Look Development Technical Director

The Walt Disney Company; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading entertainment company is seeking a Look Development Technical Director in Vancouver, responsible for high-quality look development and shading of CG assets. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor's degree in Computer Graphics, extensive VFX experience in lighting, and strong collaboration skills. This hybrid role requires working both onsite and remotely. Compensation ranges from C$85,900 to C$109,900 annually, based on experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Graphics or equivalent or previous professional experience in a related field.
• Demonstrable advanced Lighting and Rendering experience within a VFX environment.
• Deep understanding of Physically based rendering and shader models.

Responsibilities

• Design and create the lighting and the look of computer generated objects and scenes.
• Responsible for the final CG scene assembly, lighting and rendering of very complex shots.
• Mentor Junior Artists within the Lighting/Look Dev team.

Skills

Real-world lighting and photography

Lighting and Rendering experience in VFX

Collaboration in team environment

Knowledge of Katana

Python or MEL scripting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Graphics or equivalent

Tools

Katana

Maya

Zeno

Job description

Look Development Technical Director

Job ID 10124300

Location Vancouver, Canada

Business Industrial Light & Magic

Date posted Nov. 21, 2025

Job Summary

This role is considered Hybrid, which means the employee will work 2-3 days onsite at a company designated location and occasionally from home.

Position Summary

Look Dev Technical Directors are responsible for producing high‑quality look dev and shading for our CG assets, needing only initial direction and guidance from their supervisors. They have the flexibility of moving into lighting shot production, producing high‑end lighting during show production.

This role is considered Hybrid, which means the employee will work 2-3 days onsite at a company designated location and occasionally from home.

What You'll Do

• Scrutinize the colours and directions of all light sources in the real‑world scene and replicate them in CG
• Design and create the lighting and the look of computer generated objects and scenes
• Responsible for the final CG scene assembly, lighting and rendering of very complex shots
• Works closely with Lighting Supervisors and CG Supervisors to determine the best approach to solving CG challenges and developing the final look
• Creates lighting set‑ups and/or works within current set‑ups
• Creates efficient rendering setups in order to optimise render farm usage
• Stays on schedule and meets set deadlines while maintaining the highest level of work quality
• Ensures there is ongoing communication with Production and Leads regarding schedules and deadlines
• Helps mentor Junior Artists within the Lighting/Look Dev team
• Create & maintain simple materials using the provided shading templates
• Create & maintain custom hero materials and shading networks when necessary
• Deep understanding of real world materials
• Understanding of energy conservation principles
• Deep understanding of Physically based rendering and shader models
• Ability to work and communicate with texture and groom artists to get the best possible results
• Ability to build and maintain complex shading networks with artist usability and user‑interface support in mind

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Graphics or equivalent or previous professional experience in a related field
• Experience with real‑world lighting and photography
• Demonstrable advanced Lighting and Rendering experience within a VFX environment
• Previous experience performing shot Look Dev tasks
• Exhibits excellent listening and communication skills, able to receive direction and criticism
• Has a broad understanding of modern shading models
• Has an in‑depth understanding of PBR (physically based rendering)
• Demonstrates the ability to help and teach more junior‑level artists
• Demonstrates the ability to prioritise tasks, manages time very well, provides everyone with accurate time estimates on shot task completion
• Demonstrates excellent presentation/communication skills in dailies/shot review by clearly and briefly outlining what has been accomplished and what should be addressed next in a shot
• Demonstrates the ability to work collaboratively within a team environment
• Can write plug‑ins, set‑up sequences, debug simulations and write set‑up and Renderman surface shaders with proficiency
• Demonstrates the ability to work with minimal supervision to complete a shot
• A thorough understanding of the vfx pipeline from modelling through animation, texturing, rendering and compositing
• Ability to pick‑up new techniques and the ability to learn new software quickly and easily
• Knowledge of Katana is essential, Maya and Zeno beneficial
• A good understanding of texturing and lighting
• Knowledge of python and/or MEL scripting is essential
• Strong interest in shading technologies
• At ease with Linux based operating systems
• Good understanding of physically plausible shading techniques
• In depth knowledge in building shading networks in Katana using Renderman
• Scripting ability beneficial
• Excellent knowledge of Renderman and other unbiased rendering systems
• Good knowledge of other disciplines within VFX including modelling, textures, grooming, layout & compositing

The hiring range for this position in Vancouver is C$85,900.00 to C$109,900.00 per year based on a 40‑hour work week. The amount of hours scheduled per week may vary based on business needs. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A full range of medical, financial, and/or other variable pay or benefits may be offered dependent on the level and position offered.