Are you a TD with special Houdini powers and a talent for FX and Character FX? Do you want to work on a high-end animated feature?

The FX/CFX TD is responsible for supporting the technical objectives of the FX/Character FX team through tool development, technical direction, pipeline troubleshooting, and artists support. They will work closely with Artists, Character FX Lead, FX Supervisor, cross site FX Department TDs and R&D teams to ensure a common and standardised approach to the workflow, tool development and support. There is a specific focus on the areas of simulation and deformation techniques for skin, cloth, fur, hair and feathers in Houdini.

This is a full time, contract role that reports to the FX Supervisor and Artist Management. It is not an artistic role involving shot creation.

What you'll get to do:

• Understand the visual requirements for the film, and design procedures, techniques and tools that will enable these to be met
• Assist the FX/Character FX team with day to day issues and escalating through the right channels when necessary
• Ensure that tools and procedures support the creative process
• Provide solutions to visual problems through existing tools or by leading development of new tools
• Test and validate new releases of pipeline tools both interactive (Houdini) and automated (Farm) within these Production tool and Farm environments
• Liaise with R&D to ensure compliance with internal best practices
• Understand the processes of adjoining teams, provide input where required to maximise efficiency and quality
• Create and update technical documentation for FX/Character FX processes
• Establish close partnership with FX/Character FX artists and other TD groups
• Work closely with the Character FX Lead and FX Supervisor to plan, develop, and maintain department specific tools and plan for the future show/studio creative needs
• Provide training and documents to the artists for new creative tools

What you bring:

• 3+ years’ experience on feature films, TV and/or animated feature
• Proven pipeline TD experience in animated features, animated TV series and/or VFX feature films
• Solid understanding of Character FX simulation and deformation techniques for skin, cloth, fur, hair and feathers
• Experience using and troubleshooting in Houdini software
• Knowledge/experience in Python language
• Working knowledge of source control systems, PyQt or other GUI toolkit
• Experience in Ziva, Maya, Mari, Nuke, XSI considered a bonus
• Muscle and skin knowledge a bonus
• Knowledge of USD and or Houdini Solaris a bonus
• Working knowledge of concepts like data flow, data dependencies, Meta data, publishing and retrieval
• Degree in Animation, Film, Computer Science, Design, Engineering, Maths or Physics, or equivalent combination of education & work experience in animation/VFX
• An ability to quickly acquire a working understanding of both off-the-shelf and proprietary software tools
• The ability to code review and troubleshoot problems as they arise
• The ability to efficiently organise and prioritise work across multiple areas and work and remain calm under pressure
• Strong written and verbal English language skills
• Excellent in pro-active problem solving and finding solutions within the parameters presented
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment