Look Development Technical Director - Expression of Interest

Disneyland Hong Kong; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading entertainment company is looking for a Look Dev Technical Director in Vancouver. The successful candidate will create high-quality look development and shading for CG assets. Responsibilities include designing lighting for complex scenes, collaborating closely with supervisors, and mentoring junior artists. With a focus on PBR and efficient rendering, applicants should have a degree in Computer Graphics and strong skills in Katana and lighting within a VFX environment. Salary range is C$85,900 to C$109,900 per year.

Benefits

Full medical benefits

Variable pay based on performance

Qualifications

• Ability to teach and assist junior artists.
• In-depth understanding of PBR (physically based rendering).
• Experience performing shot Look Dev tasks.

Responsibilities

• Design and create the look of computer generated objects and scenes.
• Work closely with Lighting Supervisors and CG Supervisors.
• Ensure ongoing communication with Production and Leads.

Skills

Real-world lighting and photography

Advanced Lighting and Rendering in VFX

Excellent presentation/communication skills

Proficiency in Python and/or MEL scripting

Ability to work collaboratively

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Graphics or equivalent

Tools

Katana

Maya

Job description

Overview

This role is Hybrid, with 2-3 days onsite at a Company designated location and occasionally from home. This posting is an opportunity to submit your resume for future consideration; this is not a role that is open at this time. We anticipate this role may be open in the future, but we are not actively hiring for the position. If you would like to be considered for this potential role, please submit your resume. If the role becomes available, you may receive an email or call from a recruiter.

Position Summary

This role is Hybrid, with 2-3 days onsite at a Company designated location and occasionally from home.

Look Dev Technical Directors are responsible for producing high-quality look dev and shading for 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.

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
• Work closely with Lighting Supervisors and CG Supervisors to determine the best approach to solving CG challenges and developing the final look
• Create lighting setups and/or work within current setups
• Create efficient rendering setups in order to optimise render farm usage
• Stay on schedule and meet deadlines while maintaining the highest level of work quality
• Ensure ongoing communication with Production and Leads regarding schedules and deadlines
• Help mentor Junior Artists within the Lighting/Look Dev team
• Create and maintain simple materials using provided shading templates
• Create and maintain custom hero materials and shading networks when necessary
• Demonstrate a deep understanding of real-world materials
• Demonstrate an understanding of energy conservation principles
• Demonstrate a deep understanding of Physically Based Rendering and shader models
• Ability to work and communicate with texture and groom artists to achieve the best results
• Ability to build and maintain complex shading networks with usability and UI support in mind

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Graphics or equivalent, or related professional experience
• Experience with real-world lighting and photography
• Advanced Lighting and Rendering experience within a VFX environment
• Experience performing shot Look Dev tasks
• Excellent listening and communication skills, able to receive direction and criticism
• Broad understanding of modern shading models
• In-depth understanding of PBR (physically based rendering)
• Ability to teach and assist junior artists
• Ability to prioritise tasks, manage time well, and provide accurate time estimates
• Excellent presentation/communication skills in dailies/shot review
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team
• Can write plug-ins, set up sequences, debug simulations and create Renderman shaders
• Ability to work with minimal supervision to complete a shot
• Understanding of the VFX pipeline from modelling through animation, texturing, rendering and compositing
• Ability to learn new techniques and software quickly
• Knowledge of Katana is essential; Maya and Zeno are beneficial
• Good understanding of texturing and lighting
• Proficiency in Python and/or MEL scripting
• Strong interest in shading technologies
• Experience with Linux-based operating systems
• Understanding of physically plausible shading techniques
• Experience building shading networks in Katana using Renderman
• Scripting ability is beneficial
• Excellent knowledge of Renderman and other unbiased rendering systems
• Good knowledge of other VFX disciplines including modelling, textures, grooming, layout & compositing

Salary and Location

The hiring range for this position in Vancouver is C$85,900 to C$109,900 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 offered will consider internal equity and may vary depending on candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. A full range of medical, financial, and/or other variable pay or benefits may be offered depending on the level and position offered.