Crowd Technical Director

Please note: This is a short-term contract; ASAP to March 2025. Due to start dates and contract lengths, we can only consider UK candidates at this time. Please do not apply if you're based outside of the UK - Thank you! 

A multi-Oscar-winning creative studio, we have worked with some of the greatest storytellers in film today. Collaborating with directors and producers across the complete filmmaking process to help design, plan and create beautiful images, we focus on finding innovative creative solutions to support their vision and set new standards for visual effects in cinema.

Who We Are

Framestore combines talent and technology to bring life to everything we create, whether in film, episodic, advertising or immersive experiences. Driven by creativity and inspired by the future, we set out every day to reframe the possible.

The Role
We're looking for a Crowd Technical Director [or Crowd Artist] to join our team in London. You’ll bring to life the hustle and bustle of crowds in high-end visual effects films.

Using proprietary and off-the-shelf crowd software you'll craft simulations of crowd characters as directed by the show VFX Supervisor or Animation Lead. You'll develop locomotion, motion, and triggering behaviours to ensure our crowds aren't just diverse, but also mesmerisingly lifelike.

Working within the wider Crowd Department, you'll also join forces with colleagues in Modeling, Rigging, Animation, Motion Capture, and Lighting to ensure simulation and scene feedback are addressed.

You’ll also;

• Stay on track and meet deadlines.

• Keep in constant touch with Production and Leads about schedules and deadlines. Your input is vital in keeping our projects flowing smoothly.

• Be involved in the development of our crowd tools and techniques. We're always looking to push the envelope.

Job Requirements 

• Thorough knowledge of Houdini - especially Houdini Crowds, Houdini Agent Definition, Maya is a plus

• Creative problem-solving skills

• An appreciation of both the aesthetic and technical requirements of the role

• A good understanding of animation and an eye for motion

• A strong work ethic and a willingness to be involved in both development and shot execution

• The ability to work as part of a team in a challenging, changeable and deadline-oriented environment

• Excellent organisation, communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to liaise across departments

• A good understanding of the entire visual effects process

• A familiarity with pipeline and workflow issues, especially working between multiple packages

• Adaptability and the willingness to learn new processes, software and technical skills

• Experience working under a Unix/Linux systems environment

Desirable Experience

• Previous experience in a similar role

• Programming/scripting experience (e.g. Vex, Python and/or C++)

• A good understanding of particle systems

• Experience in developing tools, scripts and plug-ins to help streamline workflow

• Previous experience working with motion capture data

Our Commitment

Framestore is proud to employ extraordinary talent across all genders, races, nationalities, religions, ages, abilities, and sexual preferences. We aim to encourage and support all of our current and future employees to achieve their potential. No job applicant will receive less favourable treatment on any basis when applying for a career with us.

Application Process

To apply, please complete the linked application form or submit your resume and portfolio to recruiters@framestore.com with the subject line: Crowd TD - London.

Framestore is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.