Crowd TD

Framestore Limited; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Framestore is seeking a Crowd Technical Director to bring large-scale scenes to life by simulating and animating thousands of characters for high-end visual effects films. You will collaborate with supervisors and leads across modelling, rigging, animation, motion capture, and lighting to deliver seamless crowd work.

The role blends creative problem-solving with technical innovation, developing locomotion and motion behaviours, supporting new crowd tools, and maintaining clear communication to

Qualifications

• Strong working knowledge of Houdini – Houdini Crowds and Agent Definitions; Maya experience is a plus.
• Experience with large-scale crowd simulations and VFX pipelines.
• Proficiency in scripting or programming to extend tools and workflows.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills within fast-paced teams.

Responsibilities

• Create and run crowd simulations as briefed by the CG or VFX Supervisor.
• Develop locomotion and motion behaviours for varied performances.
• Support the development of new crowd tools and workflows.
• Maintain strong communication with Production and Leads to meet deadlines and quality standards.

Skills

Houdini

Crowds

Agent Definitions

Maya

Unix/Linux

Scripting

Collaboration

Communication

Problem-Solving

Tools

VEX

Python

C++

Job description

The multi-Oscar-winning creative Film & Episodic Studio at Framestore has worked with some of the greatest storytellers in film today. Collaborating with directors and producers across the complete filmmaking process to help design, plan and create beautiful images, we focus on finding innovative creative solutions to support their vision and set new standards for visual effects in cinema.

Framestore combines talent and technology to bring life to everything we create. Driven by creativity and inspired by the future, we set out every day to reframe the possible.

The Role

At Framestore, our Crowd Technical Directors bring large-scale scenes to life - simulating and animating tens of thousands of characters for high-end visual effects films. Working closely with our Supervisors and department Leads, you'll help craft the dynamic motion and behaviour of digital crowds that fill the worlds of our most ambitious projects.

You'll use both proprietary and off-the-shelf software to create visually rich simulations, ensuring a balance between realism and artistry. Collaboration is at the heart of the role - you'll work hand-in-hand with teams across Modelling, Rigging, Animation, Motion Capture, and Lighting to deliver seamless crowd work that integrates perfectly into the final image.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives on both creative problem-solving and technical innovation, with the chance to contribute to the development of new tools and techniques that push the boundaries of what's possible in visual effects.

You'll also:

• Create and run crowd simulations as briefed by the CG or VFX Supervisor.

• Develop locomotion and motion behaviours to achieve varied and believable performances.

• Support the development of new crowd tools and workflows.

• Maintain strong communication with Production and Leads to meet deadlines and quality standards.

• Strong working knowledge of Houdini, particularly Houdini Crowds and Agent Definitions (Maya experience a plus).

• Creative problem-solving and an understanding of both aesthetic and technical requirements.

• Solid grasp of animation principles and an eye for motion.

• Excellent communication, collaboration and organisational skills.

• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

• Familiarity with VFX pipelines and workflows across multiple software packages.

• Experience working in Unix/Linux environments.

• Adaptability and a willingness to learn new tools and processes.

Desirable Experience

• Previous experience in a similar crowd or simulation role.

• Programming or scripting experience (e.g. VEX, Python, C++).

• Understanding of particle systems and procedural animation.

• Experience developing tools, scripts, or plug-ins to streamline workflows.

• Familiarity with motion capture data integration.

Our Commitment

Framestore is proud to employ extraordinary talent across all genders, races, nationalities, religions, ages, abilities, and sexual preferences. We aim to encourage and support all of our current and future employees to achieve their potential. No job applicant will receive less favourable treatment on any basis when applying for a career with us.

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