Crowds Artist

Netflix; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 80,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading animated film studio in Vancouver is seeking a Houdini Crowds Artist to enhance animated features. This role involves creating crowd agents, working closely with teams to fill scenes with life, and solving problems to produce high-quality results. Applicants should have a minimum of 3 years of experience in Houdini, with a strong focus on crowd simulations and the ability to collaborate effectively in a hybrid work environment.

Benefits

Medical/Dental/Vision plans

Mental health support

Retirement programs

Paid leave of absence programs

Qualifications

• 3+ years’ experience in Houdini for feature films or TV.
• Strong understanding of Houdini crowd agent design.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Setup crowd assets and test new workflows.
• Create efficient crowd agents for simulation.
• Give feedback to improve tools and workflows.

Skills

Houdini experience

Problem solving

Collaboration

Communication skills

Tools

Houdini

Vex

Python

Job description

Netflix Animation Studios is on a mission to entertain the world with bold, immersive animated films that are timeless and impactful. We are paving the way for the future of animation by building a community of amazing artists and talent across three vibrant locations globally. Come join us!

Job Summary

Are you a Houdini Crowds Artist with creative problem-solving skills who can add life, depth and soul to environments and shots for an animated feature!? We are looking for Houdini Artists with crowd experience to join our Vancouver team!

What You’ll Do

• Setup crowd assets and HDAs within the existing Houdini pipeline and test new procedures and workflows
• Create a range of efficient crowd agents (bipeds/quadrupeds and vehicles) for efficient simulation
• Work with Animation teams to identify and breakdown behaviours into cycles for artists to use
• Work closely with FX Department Supervisor and Crowd Lead to implement efficient and effective ways to fill the sets and shots with life
• Give feedback to the department TD’s to continue the development of tools and workflows associated with crowd simulation
• Build templates that are highly geared towards automation
• If required, work with fellow artists on the show that have been assigned shot implementation to make sure the scene files are being used efficiently
• Evaluate any issues that may arise in the setup of crowd and devise efficient solutions

What You’ll Need

• 3+ years’ Houdini experience on feature films, TV and/or animated feature with a focus in Houdini Crowds
• Strong understanding of Houdini crowd agent design & setup
• Production experience using Houdini: SOPs/DOPs essential
• Production experience using Houdini: Vex and Python knowledge desirable
• Experience building Houdini digital assets
• Solid understanding of motion and principles of rigging and animation
• Good understanding of the crowd shading and rendering procedurals
• Attention to design and artistic detail
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment and when necessary to pass knowledge to other staff members
• Excellence in problem solving and producing high quality results within a specific timeframe.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Able to efficiently organise and prioritise work across multiple areas and work under pressure
• Ability to take direction and feedback and apply this to assets or shots moving forward, anticipating the supervisors and leads preference
• Past experience, demonstrated via reel, of feature animation crowd or effects simulation

This role is based in Vancouver, British Columbia. Hybrid Role (Minimum of 3 days a week in the office).

At NAS, we carefully consider a wide range of compensation factors to determine your compensation. We rely on market indicators and consider your specific job family, background, location, skills, and experience. The overall market range for this role is typically $80k - 160k CAD. This reflects total compensation; we do not have stock options.

NAS benefits can include medical/dental/vision plans, mental health support, retirement programs, and family-forming benefits, paid leave of absence programs, and paid time away programs to be used for vacation and sick paid time off. See more detail about our benefits here.

Inclusion is a Netflix value and we strive to host a meaningful interview experience for all candidates. If you want an accommodation/adjustment for a disability or any other reason during the hiring process, please send a request to your recruiting partner.

We are an equal-opportunity employer and celebrate diversity, recognizing that diversity builds stronger teams. We approach diversity and inclusion seriously and thoughtfully. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, national origin, caste, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, age, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic makeup, marital status, or military service.