Directeur.trice Technique des effets de foule | Crowd TD

Framestore Limited; Montreal; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading visual effects studio in Montreal is seeking a Crowd Technical Director to create crowd simulations for high-end visual effects films. Responsibilities include developing character motion, collaborating with multiple departments, and ensuring project deadlines are met. Candidates should have a strong knowledge of software like Maya and Houdini, along with excellent problem-solving and communication skills. The studio promotes an inclusive workplace and offers accessible facilities.

Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of crowd software packages.
• Creative problem solving skills.
• Good understanding of the visual effects process.

Responsibilities

• Create simulations of crowd characters.
• Develop locomotion and triggering behaviours.
• Liaise with other departments in the crowd pipeline.
• Meet set deadlines while maintaining quality.

Skills

Knowledge of Maya and Massive or Houdini

Creative problem solving

Understanding of animation

Strong work ethic

Excellent organization and communication skills

Ability to work in a team

Familiarity with pipeline and workflow

Experience in Unix/Linux systems

Tools

Maya

Houdini

Motion Capture software

Scripting languages (Mel, Python, C++)

Job description

The multi-Oscar-winning creative Film & Episodic studio, at Framestore has worked with some of the greatest storytellers in film today. Collaborating with directors and producers across the complete filmmaking process to help design, plan and create beautiful images, we focus on finding innovative creative solutions to support their vision and set new standards for visual effects in cinema.

Framestore combines talent and technology to bring life to everything we create. Driven by creativity and inspired by the future, we set out every day to reframe the possible.

About the role

Crowd Technical Directors are responsible for creating the motion of crowds, including the animating and simulating of tens of thousands of characters for high end visual effects films.

What you’ll do:

• Creating simulations of crowd characters as briefed by the Visual Effects/CG Supervisor or Lead
• Developing locomotion, motion and triggering behaviours to ensure a variety of looks can be achieved
• Utilising crowd software (both proprietary and off-the-shelf) to deliver to the highest possible standards
• Liaising with other departments involved in the crowd pipeline including Modeling, Rigging, Animation, Motion Capture and Lighting
• Involvement in developing crowd tools and techniques
• Staying on schedule and meeting set deadlines while maintaining the highest levels of quality
• Ongoing communication with Production and Leads regarding schedules and deadlines

What we’re looking for:

• A thorough knowledge of Maya and Massive or Houdini
• Creative problem solving skills
• An appreciation of both the aesthetic and technical requirements of the role
• A good understanding of animation and an eye for motion
• A strong work ethic and a willingness to be involved in both development and shot execution
• The ability to work as part of a team in a challenging, changeable and deadline oriented environment
• Excellent organisation, communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to liaise across departments
• A good understanding of the entire visual effects process
• A familiarity with pipeline and workflow issues, especially working between multiple packages
• Adaptability and the willingness to learn new processes, software and technical skills
• Experience of working under a Unix/Linux systems environment

You might also have:

• Previous experience in a similar role
• Programming/scripting experience (e.g. Mel, Python and/or C++)
• Experience with crowd software packages (e.g. Golaem, Miarmy, Houdini Crowds or other proprietary crowd solutions)
• A good understanding of particle systems
• Experience of developing tools, scripts and plug-ins to help streamline workflow
• Previous experience working with motion capture data

Framestore is proud to employ extraordinary talent across all genders, races, nationalities, religions, ages, abilities and sexual preferences. We aim to encourage and support all of our current and future employees to achieve their potential. No job applicant will receive less favourable treatment on any basis when applying for a career with us.

Accessibility Statement

Our Montreal studio has universal access, with step‑free entry, accessible toilets, and quiet spaces available. We are committed to providing an inclusive workplace for everyone and continue to improve accessibility to ensure all employees feel supported.