Overview

Generalists create photo-real environments and landscapes and exhibit a strong foundation in photo-realistic, traditional, and digital art skills with an emphasis on landscapes. They work with live action footage, digital still photography, rendered computer graphic elements, and digital paint to create environments that are seamlessly integrated into assigned shotwork. Develops solutions and techniques that meet art/technical direction. Participates in team reviews of work under development. Able to create multiple types of mattes from simple to moderately difficult. Can work confidently enough to be able to decide where to allocate detail based on the shot and can interpret feedback to respond to review notes with little supervisor direction. Texture skills would match this competence level, i.e. able to create maps in 2D and set up basic shaders for look development. Good understanding of the physics of light, how this interacts with the camera and how to create basic lighting setups in complex shaders (like hard surface type materials) that look convincing and render efficiently. Can respond to feedback to dial in the look of the element before handing to final comp. Has a good working knowledge of specialist tools and plugins like Multiscatter, Speedtree, etc. Can work with the sequence lead to test out tools and techniques before rolling out to shot artists. Can handle reasonably complex hard body and soft body sims and light/render them for comp.

Primary Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• Create original 2D and 3D content that may comprise part or all of an environment
• Create multiple types of mattes from simple to moderately difficult and allocates detail based on the shot and feedback
• Creates high quality computer graphics within a shot using a variety of software programs, and working under the general supervision of senior level artists and Generalist Supervisors, dials in the look of the element before handing to final comp
• Participates in team reviews of work under development
• Mentors Apprentice and Jr. Artists and must be able to assist them with their shots
• Meets defined milestones within a timeline by attending dailies and participating in creative problem solving
• Creates maps in 2D and sets up basic shaders for look development
• Creates basic lighting setups in complex shaders that look convincing and render efficiently
• Sources suitable reference materials for required assets
• Special projects as needed

Reporting Relationships

Reports to the Talent Manager, Generalist and receives daily oversight and direction from the CG or Generalist Supervisor.

Job Requirements

Education/Experience

• At least 5 years relevant professional VFX experience and at least a college level diploma in computer graphics, fine arts, design, or photography, or related field; OR, at least 7 years relevant professional VFX experience.

Required Skills/Competencies

• Proven ability in one or more CG techniques, including modeling, texturing, shading, lighting, look development, or compositing; OR,
• Proven artistic ability in a non-CG field (impressive portfolio of figure drawing, landscape, animals, painting, composition, perspective, etc.)
• Demo reel required
• High level of problem solving or creative thinking skills
• Must have extensive knowledge of Matte Painting techniques

Technical Skills/Competencies

• Fluent in Photoshop
• Fluent in 3dsmax, Maya or similar
• Fluent in Vray or MRay or similar ray trace renderer
• Comparable software experience considered
• Demonstrated ability to quickly pick up new software
• Strong knowledge and ability in perspective, value matching 35mm photography, physics of light and motion
• Understanding 2D compositing software
• Good working knowledge of specialist tools and plugins like Multiscatter, Speedtree, etc.

Salary & Benefits

$80,600 – $127,900 annual salary; plus benefits package – 4% gross earnings paid in lieu of vacation, extended health and dental insurance, and MSP coverage.
Annual performance reviews may lead to merit increases.

To Apply

Please email your resume to: apply-ilmvan@ilm.com

Business Address & Work Location
Suite 400-21 Water Street
Vancouver, BC V6B 1A1