Lead VFX Artist

Placements24; Kempton Park; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Career advancement

Cutting-edge technology access

Supportive work atmosphere

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Lead VFX Artist to oversee critical projects from the Tembisa studio in Gauteng. You will guide a team of artists, setting visual direction and ensuring technically sound production of complex VFX sequences.

The role requires strong leadership, deep software expertise (Maya, Houdini, Nuke, After Effects) and a portfolio of film/TV/game VFX. Collaboration with directors and peers is essential to deliver narrative-driven visuals.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years in VFX artistry with at least 2 years in a lead role.
• Portfolio showing photorealistic or stylized VFX for film, TV, or games.
• Strong understanding of lighting, color theory, and composition.
• Proven leadership and ability to mentor artists.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of VFX artists, providing artistic direction and technical guidance throughout the production pipeline.
• Develop and implement the overall visual style and technical approach for VFX sequences.
• Oversee the creation of high-quality visual effects, including simulations, compositing, and particle effects.
• Collaborate with directors, art directors, and other department leads to ensure creative vision alignment.
• Manage project timelines, resources, and artist workloads effectively.
• Troubleshoot technical challenges and provide solutions to ensure seamless production flow.
• Review and approve work from team members, providing constructive feedback.
• Stay updated on the latest trends, tools, and techniques in visual effects technology and artistry.

Skills

VFX leadership

Team mentorship

Cinematography & composition

Communication

Tools

Maya

Houdini

Blender

Nuke

After Effects

Unreal Engine

Unity

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the animation and visual effects industry, is seeking a highly experienced and visionary Lead VFX Artist to oversee critical projects from their Tembisa, Gauteng studio. This role is pivotal in guiding a team of talented artists, ensuring the delivery of breathtaking visual effects that elevate narrative storytelling. The Lead VFX Artist will be responsible for the artistic direction and technical execution of complex visual sequences, working closely with directors and producers to bring imaginative concepts to life. The ideal candidate possesses a strong artistic sensibility, deep technical expertise in VFX software, and proven leadership capabilities. This position demands a passion for visual innovation and a commitment to mentoring and developing team members, fostering an environment of creativity and excellence within the Tembisa, Gauteng hub.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of VFX artists, providing artistic direction and technical guidance throughout the production pipeline.
• Develop and implement the overall visual style and technical approach for VFX sequences.
• Oversee the creation of high-quality visual effects, including simulations, compositing, and particle effects.
• Collaborate with directors, art directors, and other department leads to ensure creative vision alignment.
• Manage project timelines, resources, and artist workloads effectively.
• Troubleshoot technical challenges and provide solutions to ensure seamless production flow.
• Review and approve work from team members, providing constructive feedback.
• Stay updated on the latest trends, tools, and techniques in visual effects technology and artistry.

Requirements

• A minimum of 7 years of experience in visual effects artistry, with at least 2 years in a lead or supervisory role.
• Demonstrable expertise in 3D animation software (e.g., Maya, Houdini, Blender) and compositing software (e.g., Nuke, After Effects).
• Proven experience in creating photorealistic or stylized visual effects for film, television, or games.
• Strong understanding of cinematography, lighting, color theory, and composition.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple complex tasks and delegate effectively within the Tembisa, Gauteng studio.
• A strong portfolio showcasing exceptional VFX work and leadership potential is mandatory.
• Experience with real-time engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity) is a plus.

Benefits

This role offers a competitive remuneration package, extensive medical coverage, and significant opportunities for career advancement within a renowned organization. Our client provides access to cutting-edge technology, a supportive and collaborative work atmosphere, and the chance to contribute to critically acclaimed projects. We are committed to nurturing talent and ensuring our employees have the resources and support needed to excel in the exciting world of visual effects.