Senior Look Development Technical Director

1 Week ago • All levels

Job Summary

Job Description

We are looking for a Senior Look Development Technical Director (TD) to produce high-quality look dev and shading for CG Assets, requiring only initial direction from a Supervisor. This role is for individuals who thrive in a creative environment, enjoy sharing knowledge, and are passionate about art, technology, and movies. The Look Development team at ILM embraces individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Responsibilities include collaborating with supervisors to solve CG challenges, developing final looks, creating efficient rendering setups, meeting deadlines while maintaining quality, communicating with production leads, mentoring junior artists, creating and maintaining materials and shading networks, performing shot Look Dev tasks, and collaborating with other artists.
Must have:
  • Degree/training in Computer Graphics or VFX experience
  • Demo reel with responsibility breakdown
  • Excellent listening and communication skills
  • Ability to mentor junior artists
  • Prioritization and time management skills
  • Team-oriented, can work independently
  • Knowledge of VFX pipeline
  • Ability to learn new techniques/software
  • Strong interest in shading technologies
  • Proficiency in Linux
  • Understanding of physically plausible shading
  • Understanding of energy conservation
  • Deep understanding of PBR, shading, materials
Good to have:
  • Experience in Feature Animation
  • Katana and Renderman experience
  • Knowledge of Python

Job Details

We are looking for a Senior Look Development Technical Director (TD) who reflects the innovative spirit, creative talent, production excellence, collaborative mindset, and passion for great filmmaking that defines ILM. As a Senior Look Development TD, you will be responsible for producing high-quality look dev and shading for our CG Assets, needing only initial direction and guidance from your Supervisor.

At ILM, we believe a good idea is a good idea, regardless of where it comes from! Do you thrive in a creative environment? Do you enjoy sharing knowledge and learning from others? If you love art, technology, and movies, then this might be the role you’re looking for!

ILM strives to be an inclusive environment, and the Look Development (Look Dev) team embraces promising individuals with a variety backgrounds and experiences.

What You’ll Do

  • Work closely with Lighting Supervisors, Lookdev Supervisors, and CG Supervisors to determine the best approach to solving CG challenges and developing the final look

  • Create efficient rendering setups in order to optimize render farm usage

  • Stay on schedule and meet set deadlines while maintaining the highest level of work quality

  • Ensure there is ongoing communication with Production and Leads regarding schedules and deadlines

  • Help mentor junior artists within the Lighting/Look Dev team

  • Create & maintain simple materials using the provided shading templates

  • Set up bespoke turntable light rig and shading network when necessary

  • Create & maintain custom hero materials and shading networks when necessary

  • Perform shot Look Dev tasks

  • Work in collaboration with model, texture, and groom artists to get the best possible results

  • Build and maintain complex shading networks with artist usability and user-interface support in mind

What We’re Looking For

  • Degree and/or professional training in Computer Graphics, with advanced work experience in VFX; experience in Feature Animation is a plus

  • Demo reel required; please include a breakdown of responsibilities for each shot in the reel in the edge of the frame

  • Exhibit excellent listening and communication skills, able to receive direction and criticism

  • Demonstrated ability to help and teach more junior-level artists

  • Demonstrates the ability to prioritize tasks, manages time very well, provides everyone with accurate time estimates on shot task completion

  • Team-oriented with ability to work independently

  • A thorough knowledge of the VFX pipeline from modeling through texturing, grooming, rendering and compositing

  • Ability to pick-up new techniques and the ability to learn new software quickly and easily

  • It is beneficial to have Katana and Renderman experience, as well as knowledge of Python

  • Strong interest in shading technologies

  • Proficiency in Linux-based systems

  • Good understanding of physically plausible shading techniques

  • Understanding of energy conservation principles

  • Deep understanding of physically based rendering, shading, and real-world materials

JoinILM

This position is with Lucasfilm Entertainment Company Ltd. LLC, which is part of a business segment we call Industrial Light & Magic.

Lucasfilm Entertainment Company Ltd. LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, colour, religion or belief, sex, nationality, ethnic or national origin, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, disability or pregnancy or maternity. Disney fosters a business culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a rapidly changing world.

Job Posting Segment:

ILM Sydney

Job Posting Primary Business:

ILM Sydney

Primary Job Posting Category:

Look Development - Studios

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Sydney, Australia

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:

2025-07-11

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About The Company

From classic animated features and exhilarating theme park attractions to cutting edge sports coverage, and the hottest shows on television, The Walt Disney Company has been making magic since 1923, creating unforgettable stories that connect with audiences around the world. And we’re just getting started!

The key to our success…. The Cast, Crew, Imagineers and Employees who honor Disney’s rich legacy by stretching the bounds of imagination to create the never-before-seen, bringing unparalleled entertainment experiences to people of all ages. Begin a career that delivers unparalleled creative content and experiences to audiences around the world and just imagine the stories you could be part of…

What is #LifeAtDisney like? It’s a series of magical moments with cast members and employees developing and telling our stories in the most innovative ways. Whether it’s a day spent as a Disney VoluntEAR, or celebrating the release of a new interactive experience, retail product or movie, our days are filled with the knowledge that we are creating entertainment experiences the whole family can enjoy. Follow @DisneyCareers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for a peek behind-the-curtain, and discover how you could connect to a world of stories with Disney!

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