FX Artist

Folks VFX; Montreal; Remote; CAD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Folks VFX is seeking a Senior FX Artist to join our global FX team working on high‑end episodic and feature film projects. This role focuses on complex simulation work, technical leadership, workflow development, and mentorship.

You’ll collaborate closely with FX, Lighting, CFX, Animation, Compositing and Production teams across multiple studios to help deliver large‑scale cinematic visual effects.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a professional VFX production environment with a strong focus on FX.
• Strong understanding of particle systems, destruction, volumetrics, and fluid simulations.
• Strong scripting skills in VEX, Python, and MEL.
• Advanced Maya knowledge.
• Experience working within fast-paced production environments.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across disciplines and time zones.

Responsibilities

• Create advanced FX simulations including fire, explosions, destruction, volumetrics, fluids, oceans, lava, and environmental effects.
• Deliver hero-level FX work across complex multi-element sequences.
• Develop reusable Houdini templates and procedural workflows for production teams.
• Build and maintain tools that improve simulation efficiency and artist workflows.
• Collaborate with Supervisors, HoDs, and global teams to solve technical and creative challenges.
• Help establish quality benchmarks and maintain consistency across sequences.
• Support workflow improvements through scripting and technical problem-solving.
• Participate in dailies, communicate progress clearly, and respond constructively to feedback.
• Mentor and support other artists through knowledge sharing and technical guidance.

Skills

VEX scripting

Python scripting

MEL scripting

Maya

FX simulations

Fast-paced production

Communication & collaboration

Tools

Houdini

Katana

Unreal Engine

Vellum

Job description

Remote candidates within Montreal or Vancouver may also be considered.

We don’t just build worlds. We build the teams that build better worlds.

From Montreal to Mumbai, London to Los Angeles, we unite diverse talent and experienceacross 10 global studios, delivering stronger, simpler, smarter VFX for episodic television and feature films.

For well over a decade, FOLKS artists have come together to create ambitious workwith human-focused collaboration. As part of the Pitch Black network, our teams contribute their distinct creative strengths to a broader community of talent, technology, and expertise around the world.

Join us and find your FOLKS.

Job Description

The team at FOLKS is looking for a Senior FX Artist to join our global FX team working on high‑end episodic and feature film projects.

This role is focused on complex simulation work, technical leadership, workflow development, and mentorship. You’ll collaborate closely with FX, Lighting, CFX, Animation, Compositing, and Production teams across multiple studios to help deliver large‑scale cinematic visual effects.

What You'll Be Doing

• Create advanced FX simulations including fire, explosions, destruction, volumetrics, fluids, oceans, lava, and environmental effects
• Deliver hero‑level FX work across complex multi‑element sequences
• Develop reusable Houdini templates and procedural workflows for production teams
• Build and maintain tools that improve simulation efficiency and artist workflows
• Collaborate with Supervisors, HoDs, and global teams to solve technical and creative challenges
• Help establish quality benchmarks and maintain consistency across sequences
• Support workflow improvements through scripting and technical problem‑solving
• Participate in dailies, communicate progress clearly, and respond constructively to feedback
• Mentor and support other artists through knowledge sharing and technical guidance

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a professional VFX production environment with a strong focus on FX
• Strong understanding of particle systems, destruction, volumetrics, and fluid simulations
• Strong scripting skills in VEX, Python, and MEL
• Advanced Maya knowledge
• Experience working within fast‑paced production environments
• Strong communication and collaboration skills across disciplines and time zones

Nice to Have

• Experience leading sequences or small teams
• Experience contributing to pipeline, R&D, or tool development initiatives
• Working knowledge of Vellum
• Familiarity with Katana or Unreal Engine

What We're Looking For

We’re looking for artists who combine strong technical problem‑solving with a collaborative mindset. The ideal candidate is proactive, detail‑oriented, and comfortable taking ownership of complex work while helping elevate the wider team around them.

Additional Information

Need Accommodation?

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment experience.

Privacy Notice

Your personal information will be collected, used, and stored for recruitment purposes in accordance with applicable privacy laws.

Pitch Black is an Equal Opportunity Employer

At Pitch Black, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, skills, experience, and business needs. We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, colour, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital or family status, pregnancy, veteran or military status, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, provincial, or local law.