Sr Crowd Technical Director

Dormont Manufacturing Co; Mumbai; On-site; INR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Dormont Manufacturing Co in Mumbai is seeking a skilled artist to create impressive crowd simulations for CG scenes. The role involves using Houdini for complex animations and collaborating with engineers to optimize the crowd pipeline.

The ideal candidate should have advanced experience in VFX productions, strong layout skills, and proficiency with tools like Maya and Linux. This is an excellent opportunity to mentor entry-level artists while working in a dynamic production environment.

Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of crowd simulations and using Houdini.
• Experience in high-end VFX feature-film productions.
• Proficient in integration of crowd pipeline tools.

Responsibilities

• Create crowd simulations for CG scenes.
• Troubleshoot crowd simulations and technical issues.
• Mentor entry-level artists on Houdini and crowd tools.

Skills

Advanced knowledge of Houdini software

Strong communication skills

Crowd and layout skills

Proficiency with Linux

Strong working knowledge of Maya

Job description

Position Summary

The main focus of the position will be to create crowd simulations for our CG scenes, using either off‑the‑shelf or our own proprietary software to populate cities, large‑scale environments and choreograph battles.

Primary Responsibilities

• Creating the motion of crowds
• Animation and simulations on shots or sequences
• Setting‑up and troubleshooting crowd simulations. Use Houdini software for editing, cycle database management, cycle blending efficiency and plug‑in development to accomplish specific effects and export data to all parts of the production pipeline.
• Agent creation, motion tree creation, motion choreography, motion capture direction, Houdini dynamics, complex navigation and targeting enemies for battle, character skeletal retargeting.
• Collaborate and communicate with R&D and Production Engineers to implement efficient and effective ways to integrate the crowd pipeline and problem‑solve issues.
• Mentor entry‑level artists on the use of Houdini and crowd pipeline tools, including documentation and mentorship.
• Ongoing communication with artists, production and other leads and supervisors regarding schedules, deadlines, and feedback.
• Shot set up and troubleshooting technical issues both on the artist/agent level.
• Attend all relevant meetings on shots, sequences and production.

Key Peers / Relationships

• Crowd TDs, Layout, VFX/CG Supervisors, Animation, Production

Required Experience

• Advanced knowledge of Houdini software
• Proven experience working on high‑end VFX feature‑film productions
• Strong crowd and layout skills including asset integration, scene setup and running simulations
• Experience working with motion capture and/or clip‑based animation
• Strong working knowledge of Maya
• Proficiency with Linux
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to work under pressure and to strict deadlines while maintaining high‑quality output

Desirable Skills

• Working knowledge of MEL and/or Python
• Understanding of Maya‑to‑Houdini workflow
• Keen eye for how crowds flock and move / behavioral observations