BC - Effects (FX) Artist - Stop Motion VFX Project

Zoic Studios; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Zoic Studios is seeking an FX Artist to create and enhance visual effects for a stop-motion animated feature project. The ideal candidate will have 3-5 years of experience in high-end production, proficiency in Houdini, and strong communication skills. This role offers the flexibility to work from home or onsite in Vancouver, BC.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of high-end production experience in television or feature films.
• Proficiency with Houdini 18.0 or higher required.
• Experience with advanced lighting techniques preferred.

Responsibilities

• Create and enhance computer-generated effects from concept through production.
• Publish effects elements to support look development.
• Collaborate with technical directors to develop new tools.

Skills

Particle simulations

Procedural techniques

Physical simulation techniques

Strong communication skills

Tools

Houdini

Nuke

Maya

Renderman

Katana

Job description

FX Artist

All applicants must be residents of British Columbia, Canada.

Must be legally entitled to work in Canada, i.e., Citizen, PR, Open Work Permit.

At this time, we’re pleased to offer this role as an option to work from home OR work from our Vancouver studio in the beautiful Gastown area, close to the Waterfront Station in Downtown. (Remote is not available outside of BC; there is no hybrid)

About Zoic

Zoic Studios is a Visual Effects company that specializes in high-end visual effects for television, film, and advertising. Our mantra is VisualEvolution—we focus on every part of the process, from the final picture to the pipeline used to create them.

Why Join Zoic?

• We are an Artist-owned and operated VFX studio.
• We love what we do and always stay curious about new technology and techniques.
• We respect work/life balance in a hectic industry.
• We work with a team from all walks of life and backgrounds.

We are excited to share an incredible stop-motion animated feature project that promises creativity, collaboration, and a fantastic chance to showcase your skills!

Summary of Position

The FX Artist is responsible for effects elements for lighting and compositing to support the visual style and narrative of the film.

Job Functions

• Create and enhance the look of computer-generated effects and elements from initial concept through shot production.
• Publish effects elements using Houdini, Katana, and Renderman to our Lighting department to help support initial look development.
• Establish look development of computer-generated effects translated from 2D artwork.
• Create and implement generic effects element creation for production-independent effects library.
• Collaborate with technical directors to develop new tools to generate effects elements as well as enhance capabilities and workflow.
• Perform technical work in support of shot production using various production tools and help troubleshoot and develop creative solutions to complex tasks.
• Partner with other CG teams to support each effect's integration requirements.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of high-end production experience in television or feature films as a CG Effects Artist and/or TD.
• Experience in producing effects such as smoke, fire, clouds, water, steam, destruction, etc., using both procedural and physical simulation techniques.
• Proficiency with particle simulations in controlling the motion and look of particles.
• Knowledge of applicable software and platforms; Houdini 18.0 (or higher) experience, required.
• Working knowledge of Mantra rendering, Nuke compositing, and Maya, required.
• Working knowledge of Renderman and Katana for lighting effects, required.
• Knowledge of Houdini’s VEX and shading languages, preferred.
• Experience with advanced lighting techniques such as Global Illumination, HDRI, subsurface scattering, and real-world lighting setups, preferred.
• Experience in Houdini Crowd setup and simulation, a plus.
• Experience with 3D paint packages, a plus.
• Modeling, Texturing, and/or Lighting experience, a plus.
• Strong communication skills to perform in a collaborative work environment.

Additional information

• British Columbia Employees Pay Range: $35 - $52 (The actual base salary offered will depend on a variety of factors, including but not limited to the qualifications of the individual, years of experience, education, certifications, and location)
• Candidates MUST be located in the Lower Mainland, British Columbia. This role requires onsite work at our Vancouver Studio in Gastown. (Some remote work may be considered)
• Zoic does not cover relocation costs.
• Any remote positions require a reliable internet connection via ethernet and work on Pacific Standard Time.
• This job description contains the basic requirements and is NOT an exhaustive list of responsibilities; other duties may be assigned.
• Due to high application volume, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

This position is based in Vancouver. All applicants must reside in British Columbia.

Permanent Residents and Canadians only, please.