Senior Look Development Technical Director - Expression of Interest

Disneyland Hong Kong; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 110,000 - 142,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading visual effects company in Vancouver seeks a Senior Look Development Technical Director. You will produce high-quality look development and shading for CG assets, mentor junior artists, and collaborate with various teams. Applicants should have a degree in Computer Graphics, VFX experience, and a demo reel. This role offers a salary ranging from C$110,600 to C$141,500 per year, alongside benefits.

Benefits

Full range of medical benefits

Financial variable pay

Qualifications

• Advanced work experience in VFX; experience in Feature Animation is a plus.
• Demo reel required; include a breakdown of responsibilities.
• Thorough knowledge of the VFX pipeline from modeling through texturing.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with supervisors to solve CG challenges.
• Create efficient rendering setups to optimize render farm usage.
• Mentor junior artists within the team.

Skills

Excellent listening and communication skills

Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time

Team-oriented with ability to work independently

Strong interest in shading technologies

Education

Degree in Computer Graphics

Tools

Katana

Renderman

Python

Job description

Position Summary

We are looking for a Senior Look Development Technical Director (TD) who reflects the innovative spirit, creative talent, production excellence, collaborative mindset, and passion for great filmmaking that defines ILM. As a Senior Look Development TD, you will be responsible for producing high-quality look dev and shading for our CG assets, needing only initial direction and guidance from your supervisor.

At ILM, we believe a good idea is a good idea, regardless of where it comes from. If you thrive in a creative environment and enjoy sharing knowledge and learning from others, this role may be for you. ILM strives to be an inclusive environment, and the Look Development (Look Dev) team embraces individuals with a variety of backgrounds and experiences.

What You’ll Do

• Work closely with Lighting Supervisors, Lookdev Supervisors, and CG Supervisors to determine the best approach to solving CG challenges and developing the final look
• Create efficient rendering setups to optimize render farm usage
• Stay on schedule and meet deadlines while maintaining the highest level of quality
• Ensure ongoing communication with Production and Leads regarding schedules and deadlines
• Mentor junior artists within the Lighting/Look Dev team
• Create and maintain simple materials using the provided shading templates
• Set up bespoke turntable light rigs and shading networks when necessary
• Create and maintain custom hero materials and shading networks when necessary
• Collaborate with model, texture, and groom artists to achieve the best results
• Build and maintain complex shading networks with artist usability and UI support in mind

What We’re Looking For

• Degree and/or professional training in Computer Graphics, with advanced work experience in VFX; experience in Feature Animation is a plus
• Demo reel required; please include a breakdown of responsibilities for each shot in the reel
• Excellent listening and communication skills, able to receive direction and criticism
• Demonstrated ability to help and teach more junior-level artists
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time well, and provide accurate time estimates for shot task completion
• Team-oriented with ability to work independently
• Thorough knowledge of the VFX pipeline from modeling through texturing, grooming, rendering, and compositing
• Ability to pick up new techniques and learn new software quickly
• It is beneficial to have Katana and Renderman experience, as well as knowledge of Python
• Strong interest in shading technologies
• Proficiency in Linux-based systems
• Good understanding of physically plausible shading techniques
• Understanding of energy conservation principles
• Deep understanding of physically based rendering, shading, and real-world materials

As part of your application please submit a demo reel, shot breakdown, or equivalent showcasing your work. A current resume is required.

Join ILM

Compensation

The hiring range for this position in Vancouver is C$110,600.00 to C$141,500.00 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 offered will consider internal equity and may vary depending on geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. A full range of medical, financial, and/or other variable pay or benefits may be offered dependent on the level and position offered.