Launchpad PRO: Crowd TD Traineeship

Framestore Limited; City Of London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading visual effects company in London is seeking aspiring Crowd TDs for a fully paid 8-week traineeship. This program bridges the gap between academic knowledge and practical industry skills, offering structured training in crowd simulation using Houdini and real-world project involvement. Ideal candidates will possess 3D Houdini experience, a CG foundation, and a willingness to learn about procedural systems. Successful trainees may be considered for Junior Crowd TD contracts.

Qualifications

• Applicants should already have 3D Houdini experience.
• Some familiarity with Python or VEX is a bonus, but not required.
• A CG or technical generalist foundation is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Complete 4 weeks of structured classroom training on Crowd TD principles and Houdini workflows.
• Engage in 4 weeks of on-the-job learning with Framestore’s Crowd team.
• Prepare for a potential Junior Crowd TD role after successful completion.

Skills

3D Houdini experience

Problem-solving instincts

Beginning–intermediate Houdini skills

Curiosity about simulation-based workflows

Understanding of basic animation principles

Job description

Please note: Due to project timelines and onboarding requirements, we can only consider applicants who already have the right to work in the UK. 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 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 London 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 Chancery Lane studio in London.

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.