Launchpad PRO : Formation Directeur technique des effets de foule | Launchpad PRO: Crowd TD Tra[...]

Framestore Limited; Montreal; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading VFX studio in Montreal is excited to offer an 8-week paid traineeship in Crowd TD aimed at aspiring artists. The program includes structured classroom training in Houdini and practical experience with a focus on large-scale crowd simulation for film and episodic projects. Candidates with intermediate Houdini skills and a background in 3D are encouraged to apply. Successful trainees may qualify for future Junior Crowd TD roles, making this an ideal opportunity to jumpstart your career in VFX.

Qualifications

• A CG or technical generalist foundation.
• Beginning–intermediate Houdini skills.
• Basic animation principles understanding.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the structured online classroom training.
• Contribute to real internal briefs and tasks.
• Gain exposure to crowd simulations, motion behaviours, and troubleshooting.

Skills

Houdini

Problem-solving

Curiosity about simulation workflows

Tools

Houdini

Python

VEX

Job description

Please note: Due to project timelines and onboarding requirements, we can only consider applicants who already have the right to work in Canada. Unfortunately, visa sponsorship is not available for this traineeship.

The Role

Framestore is excited to launch Launchpad PRO: Crowd TD, a fully paid 8‑week traineeship designed to give emerging artists hands‑on training in large‑scale crowd simulation for high‑end Film & Episodic Studio projects.

Across the programme, trainees will complete:

• 4 weeks of structured online classroom training, learning core Crowd TD principles, Houdini workflows, motion behaviours, and simulation fundamentals.
• 4 weeks of on‑the‑job learning with Framestore’s Crowd team, contributing to real internal briefs and pipeline tasks.

Those who successfully complete the programme will be considered for a Junior Crowd TD contract within our Montreal Film team.

What You’ll Learn

Guided by experienced Crowd TDs, Supervisors and Leads, you’ll gain exposure to:

• Creating and running crowd simulations using Houdini.
• Building and customising Agent Definitions.
• Motion variation, locomotion cycles and behavioural systems.
• Integrating crowds into the VFX pipeline (Animation, Rigging, Mocap, Lighting).
• Creative problem‑solving for large‑scale scene challenges.
• Real‑world shot workflows, troubleshooting, iteration and delivery.
• Proprietary tools and crowd‑specific production techniques.
• How crowds work within a global, award‑winning VFX pipeline.

This programme is designed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and day‑to‑day production work, preparing trainees for the demands of a Crowd TD role on feature films.

This traineeship is aimed at aspiring Crowd TDs with:

• A CG or technical generalist foundation
• Beginning–intermediate Houdini skills, ideally with an interest in Houdini Crowds.
• An understanding of basic animation principles and motion.
• Curiosity about simulation‑based workflows.
• Problem‑solving instincts and a strong willingness to learn.
• An interest in procedural systems (particles, agents, behaviours).
• Some familiarity with Python or VEX is a bonus, but not required.

This is not a beginner’s programme. Applicants should already have 3D Houdini experience.

Programme Dates

The next intake will begin mid‑February 2026 and will be primarily on‑site at our studio in Montreal.

Application Process

To apply, please complete the linked application form or submit your resume and portfolio to [e-mail] with the subject line: Launchpad PRO: Crowd TD Application

Framestore is an equal‑opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.