Overview

This is an exciting role centered around Houdini and USD for the Lookdev, Modelling and Environment Departments.

You’ll empower artists to unleash their talent and boost efficiencies. Optimise Houdini User experience, improve existing tools and build new ones to tackle ambituous projects and deadlines.

The disciplines you’ll develop for are wide ranging – including material, texturing and shading tools and pipelines, as well as grooming, fabrics, instancing, world building and many more.

You’ll work closely with highly proficient R&D teams, collaborate with other TDs and liase with experienced stakeholders.

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 Asset teams 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
  • Take responsibility for the optimisation of the department workflow
  • Test and validate new releases of tools both interactive (Houdini/USD/Mari/Substance) and automated (Farm)
  • Liaise with R&D to ensure compliance with internal best practices
  • Understand the processes of adjoining departments, provide input where required to maximise efficiency and quality
  • Create and update technical documentation for Asset processes
  • Establish close partnership with Assets staff and other TD groups
  • Maintain a clean common facility pipeline (tools, automation, practices) across multiple shows at the same time

What you bring:

  • 3 + years’ experience on feature films, TV and/or animated feature
  • Proven TD experience in large scale animated features, animated TV series and/or VFX feature films
  • Degree in Animation, Film, Computer Science, Design, Engineering, Maths or Physics, or equivalent combination of – education & work experience in animation/VFX
  • Solid understanding of Procedural Tools and Surfacing techniques and flow the of assets across crafts
  • Advanced knowledge of and experience using and troubleshooting in Houdini
  • Solid knowledge in Python and ideally Vex
  • Ability to code review and troubleshoot problems as they arise
  • Knowledge of concepts like data flow, data dependencies, Meta data, publishing and retrieval
  • Experience in Mari, Substance or Nuke is considered a bonus
  • An understanding of USD and its general concepts is a bonus
  • An understanding of OCIO and its general concepts is a bonus
  • 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

About Animal Logic

Animal Logic is an independent Australian company that has been at the forefront of creating digital content, award winning design, visual effects and animation for the film and television industries for over 25 years. With creative studios in Sydney and Vancouver and offices for the company’s development arm, Animal Logic Entertainment, in Sydney and Los Angeles, Animal Logic continues to forge new partnerships and collaborations with leading studios and filmmakers to develop and produce stories that resonate with a global audience.

If you want to create GREAT WORK with GREAT PEOPLE then come and join us at Animal Logic!