Character Modeler (DNEG Animation)

Vfxwire; Bengaluru; On-site; INR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

DNEG Bangalore seeks an experienced Character Surfacer to deliver high‑quality assets for animated features. You will adapt to various styles while ensuring technical alignment with production pipelines and downstream departments.

Key duties include improving modelling workflows, collaborating with Build, Rigging, Surfacing, Layout, Animation, and other teams, and providing tool support and documentation. Strong scripting in Python is required.

Qualifications

• Significant experience within animated feature films.
• Ability to work in a defined schedule and flag any concerns that could impact the completion of the task.
• Extensive experience with Maya, Houdini, and Linux.
• Python knowledge and scripting ability.
• Solid understanding of Modelling department workflows in a production pipeline.
• Ability to communicate with Modellers and technical production teams.
• Comfortable with global collaboration and strong communication skills.
• Ability to problem-solve and flag potential problems related to tasks.

Responsibilities

• Improve Modelling department workflow and troubleshoot tool issues.
• Work with Build Department Heads and Technical Supervisors to solve tool issues.
• Collaborate with Rigging, Surfacing, Layout, Animation, Sweatbox, Matte Painting, CFX, and Lighting.
• Provide technical support and training to production teams as required.
• Participate in tools, pipeline and workflow meetings.
• Take feedback and respond in a timely, qualitative manner.
• Maintain documentation for tools development and studio protocols.

Skills

Python

Communication

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Schedule discipline

Tools

Maya

Houdini

Linux

USD

Unreal Engine

MEL

Zscript

C++

Job description

DNEG’s Feature Animation division aims to compete at the highest standards in the industry. Character Surfacers will be required to deliver outstanding assets, both creatively and technically and ensure the delivery of assets within the time frame established.

Since each project is different and requires a unique artistic vision, the candidate will have to demonstrate high skills to adapt to any style or design and have a solid foundation on the technical aspects of character surfacing creation.

Key Responsibilities / Job Duties

• Improve Modelling department workflow and techniques by troubleshooting issues related to tools and pipeline.
• Work closely with the Build Department Heads and Technical Supervisors to create and solve tool issues.
• Interact and work with other related departments including Rigging, Surfacing, Layout, Animation, Sweatbox, Matte Painting, CFX, and Lighting.
• Provide technical support and training to production teams as required.
• Participate in tools, pipeline and workflow meetings.
• Work collaboratively by taking and interpreting feedback in a timely qualitative manner.
• Maintain documentation for tools development and studio protocols.

Job Requirements

• Significant experience within animated feature films.
• Ability to work in a defined schedule and flag any concerns that could impact the completion of the task.
• Extensive experience with Maya, Houdini, and Linux.
• Python knowledge.
• Solid understanding of Modelling department workflows and how they fit in a production pipeline and affect downstream departments.
• Proficient understanding of how/why Modelling tools aid Modelling workflow.
• Ability to effectively communicate with Modellers (including those with little technical knowledge), as well as very technical production technology teams.
• Comfortable with global collaboration, with excellent communication skills.
• Ability to problem-solve and flag potential problems related to their assigned tasks.

Additional Skills

• Zbrush, Speedtree, Marvelous Designer, and Nuke experience
• Understanding of Rigging, Layout, Animation, CFX, Lighting, and Surfacing department workflows
• Experience using USD and understanding how it’s used in Modelling workflows
• Unreal Engine knowledge
• C++, MEL, and Zscript knowledge

About Us

We are DNEG, one of the world’s leading visual effects and animation companies for the creation of award-winning feature film, television, and multiplatform content. We employ more than 9,000 people with worldwide offices and studios across North America (Los Angeles, Montréal, Toronto, Vancouver), Europe (London), Asia (Bangalore, Mohali, Chennai, Mumbai) and Australia (Sydney). At DNEG, we fundamentally believe that embracing our differences is a vital component of our collective success. We are committed to creating an equitable, diverse and inclusive work environment for our global teams, where everyone feels they matter and belong. We welcome and encourage applications from all, regardless of background, experience or disability. Please let us know if you need any adjustments or support during the application process, we will do our best to accommodate your needs. We look forward to meeting you!