Overview
FX TD – Image Engine, Vancouver, BC
Contract: starting October/November 2015
Project: TBD
ABOUT IMAGE ENGINE
Well known for our work on Neill Blomkamp’s District 9, Image Engine has gone on to create numerous incredible creatures, epic environments and extraordinary digital effects for a broad range of feature films! We are an independently owned and operated company, led by a team of creative and passionate individuals who are committed to furthering the art of visual storytelling, and helping our exceptionally talented crew to push the boundaries of artistic and technical achievement at our studio.
POSITION PURPOSE
The FX TD is responsible for delivering high quality work for Image Engine shows within the assigned timeframe. They will apply notes provided by the FX Supervisors/FX Leads. They will proactively seek solutions with FX Leads and members of other departments. They will identify and troubleshoot problems as needed and will ask for assistance when necessary to ensure effective use of time and resources. FX TDs will communicate with other departments to ensure they are receiving data to resolve shot related problems.
FX TDs will work with FX Supervisors and Leads to implement FX solutions for Image Engine shows. They will communicate with other Leads and artists that are assigned to the show to make sure work completed is consistent.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Create multiple types of realistic and believable effects (ie. rigid body and particle dynamics, procedural geometry generation, fluid dynamics and cloth simulations) with needed supervision and within the studio pipeline
Address your Leads critiques and comments while providing solutions to aesthetic issues to improve the shot and maintaining a quality level as described by your Supervisor/ Lead.
Manage time and resources to meet weekly targets
Provide dailied versions for assigned tasks in an agreed upon time by your Supervisor/ Lead
Attend dailies, reviews, and team meetings as required
Work with FX team, as required, to maintain shot continuity; as well as, support other departments (Lighting, Compositing, etc) to ensure information is communicated up and down the pipeline
Provide input regarding existing tools and interfaces for FX pipeline and provide solutions for technical problems that may arise in a shot, sequence or with a film format
Estimate the time required for tasks and provide accurate progress reports
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
3 years+ of feature film/TV production experience
Demonstrated work experience with Houdini
Proficient in Houdini
Understanding of natural phenomenon and how to replicate them using FX techniques, good knowledge of the underlying mathematical principles and a desire to learn more depending on the requirements of each project
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Technical skills
Ability to train and coach artists in Houdini
Solid knowledge and demonstrated work experience in Houdini
Able to create multiple types of FX from simple to difficult
Strong aptitude for technical workflow challenges such as directory structure, file formats, naming conventions, scripts, automation tools, automated dailies, etc.
HScript is a minimum requirement, python scripting preferred
Python scripting, C++ and RenderMan shader coding is a bonus
Experience with other solvers and simulation tools (e.g. Naiad, realflow, Bullet, Blastcode, etc) is a bonus
Excellent eye for detail for quality control
Core skills
Ability to troubleshoot and deal with competing priorities
The ability to work alongside, communicate with, and understand the requirements of Animators, CG and VFX Supervisors, Assets Department, Creature FX, Lighting, Comp, R&D and Pipeline developers
Excellent problem solver who can focus on detail, while maintaining the whole picture
Excellent time management and communication skills
HOW TO APPLY
E-mail your resume and a link to a reel and breakdown to jobs@image-engine.com. The subject should read “FX TD – your name”. Please include your availability.
