety of Nuke and stand-alone applications that enable new artistic capabilities, optimise workflows, and integrate into DNEG’s proprietary pipeline. This role requires close collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders and department heads whose teams rely on Nuke to achieve stunning photorealistic VFX content on a tight timeframe. Excellent communication and prior Nuke development experience in a VFX or film production studio is required for this role.

About the 2D Pipeline

DNEG’s digital compositing department is home to a team of highly skilled artists who use cutting edge technology to combine photography and CG imagery into the final composite, the stunning photorealistic VFX content that viewers will see projected on cinema screens or streamed to their TVs. Compositing is a complex discipline, taking and manipulating a variety of animated and static image sequences that serve as inputs aside from in-camera photography and pure GCI. These other inputs include articulated holdouts generated by our team of rotoscope artists, highly detailed and realistic digital matte paintings produced by our DMP crew, and prepared plates where scratches, wires and rigs are painted out or otherwise erased by our specialist prep team. Finally, our Motion Graphics department creates a wide variety of dynamic animated visuals, including simulating futuristic or complex computer graphics displays within VFX shots, on-screen graphics overlays or stunning title sequences.

About the 2D Imaging and Nuke Team

As a 2D Imaging and Nuke Plugins Developer you will be working in a small, global, yet tightly knit team to develop pipeline integration and automation scripts as well as image processing algorithms that enable new artist capabilities and workflow efficiencies. You will be working largely in Python and C++, to greatly expand the capability of Nuke, by providing tools for automating otherwise laborious, repetitive tasks and provide efficient and user friendly interfaces for importing assets, building and sharing compositing templates, publishing outputs and sharing image data across the global organisation. We also develop our own image processing algorithms to manipulate pixel data, for example to work with Deep data, and various AOVs to achieve a desired effect.

As well as demonstrating technical skill and initiative, your ability to communicate between technical developers and non-technical artists and end users will help you thrive in this role. We encourage a technically creative attitude and are looking for individuals who are willing and able to bring their own solutions and ideas to the table.

We follow Agile development methodologies and you will work closely with Product Owners and Stakeholders to understand artist needs and deliver bespoke software products. You will have influence in all aspects of the software development life-cycle; designing, supporting and maintaining software as well as integrating tools into our existing pipeline.

About the Product Department

Unique among VFX studios, the Product department is focused on developing proprietary stand-alone applications and DCC plugins to enable new creative capabilities and improve production efficiency. The 2D team is part of the Product Development department and is responsible for maintaining and further developing DNEG’s extensive 2D pipeline.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our growing Product Development department, contributing to the technology behind exceptional VFX and Feature Animation work, partnering with smart, creative and versatile teams of technologists and artists.

Must have:

Technical

●       Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or relevant professional experience

●       Python and/or C++ development experience in a VFX or filmmaking studio

●       Nuke API and/or NDK experience

●       Experience of software development in a Linux environment

●       Experience with source control systems and developing within a team

●       Knowledge of the core principles of digital photography and compositing

Interpersonal:

●       Excellent written, verbal, and graphical communication

●       Experience drafting, reviewing and maintaining technical documentation

●       Working experience in the Agile Development model

●       Mentorship experience and a positive attitude

Nice to have:

●       Knowledge of Photoshop API

●       Experience with unit/integration testing

●       A passion for excellence in UI design and UX

●       A passion for film and technology

A note on Equal Opportunities

We would not be able to produce award-winning work without our Production Technology department, which is committed to nurturing an inclusive, diverse and exciting workplace. Our teams have a variety of backgrounds and originate from a number of different countries, working across the globe at the forefront of technology in the industry.